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Panasonic ZS100 vs ZS200

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 (called Panasonic TZ100 in some regions) and the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 (labelled Panasonic TZ200 in some countries) are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2016 and February 2018. Both the ZS100 and the ZS200 are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with an one-inch sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 20 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Panasonic ZS100
versus
Panasonic ZS200
Panasonic ZS100   Panasonic ZS200
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
25-250mm f/2.8-5.9 24-360mm f/3.3-6.4
20 MP – 1" sensor 20 MP – 1" sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 125-12,800 (80 - 25,600) ISO 125-12,800 (80 - 25,600)
Electronic viewfinder (1166k dots) Electronic viewfinder (2330k dots)
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.0" LCD – 1240k dots
Fixed touchscreen Fixed touchscreen
10 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
300 shots per battery charge370 shots per battery charge
111 x 65 x 44 mm, 312 g 111 x 65 x 45 mm, 340 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Panasonic ZS100 and the Panasonic ZS200 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, silver).

Size Panasonic ZS100 vs Panasonic ZS200
Compare ZS100 versus ZS200 top
Comparison ZS100 or ZS200 rear

In this particular case, the Panasonic ZS100 and the Panasonic ZS200 have exactly the same width and height, and, thus, have identically-sized bodies. However, the ZS200 is markedly heavier (9 percent) than the ZS100. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the ZS100 nor the ZS200 are weather-sealed.

The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic ZS100 111 mm 65 mm 44 mm 312 g 300 n Jan 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic ZS200 111 mm 65 mm 45 mm 340 g 370 n Feb 2018 US$ 799 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon G5 X 112 mm 76 mm 44 mm 353 g 210 n Oct 2015 US$ 799ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II 111 mm 61 mm 46 mm 340 g 230 n Jul 2019 US$ 899ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G7 X 103 mm 60 mm 40 mm 304 g 210 n Sep 2014 US$ 699ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 106 mm 61 mm 42 mm 319 g 265 n Feb 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II 136 mm 97 mm 131 mm 810 g 350 n Feb 2019 US$ 899 amazon.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ2500 138 mm 102 mm 135 mm 915 g 350 n Sep 2016 US$ 1 199 amazon.com
9.
 
Panasonic GX9 124 mm 72 mm 47 mm 407 g 260 n Feb 2018 US$ 849ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic LX10 106 mm 60 mm 42 mm 310 g 260 n Sep 2016 US$ 699 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony RX100 II 102 mm 58 mm 38 mm 281 g 350 n Jun 2013 US$ 749ebay.com
12.
 
Sony RX100 III 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 290 g 320 n May 2014 US$ 799ebay.com
13.
 
Sony RX100 IV 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 298 g 280 n Jun 2015 US$ 999ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX100 V 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 299 g 220 n Oct 2016 US$ 999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The ZS100 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 13 percent) than the ZS200, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an one-inch sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.7. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Panasonic ZS100 and Panasonic ZS200 sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 20 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the ZS100 and the ZS200 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the ZS200 is much more recent (by 2 years and 1 month) than the ZS100, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 80-25600. The Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

ZS100 versus ZS200 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic ZS100 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.555970
2.
 
Panasonic ZS200 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.012.244964
3.
 
Canon G5 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.412.347162
4.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.212.458365
5.
 
Canon G7 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p23.012.755671
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.811.926062
7.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.112.454665
8.
 
Panasonic FZ2500 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p23.012.653870
9.
 
Panasonic GX9 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.112.8116374
10.
 
Panasonic LX10 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.558170
11.
 
Sony RX100 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.512.448367
12.
 
Sony RX100 III 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.412.349567
13.
 
Sony RX100 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.659170
14.
 
