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Panasonic TZ200 vs LX15

The Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ200 (called Panasonic ZS200 in some regions) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX15 (labelled Panasonic LX10 in some countries) are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2018 and September 2016. Both the TZ200 and the LX15 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 TZ200
versus
Panasonic LX15
Panasonic TZ200   Panasonic LX15
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
24-360mm f/3.3-6.4 24-72mm f/1.4-2.8
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 (2330k dots) No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 1240k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Fixed touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
10 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
370 shots per battery charge260 shots per battery charge
111 x 65 x 45 mm, 340 g 106 x 60 x 42 mm, 310 g
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Check TZ200 price at
amazon.com
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Check LX15 price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ200 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX15? 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 TZ200 and the Panasonic LX15 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 TZ200 vs Panasonic LX15
Compare TZ200 versus LX15 top
Comparison TZ200 or LX15 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic LX15 is notably smaller (12 percent) than the Panasonic TZ200. Moreover, the LX15 is markedly lighter (9 percent) than the TZ200. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the TZ200 nor the LX15 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the TZ200 gets 370 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLG10 battery, while the LX15 can take 260 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLH7 power pack. 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. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic TZ200 111 mm 65 mm 45 mm 340 g 370 n Feb 2018 799 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic LX15 106 mm 60 mm 42 mm 310 g 260 n Sep 2016 699 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II 111 mm 61 mm 46 mm 340 g 230 n Jul 2019 899ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 106 mm 61 mm 42 mm 319 g 265 n Feb 2016 699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G5 X 112 mm 76 mm 44 mm 353 g 210 n Oct 2015 799ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II 136 mm 97 mm 131 mm 810 g 350 n Feb 2019 899 amazon.com
7.
 
Panasonic TZ95 112 mm 69 mm 42 mm 327 g 380 n Feb 2019 449ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic LX100 II 115 mm 66 mm 65 mm 392 g 300 n Aug 2018 999ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GX9 124 mm 72 mm 47 mm 407 g 260 n Feb 2018 849ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic TZ90 112 mm 67 mm 41 mm 322 g 380 n Apr 2017 449ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic TZ100 111 mm 65 mm 44 mm 312 g 300 n Jan 2016 699ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 137 mm 99 mm 131 mm 831 g 360 n Jun 2014 899ebay.com
13.
 
Ricoh GR III 109 mm 62 mm 33 mm 257 g 200 n Feb 2019 899 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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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 LX15 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 13 percent) than the TZ200, 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras 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. The LX15 has the particularity of featuring a switch that allows to toggle between multiple aspect ratios, while maintaining the same field of view and full image resolution.

Panasonic TZ200 and Panasonic LX15 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 TZ200 and the LX15 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the TZ200 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 4 months) than the LX15, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ200 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 80-25600. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX15 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

In terms of underlying technology, the TZ200 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the LX15 uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

TZ200 versus LX15 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic TZ200 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.012.244964
2.
 
Panasonic LX15 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p21.912.031562
3.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.212.458365
4.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.811.926062
5.
 
Canon G5 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.412.347162
6.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.112.454665
7.
 
Panasonic TZ95 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.712.2110352
8.
 
Panasonic LX100 II Four Thirds 16.8 4736 35524K/30p22.812.797972
9.
 
Panasonic GX9 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.112.8116374
10.
 
Panasonic TZ90 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p19.110.610636
11.
 
Panasonic TZ100 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.555970
12.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.111.751764
13.
 
Ricoh GR III APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.113.5189783
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the TZ200 has an electronic viewfinder (2330k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the LX15 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Panasonic TZ200, the Panasonic LX15, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image 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 TZ2002330 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Panasonic LX15none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 30/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon G7 X Mark IInone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 8.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon G5 X2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y
6.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II2360 n3.0 / 1240 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Panasonic TZ952330 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Panasonic LX100 II2764 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
9.
 
Panasonic GX92760 n3.0 / 1240 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Panasonic TZ901166 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Panasonic TZ1001166 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Panasonic FZ10002359 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Ricoh GR IIIoptional n3.0 / 1037 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The LX15 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the TZ200 does not have a selfie-screen.

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 TZ200 and the Panasonic LX15 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 TZ200 and the LX15 have zoom lenses built in. The TZ200 has a 24-360mm f/3.3-6.4 optic and the LX15 offers a 24-72mm f/1.4-2.8 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the TZ200 and LX15 provide the same view at the wide-angle end, but the LX15 has less tele-photo reach at the long end. The LX15 offers the faster maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the TZ200 and the LX15 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 DC-TZ200 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX15 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic TZ200-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
2.
 
Panasonic LX15-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon G5 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
6.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Panasonic TZ95-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
8.
 
Panasonic LX100 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
9.
 
Panasonic GX9Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
10.
 
Panasonic TZ90-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Panasonic TZ100-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
12.
 
Panasonic FZ1000Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
13.
 
Ricoh GR IIIYstereo / mono---3.0Y-Y
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Both the TZ200 and the LX15 are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The LX15 replaced the earlier Panasonic LX7, while the TZ200 followed on from the Panasonic TZ100. Further information on the features and operation of the TZ200 and LX15 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic TZ200 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic LX15 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Panasonic TZ200 better than the Panasonic LX15 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ200:

  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1240k vs 1040k dots).
  • More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (370 versus 260) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 4 months after the LX15).


Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX15:

  • Flexible image proportions: Has a multi-aspect sensor that allows for alternative image shapes.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.4 vs f/3.3).
  • More compact: Is smaller (106x60mm vs 111x65mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (13 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2016).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the LX15 emerges as the winner of the match-up (8 : 6 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 wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

TZ200 06:08 LX15

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic TZ200 and the Panasonic LX15 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the TZ200 or the LX15. 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 expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic TZ200..+ +4.5/581/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 799 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic LX15..+ +4/581/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2016 699 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II4/5+4/582/100..4/5 Jul 2019 899ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II4.5/5+ +..81/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G5 X5/5+ +..78/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2015 799ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 II......83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 899 amazon.com
7.
 
Panasonic TZ95..+ +....4.5/5.. Feb 2019 449ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic LX100 II4.5/5+4.2/582/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2018 999ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GX94/5+4/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 849ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic TZ90..+ +4/5..4/54/5 Apr 2017 449ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic TZ1004.5/5+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 699ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic FZ10004/5+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2014 899ebay.com
13.
 
Ricoh GR III4/5..3.5/581/1004/5.. Feb 2019 899 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Check TZ200 price at
amazon.com
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Check LX15 price at
amazon.com

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 TZ200 vs Panasonic LX15

    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 TZ200 Panasonic LX15
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-360mm f/3.3-6.4 24-72mm f/1.4-2.8
    Launch Date February 2018 September 2016
    Launch Price USD 799 USD 699
    Sensor Specs Panasonic TZ200 Panasonic LX15
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-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
    Screen Specs Panasonic TZ200 Panasonic LX15
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder no viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.53x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2330k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1240k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic TZ200 Panasonic LX15
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/2000s 1/4000s
    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 TZ200 Panasonic LX15
    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 Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Panasonic TZ200 Panasonic LX15
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLG10 Panasonic DMW-BLH7
    Battery Life (CIPA)370 shots per charge260 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 111 x 65 x 45 mm
    (4.4 x 2.6 x 1.8 in)
    106 x 60 x 42 mm
    (4.2 x 2.4 x 1.7 in)
    Camera Weight 340 g (12.0 oz) 310 g (10.9 oz)
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    Check TZ200 price at
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    Check LX15 price at
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