• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 384.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/3 inch 17.3mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 29.00mm - 87.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic ZS15 advantages over Nikon S30

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.32 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    384 mm vs 87 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 29 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 1.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon S30 advantages over Panasonic ZS15

  • Less expensive
    $120 vs $280 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 410 vs 260 shots
    Capture more photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic ZS10

Panasonic ZS15
Panasonic ZS10
  • $273
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Panasonic ZS15 vs Panasonic ZS10

Nikon S30
Panasonic ZS10
  • $120
  • 1/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S30 vs Panasonic ZS10

Compared to Panasonic ZS8

Panasonic ZS15
Panasonic ZS8
  • $273
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS15 vs Panasonic ZS8

Nikon S30
Panasonic ZS8
  • $120
  • 1/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S30 vs Panasonic ZS8

Compared to Panasonic ZS19

Panasonic ZS15
Panasonic ZS19
  • $273
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster shutter
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic ZS15 vs Panasonic ZS19

Nikon S30
Panasonic ZS19
  • $120
  • 1/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S30 vs Panasonic ZS19

Compared to Nikon S31

Panasonic ZS15
Nikon S31
  • $273
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $89
  • 1/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Panasonic ZS15 vs Nikon S31

Nikon S30
Nikon S31
  • $120
  • 1/3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $89
  • 1/3 inch
  • Faster shutter

Compare Nikon S30 vs Nikon S31

Compared to Nikon S33

Panasonic ZS15
Nikon S33
  • $273
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $109
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Panasonic ZS15 vs Nikon S33

Nikon S30
Nikon S33
  • $120
  • 1/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $109
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Nikon S30 vs Nikon S33

Compare Other Cameras?