Sony RX100 V 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.458670
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The two cameras under review are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the ZS200 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the ZS100 (2330k vs 1166k dots). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Panasonic ZS100 and Panasonic ZS200 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Panasonic ZS1001166 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Panasonic ZS2002330 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G5 X2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 30/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon G7 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 6.5/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark IInone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 8.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II2360 n3.0 / 1240 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Panasonic FZ25002360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Panasonic GX92760 n3.0 / 1240 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Panasonic LX10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Sony RX100 IIoptional n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Sony RX100 III1440 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Sony RX100 IV2359 n3.0 / 1228 tilting n 1/2000s 16.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Sony RX100 V2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Panasonic ZS100 and the Panasonic ZS200 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Both the ZS100 and the ZS200 have zoom lenses built in. The ZS100 has a 25-250mm f/2.8-5.9 optic and the ZS200 offers a 24-360mm f/3.3-6.4 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the ZS200 provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the ZS100. The ZS100 offers the faster maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the ZS100 and the ZS200 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic ZS100-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
2.
 
Panasonic ZS200-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
3.
 
Canon G5 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro3.1Y-Y
5.
 
Canon G7 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
7.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
8.
 
Panasonic FZ2500Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
9.
 
Panasonic GX9Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
10.
 
Panasonic LX10-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Sony RX100 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
12.
 
Sony RX100 III-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
13.
 
Sony RX100 IV-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony RX100 V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-

The ZS200 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the ZS100 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the ZS100 was succeeded by the Panasonic ZS200. Further information on the features and operation of the ZS100 and ZS200 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic ZS100 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic ZS200 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Panasonic ZS100 better than the Panasonic ZS200 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100:

  • Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/2.8 vs f/3.3).
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (13 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2016).


Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200:

  • More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (2330k vs 1166k dots).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.53x vs 0.46x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1240k vs 1040k dots).
  • Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
  • More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (370 versus 300) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 1 month of technical progress since the ZS100 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the ZS200 is the clear winner of the contest (8 : 3 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

ZS100 03:08 ZS200

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic ZS100 and the Panasonic ZS200 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the ZS100 and the ZS200 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic ZS1004.5/5+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic ZS200..+ +4.5/581/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 US$ 799 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon G5 X5/5+ +..78/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2015 US$ 799ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II4/5+4/582/100..4/5 Jul 2019 US$ 899ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G7 X4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 699ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II4.5/5+ +..81/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II......83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 US$ 899 amazon.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ2500..+..82/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2016 US$ 1 199 amazon.com
9.
 
Panasonic GX94/5+4/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 US$ 849ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic LX10..+ +4/581/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 699 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony RX100 II5/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 US$ 749ebay.com
12.
 
Sony RX100 III5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 May 2014 US$ 799ebay.com
13.
 
Sony RX100 IV4.5/5+ +..85/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2015 US$ 999ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX100 V4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Oct 2016 US$ 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Panasonic ZS100 vs Panasonic ZS200

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Panasonic ZS100 Panasonic ZS200
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 25-250mm f/2.8-5.9 24-360mm f/3.3-6.4
    Launch Date January 2016 February 2018
    Launch Price USD 699 USD 799
    Sensor Specs Panasonic ZS100 Panasonic ZS200
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format 1" Sensor 1" Sensor
    Sensor Size 13.2 x 8.8 mm 13.2 x 8.8 mm
    Sensor Area 116.16 mm2 116.16 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 15.9 mm 15.9 mm
    Crop Factor 2.7x 2.7x
    Sensor Resolution 20 Megapixels 20 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5472 x 3648 pixels 5472 x 3648 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 2.41 μm 2.41 μm
    Pixel Density 17.18 MP/cm2 17.18 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 125 - 12,800 ISO 125 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 80 - 25,600 ISO 80 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor Venus Venus
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 70 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.8 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.5 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 559 ..
    Screen Specs Panasonic ZS100 Panasonic ZS200
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.46x 0.53x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1166k dots 2330k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 1240k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic ZS100 Panasonic ZS200
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/2000s 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic ZS100 Panasonic ZS200
    External Flash no Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Panasonic ZS100 Panasonic ZS200
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLG10 Panasonic DMW-BLG10
    Battery Life (CIPA)300 shots per charge370 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 111 x 65 x 44 mm
    (4.4 x 2.6 x 1.7 in)
    111 x 65 x 45 mm
    (4.4 x 2.6 x 1.8 in)
    Camera Weight 312 g (11.0 oz) 340 g (12.0 oz)
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