• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/3 inch 17.3mm2
  • 13.2 megapixels
  • 30.00mm - 90.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Panasonic DMC-S1 advantages over Nikon S02

  • Less expensive
    $120 vs $180 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    1/2.33 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
    ~ 1.53 vs 1.15 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    112 mm vs 90 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Longer exposure
    8 vs 1 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon S02 advantages over Panasonic DMC-S1

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options

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
  • 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
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S3000

Panasonic DMC-S1
Nikon S3000
  • $120
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $150
  • 1/2.3 inch
Nikon S02
Nikon S3000
  • $180
  • 1/3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • HDMI out
  • $150
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Panasonic DMC-S3

Panasonic DMC-S1
Panasonic DMC-S3
  • $120
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More pixels
Nikon S02
Panasonic DMC-S3
  • $180
  • 1/3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • HDMI out
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Fujifilm JV200

Panasonic DMC-S1
Fujifilm JV200
  • $120
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $110
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
Nikon S02
Fujifilm JV200
  • $180
  • 1/3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • HDMI out
  • $110
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Pentax RS1500

Panasonic DMC-S1
Pentax RS1500
  • $120
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
Nikon S02
Pentax RS1500
  • $180
  • 1/3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon S01

Panasonic DMC-S1
Nikon S01
  • $120
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $200
  • 1/2.9 inch
  • Touchscreen
Nikon S02
Nikon S01
  • $180
  • 1/3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $200
  • 1/2.9 inch
  • Bigger pixels
Compare Other Cameras?