• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 480.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400

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Differences

Panasonic ZS20 advantages over Nikon AW1

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $800 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Thinner
    28 mm vs 37 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    207g vs 313g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Nikon AW1 advantages over Panasonic ZS20

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Slower slow-motion
    1200 fps vs 220 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.86 vs 1.42 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Built-in GPS
    Both provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Buy the Panasonic ZS20
Panasonic ZS20

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon AW1
Kit with 11-27.5mm lens (Black)
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm lens (Black)
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm lens (Silver)

Review Excerpt

  • Very long zoom lens; Full HD video; Great grip; Built-in GPS; HDR and Handheld Night Shot modes.

  • Poor image quality due to excessive noise suppression; Flash too close to the grip; No GPS logging; Battery only charges in the camera; Limited touchscreen.

  • Read our Panasonic ZS20 Express Review
  • We haven’t finished our review of the Nikon AW1, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.
  • See our Nikon AW1 First Shots

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic ZS10

Panasonic ZS20
Panasonic ZS10
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Faster shutter

Compare Panasonic ZS20 vs Panasonic ZS10

Nikon AW1
Panasonic ZS10
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Larger sensor
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Panasonic ZS10

Compared to Panasonic ZS8

Panasonic ZS20
Panasonic ZS8
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Panasonic ZS20 vs Panasonic ZS8

Nikon AW1
Panasonic ZS8
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Larger sensor
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Panasonic ZS8

Compared to Panasonic ZS19

Panasonic ZS20
Panasonic ZS19
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch

Compare Panasonic ZS20 vs Panasonic ZS19

Nikon AW1
Panasonic ZS19
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Waterproof
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Panasonic ZS19

Compared to Nikon J3

Panasonic ZS20
Nikon J3
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Panasonic ZS20 vs Nikon J3

Nikon AW1
Nikon J3
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle kit lens

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Nikon J3

Compared to Nikon V3

Panasonic ZS20
Nikon V3
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Panasonic ZS20 vs Nikon V3

Nikon AW1
Nikon V3
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Nikon V3

Compare Other Cameras?