What is the difference between the Lumix ZS100 vs ZS200 cameras?
Are these two large-sensor cameras identical or really have any difference?
These are common yet tricky questions to answer due to their similar design and appearance.
Therefore, we have briefly compared both cameras possibly in all aspects, in order to determine their differences.
To help you decide more simply, we include a specs comparison table and a quick answer.
Lumix ZS100 Vs ZS200: What’s The Difference?
The main difference between the Lumix ZS100 and ZS200 cameras is that the ZS200 has a larger viewfinder and higher resolution.
The camera also has a longer battery life and more flexible focal coverage. Conversely, the ZS100 is lighter, more affordable, and ensures flash coverage.
Quick Comparison Table
Specifications | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 | Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 |
---|---|---|
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Megapixels | 20 MP | 20 MP |
Viewfinder Magnif. | 0.46x | 0.53x |
Screen Size | 3.00″ | 3.00″ |
LCD Resolution | 1.040k dots | 1.240k dots |
Number of Focus Points | 49 | 49 |
Continuous Shooting | 9.9fps | 10.0fps |
Image Stabilization | Optical | Optical |
Focal Length – Wide and Tele | 25-250mm | 24-360mm |
Flash Coverage | 8.0m | 6.8m |
Optical Zoom | 10x | 15x |
Tiltable Flash | Yes | No |
Viewfinder Resolution | 1166k dot | 2330k dot |
Max Aperture – Wide and Tele | 2.80 to 5.90 | 3.30 to 6.40 |
Bluetooth | No | Yes |
Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
Focus Bracketing and Stacking | No | Yes |
Battery Life | 300 shots | 370 shots |
Dimensions | 111 x 65 x 44mm | 111 x 66 x 45mm |
Weight | 312 g | 340 g |
Lumix ZS100 Vs ZS200: In-Depth Comparison
Though the ZS100 and ZS200 cameras are almost identical, we have tried to figure out their differences by comparing them side by side:
Build And Handling
Edge: Panasonic ZS200
Though both the Panasonic ZS100 and ZS200 cameras are identical in dimensions, they are different in weight.
The ZS200 is considerably heavier than the ZS100. The dimensions and weight of these cameras are:
- Panasonic ZS100: 111 x 65 x 44 mm and 312 g
- Panasonic ZS200: 111 x 66 x 45 mm and 340 g
Though the Lumix ZS100 isn’t fully pocketable, you can slip it into a small bag efficiently as its weight won’t bother you except feel heavier in hand.
The camera has a metal body instead of cheap plastic.
They both have plenty of customizable buttons to set the camera suitably. But the ZS100 isn’t easier to hold and tends to drop while handling.
As a result, Panasonic includes a small but very useful handgrip with the ZS200.In comparison, the ZS200 is more comfortable to hold and handle for a longer time.
Likewise, ZS100, the customizable control ring on the lens of this ZS200, is also a lovely inclusion.
Their touch LCD is also high quality and bright, but unfortunately fixed in place. Hence, the Panasonic camera won’t be convenient to shoot from unusual angles.
They also have a relatively small electronic viewfinder, and none of these Panasonic cameras have weather sealing to protect them from the harsh environment.
Despite this, you can charge either of these cameras using USB, making them convenient for traveling.
Sensor Comparison
Edge: Both
Both the Panasonic ZS100 and ZS200 have one-inch 20.0 MP resolution sensors and a 2.7 format factor.
Plus, their native aspect ratio is 3:2. Due to having the same sensor specs, these Panasonic cameras have the same pixel size and pixel density.
In terms of sensitivity range, the Lumix DMC-ZS100 and ZE200 have the same 125 to ISO 12800 and it is extendable to 80–25600 ISO.
Both cameras have a CMOS sensor and a Bayer filter to capture RGB colors on the photo sensor’s square grid.
Another similarity between the Lumix ZS100 and ZS200 is that they both feature optical image stabilization and have a hybrid 5-axis in move mode.
Lens
Edge: Panasonic ZS200
A key difference between the Panasonic ZS100 and ZS200 is that the first model has a 25-250 mm F2.8–5.9 10x zoom lens while the latter has a 24-360 mm F3.3–6.4 15x zoom lens.
