Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45
- 1/2.3"
- 12 megapixels
- Fixed lens
-
46
Overall -
13
Imaging -
46
Features -
84
Size -
0
Price
- 1/2.33"
- 16 megapixels
- Fixed lens
-
43
Overall -
9
Imaging -
40
Features -
86
Size -
0
Price
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45: a Complete Review and Comparison
Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
The goal of this overview is to provide a detailed comparison of two popular camera models from Small Sensor Superzoom category, introduced by Panasonic. We are going to take a closer look at the technical and physical characteristics, features, and performance. The models we are going to assess and compare in this review are Lumix DMC-ZS50 and Lumix DMC-ZS45. Both products that we are going to review are equipped with the same type of sensor - CMOS. However, they have different resolution. Thus, Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 comes with a 12.0 MP CMOS sensor, while the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 features a 16.0 MP CMOS sensor.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 Key Features:
- 12.0 MP 1/2.3" CMOS sensor
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- 3″ Fixed Type Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 1920 x 1080 (60p/60i/30p), 1280 x 720 (60p/30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 111 x 65 x 34 mm
- Weight: 243 g
- Environmental Sealing: No
- Built-in GPS: No
- Replaced Panasonic ZS45.
- Replaced by Panasonic ZS60.
- Also known as Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ70
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 Key Features:
- 16.0 MP 1/2.33" CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- 3″ Tilting Screen
- ViewFinder: No
- 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 108 x 60 x 32 mm
- Weight: 249 g
- Environmental Sealing: No
- Built-in GPS: No
- Replaced Panasonic ZS40.
- Replaced by Panasonic ZS50.
- Also known as Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ57
Since Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 has been around for some time, it was substituted by Panasonic ZS60.
Being a newer model, Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 substituted Panasonic ZS45.
Why is Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 a better choice than Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45
| NFC | Yes vs No | Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices |
| Timelapse Recording | Yes vs No | Creative shooting |
| Sensor Area | 28.07 mm2 vs 27.72 mm2 | 1.2% larger pixel area |
| Raw Support | Yes vs No | Better image quality |
| Flash Range | 6.4 vs 6 | 0.4 better flash range |
| Number Of Focus Points | 23 vs 21 | 2 more focus points |
| Weight | 243 g vs 249 g | 6 g lighter |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.46 vs No | 0.46 better magnification |
What are the key reasons to pick Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50
| Sensor Resolution | 16.0 MP vs 12.0 MP | 25% more pixels |
| Battery Life | 350 shots vs 300 shots | 50 more frames with a single charge |
Key PROs of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45
| Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
| Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots | 1,040k dots | High resolution screen |
| AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
| Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
| Continuous Shooting | 10.0 fps | 10.0 fps | Nice continuous shooting |
| Built-In Flash | Yes | Yes | External flash available |
| Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Built-in stabilization |
Key CONs of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45
| Touch Screen | No | No | No touch screen |
| Sensor Resolution | 12.0 MP | 16.0 MP | Small sensor resolution |
| Microphone Port | No | No | No microphone port |
| Headphone Port | No | No | No headphone port |
| Environmental Sealing | No | No | No environmental sealing |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 6g less than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Comparing Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 by the type of Sensor and Resolution
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 features a 12.0 MP 1/2.3" sized CMOS sensor . Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45, in its turn, comes with a 16.0 MP 1/2.33" sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 has a sensor area 1.0x bigger compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. What does it mean? This basically means that if you these cameras them with the same aperture and focal length, the first model will give you more control in terms of the blurry background and depth of field.
For Which Fields Of Photography Are Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 Suitable?
