• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 480.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 900.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic ZS20 advantages over Nikon B500

  • Slower slow-motion
    220 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Thinner
    28 mm vs 96 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    207g vs 541g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 1 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 7.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Nikon B500 advantages over Panasonic ZS20

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • More telephoto lens reach
    900 mm vs 480 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Newer
    9 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic ZS20

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon B500

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.

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
Nikon B500
Panasonic ZS10
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner

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
Nikon B500
Panasonic ZS8
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Panasonic ZS19

Panasonic ZS20
Panasonic ZS19
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
Nikon B500
Panasonic ZS19
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Nikon P530

Panasonic ZS20
Nikon P530
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
Nikon B500
Nikon P530
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Manual focus

Compared to Nikon L840

Panasonic ZS20
Nikon L840
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Touchscreen
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
Nikon B500
Nikon L840
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer exposure
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