It means the ZS200 has one inch wider coverage than its counterpart.
With an f2.80 maximum aperture, the ZS100 is also faster at the widest end, whereas the ZS200 has a 110mm longer reach at the tele end.
However, with a maximum aperture of f5.90, the ZS100 is still faster in the tele end.
Electronic Viewfinder
Edge: Panasonic ZS200
Both the Lumix ZS100 and ZS200 have an electronic viewfinder.
In terms of resolution, the ZS200 has a substantially higher resolution of 2330k dots compared to the ZS100’s 1166k dots.
Despite this, both cameras have an electronic shutter, making them preferable for fully silent shooting.
Built-In Intervalometer
Edge: Both
Another similarity is that both cameras have an intervalometer built-in.
Hence, you can capture time-lapse sequences using either of these Panasonic Lumix cameras without the aid of an external camera trigger or related software.
RAW Format Support
Edge: Both
Capturing in the RAW format means saving raw photo data compressed or uncompressed.
Plus, the image format allows you to correct brightness, contrast, white balance, and many other problems that arise during shooting without degrading the final photo quality.
Luckily, both the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 and ZS200 support RAW to produce higher-quality photos.
White Balance
Edge: Both
Both these cameras support the balance of Lumix 5 presets and allow them to be set manually while balanced in several modes.
Hence, the cameras will prevent the same subject from appearing differently under various lighting characteristics.
And you’ll get the most accurate image while shooting under a fluorescent lamp or sunlight.
Autofocus
Edge: Both
The Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 features contrast autofocus to ensure accurate focusing while shooting in dark places or in low light.
The model also has a center focusing mode to deliver optimum performance during portraits and landscape photography.
Plus, its subject tracking mode makes the ZS200 preferable for shooting moving subjects from constantly changing distances.
The AF system of this Panasonic camera tracks the subject’s position continuously and adjusts the optics to keep the subject in focus.
Conversely, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 has a single focus point to shoot static scenes like still lifes, portraits, and landscapes more conveniently.
Although the model features continuous tracking autofocus to shoot still subjects that can move suddenly.
Hence, the ZS100 is a suitable option for shooting pets, children, and sports events.
Another exciting feature included with the ZS100 is spot focusing.
These features ensure increased sensitivity to low light, making the model perfect for shooting in poor or too bright lighting conditions.
But this focusing system can’t shoot moving subjects.
Apart from that, both cameras feature a face detection system that detects the face in the frame and adjusts focus automatically.
The function also adjusts the exposure and sharpness automatically to ensure precise shooting, making the cameras ideal for photography at friendly meetings, vacations, and more.
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Viewfinder And LCD Comparison Display
Edge: Both
Both of these Panasonic cameras have a 3′′ fixed LCD to display all settings and comments on the function’s functionality.
The LCD also shows the frame on its display, making it handy for shooting from awkward positions.
Despite this, these Panasonic cameras also have an electronic viewfinder to display the exact same frame as the matrix perceives it.
Photographers can evaluate the correctness of exposure settings and white balance in the frame before shooting using either of these cameras.
In addition, the electronic viewfinder of these cameras allows for displaying the setting’s main parameters.
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Flash
Edge: Panasonic ZS100
Like most other digital cameras, both of these Panasonic cameras feature a built-in flash.
But the difference is that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 has tilable flash.
Plus, the ZS100 also offers more flash coverage than its counterpart. In comparison, the ZS100 has 8m of flash coverage compared to the 6.8m of flash coverage of the ZS200.
However, their flashes turn on along with the shutter opening and illuminate the subject automatically during shooting in low light.
The flashes also illuminate the subject in bright directional light to remove the shadows on the face and soften the lighting contrast.
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Still Images
Edge: Both
The Lumix DC-ZS200 and ZS100 have timers for snoozing for up to 10 seconds and shooting 3 shots.
It’s a handy feature for the photographer who wants to be in the frame while shooting with friends and relatives.
Both cameras have a 60 sec minimum shutter speed and a 1/2000 sec maximum speed, making them preferable for shooting well-lit or moving subjects.