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
| Photography Type | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait Photography |
|
|
| Street Photography |
|
|
| Sports Photography |
|
|
| Daily Photography |
|
|
| Landscape Photography |
|
|
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Image Stabilization
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Image Stabilization
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Small size (111 x 65 x 34 mm)
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Image Stabilization
Disadvantages:
- Small 1/2.3"(6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Small size (108 x 60 x 32 mm)
- Live View
- Image Stabilization
Disadvantages:
- No Built-in View Finder
- Small 1/2.33"(6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
No Significant Advantages
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (10.0 fps)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/2000s)
- Smal Number of autofocus Points (23)
- Bad Low Light ISO (138)
- Small battery life (300 shots)
- Small size (111 x 65 x 34 mm)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- No View Finder
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (10.0 fps)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/2000s)
- Smal Number of autofocus Points (21)
- Bad Max Native ISO (6400)
- Small battery life (350 shots)
- Small size (108 x 60 x 32 mm)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Small weight (243 g)
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Small weight (249 g)
- Built-in Flash
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
- No Built-in View Finder
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Good Dynamic Range (11.2)
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
- Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
- Low resolution sensor (12 MP)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Bad Low Light ISO (138)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Live View
Disadvantages:
- Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
- Low resolution sensor (16 MP)
- No Environmental Sealing
- No RAW Support
- Bad Max Native ISO (6400)
Comparison of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45: Final Verdict
Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 or Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 deserves a higher Total Score than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 Table Of Technical Specs
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
| Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Panasonic | Panasonic |
| Model | Lumix DMC-ZS50 | Lumix DMC-ZS45 |
| Announced | Jan 06, 2015 | Jan 06, 2015 |
| Body Type | Compact | Compact |
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.33" |
| Sensor Dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55 mm | 6.08 x 4.56 mm |
| Sensor Area | 28.07 mm2 | 27.72 mm2 |
| Sensor Resolution | 12.0 MP | 16.0 MP |
| Max Image Resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4608 x 3456 |
| Max Native ISO | 6,400 | 6,400 |
| Max Boosted ISO | n/a | n/a |
| Min Native ISO | 80 | 100 |
| RAW Support |  |
 |
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus | |
|
| Lens Mount | Fixed lens | Fixed lens |
| Number of Lenses | n/a | n/a |
| Focal Length Multiplier | n/a | n/a |
| Macro Focus Range | 3 | 3 |
| AutoFocus | ||
| AF Touch | |
|
| AF Continuous | |
|
| AF Single | |
|
| AF Tracking | |
|
| AF Selective | |
|
| AF Center | |
|
| AF Multi Area | |
|
| AF Live View | |
|
| AF Face Detection | |
|
| AF Contrast Detection | |
|
| AF Phase Detection | |
|
| Number of Focus Points | 23 | 21 |
| Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
| Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
| Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots | 1,040k dots |
| Live View | |
|
| Touch Screen | |
|
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder | Electronic | |
| ViewFinder Resolution | 1,166k dots | 0k dots |
| ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | % |
| ViewFinder Magnification | 0.46 | |
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 4 s | 4 s |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/2000 s | 1/2000 s |
| Continuous Shooting | 10.0 fps | 10.0 fps |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
|
| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization | |
|
| Built-in Flash | |
|
| Flash Range | 6.4 | 6 |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off |
| External Flash | |
|
| AE Bracketing | |
|
| WB Bracketing | |
|
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Multi-Segment | |
|
| Average | |
|
| Spot | |
|
| Partial | |
|
| AF-Area | |
|
| Center Weighted | |
|
| Video Features | ||
| Video Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p/60i/30p), 1280 x 720 (60p/30p), 640 x 480 (30p) | 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) |
| Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Video Formats | MPEG-4, AVCHD | MPEG-4 |
| Microphone Port | |
|
| Headphone Port | |
|
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless Connectivity | |
|
| HDMI | |
|
| USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental Sealing | |
|
| Water Proof | |
|
| Dust Proof | |
|
| Shock Proof | |
|
| Crush Proof | |
|
| Freeze Proof | |
|
| Weight | 243 g | 249 g |
| Physical Dimensions | 111 x 65 x 34 mm | 108 x 60 x 32 mm |
| Battery Life | 300 shots | 350 shots |
| Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery Model | n/a | n/a |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | ||
| Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
| Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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