Another similarity is exposure compensation. Both the ZS100 and ZS200 have 5-exposure compensation to perfectly correct the exposure.
However, ZS100 features exposure compensation’s minimum step and the full range of opportunity.
Overall, both cameras are capable enough to capture dark subjects against a bright background or light subjects against a dark background.
Video
Edge: Panasonic ZS200
The Lumix ZS100 can record 4K video, and it’s quite decent. The camera also features post-focus to allow for a selection of focus points in post-capture photos.
It means that the camera shoots a continuous video while tracking focus over each part of the object and allowing it to tap to sharpen the desired part.
It’s a highly smart function and an excellent way to cover your bases while shooting a challenging subject that requires precise focus.
This Lumix camera shoots 4K UHD video in 24p/30p with a 100Mbps bit rate.
However, this camera doesn’t have any headphone sockets or mic sockets required to be a serious video camera.
The ZS200, on the other hand, has 4K video modes, making it a true hybrid camera.
It also has a 4K Photo mode and allows you to take out 8MP stills from 4K 30p footage while giving a 30fps burst mode.
The camera also has a 4K Post Focus mode like its counterpart.
Wireless Connection And Battery
Edge: Panasonic ZS200
Many photographers prefer a camera with remote control ability for convenient use and to synchronize the camera with lots of photographic equipment.
In this case, they can either go for the ZS100 or the ZS200.
The Lumix ZS100 features a spatial orientation sensor to detect the camera’s position automatically during shooting vertical or horizontal.
It also flips the vertical video and image automatically while playing back on the TV screen or transferring to the computer.
Conversely, the Lumix DC-ZS200 features a built-in module to ensure wireless file transferring, synchronizing the camera, or printing photos directly on a printer.
The Lumix DMC-ZS100 also allows synchronization of the camera with the computer, but via HDMI cable.
In terms of battery life, the ZS200 allows for the shooting of more images than the ZS100.
Another similarity is that both cameras write their files to SDXC cards and use UHS-I cards to ensure Ultra High-Speed data transferring up to 104 MB/s speed.
Lastly, the latest model supports Bluetooth while the older one doesn’t.
Lumix ZS100 Vs ZS200: Which Camera Is The Best?
Truthfully, these Panasonic cameras are fairly identical and don’t have any key differences.
So you can choose either of these models to enjoy high-quality image and video recording with convenient operation.
But still, every photographer desires the better one. In this case, following the benefits of a certain model over the other one will help you decide on the better camera.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 camera is lighter and has tiltable flash along with longer-range flash coverage.
It means the camera will be convenient to use even in darker conditions. The camera also produces a faster lens at wide and tele to ensure better light gathering even at a more affordable price.
Conversely, the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 is a more modern model and comes with a more detailed viewfinder to capture images with more field of detail.
It also has a larger viewfinder image and a more detailed LCD.
Plus, its wide-angle lens and longer tele reach make the camera preferable for landscape or interior shots.
You can also take more shots out of its single battery charge compared to its counterpart and share the image using Bluetooth instead of using cables.
FAQs about Lumix ZS100 and ZS200
Does Lumix ZS100 Have Bluetooth?
The Panasonic Lumix ZS100 doesn’t have Bluetooth, but it can share files without using cables.
The camera features WiFi to allow the transfer of files conveniently.
Is The Lumix Zs100 Good For Video?
The ZS100 camera can record 4K video at 24p or 30p continuously for up to 12 minutes.
It can also shoot 1080p at 60fps, making the camera perfect for vlogging or filmmaking.
Is Lumix Zs200 Good For Photography?
The Lumix ZS200 has a longer zoom ratio and an overall better lens to deliver better quality images than smartphones or small-sensor cameras.
The camera is also perfect for sports and wildlife photography, thanks to its image stabilization, electronic built-in viewfinder, and 10.0 fps fast continuous shooting ability.
Final Words
I hope this Lumix ZS100 vs ZS200 comparison guide delivers you enough information so you can set them apart and pick the most preferred and better one for your photography and videography.
Though there is a two-year gap between the launch of these two Panasonic large sensor models, they are much different technically and physically.
Hence, the price, battery life, and viewfinder are the deciding factors here.