Panasonic ZS200 vs Fujifilm X-T20

The Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 (called Panasonic TZ200 in some regions) and the Fujifilm X-T20 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2018 and January 2017. The ZS200 is a fixed lens compact, while the X-T20 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an one-inch (ZS200) and an APS-C (X-T20) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 20 megapixels, whereas the Fujifilm provides 24 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their sensors, their features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Headline Specifications

Panasonic ZS200		Fujifilm X-T20
Fixed lens compact camera		Mirrorless system camera
24-360mm f/3.3-6.4		Fujifilm X mount lenses
20 MP, 1" Sensor		24 MP, APS-C Sensor
4K/30p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 125-12800 (80-25600)		ISO 200-12800 (100-51200)
Electronic viewfinder (2330k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD, 1240k dots		3.0" LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed touchscreen		Tilting touchscreen
10 shutter flaps per second		8 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization		Lens stabilization only
370 shots per battery charge		350 shots per battery charge
111 x 65 x 45 mm, 340 g		118 x 83 x 41 mm, 383 g

Body comparison: Panasonic ZS200 vs Fujifilm X-T20

The physical size and weight of the Panasonic ZS200 and the Fujifilm X-T20 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.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X-T20 is notably larger (36 percent) than the Panasonic ZS200. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the ZS200 nor the X-T20 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the ZS200 has a lens built in, whereas the X-T20 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the X-T20 and their specifications in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the ZS200 gets 370 shots out of its DMW-BLG10 battery, while the X-T20 can take 350 images on a single charge of its NP-W126S power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, just click on the right or left arrow next to the camera that you would like to inspect. Alternatively, you can also use the CAM-parator to select your camera combination among a larger number of options.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Panasonic ZS200»	4.4 in	2.6 in	1.8 in	12.0 oz	370	n	Feb 2018	799			Panasonic ZS200
	Fujifilm X-T20«	4.6 in	3.3 in	1.6 in	13.5 oz	350	n	Jan 2017	899			Fujifilm X-T20
	Canon G7 X Mark II« »	4.2 in	2.4 in	1.7 in	11.3 oz	265	n	Feb 2016	699			Canon G7 X Mark II
	Canon G5 X« »	4.4 in	3.0 in	1.7 in	12.5 oz	210	n	Oct 2015	799			Canon G5 X
	Canon G7 X« »	4.1 in	2.4 in	1.6 in	10.7 oz	210	n	Sep 2014	699	-		Canon G7 X
	Fujifilm X-T30« »	4.6 in	3.3 in	1.9 in	13.5 oz	380	n	Feb 2019	899			Fujifilm X-T30
	Fujifilm X-A5« »	4.6 in	2.7 in	1.6 in	12.7 oz	450	n	Jan 2018	399			Fujifilm X-A5
	Fujifilm X-T100« »	4.8 in	3.3 in	1.9 in	15.8 oz	430	n	May 2018	599			Fujifilm X-T100
	Fujifilm X-E3« »	4.8 in	2.9 in	1.7 in	11.9 oz	350	n	Sep 2017	899			Fujifilm X-E3
	Fujifilm X-T10« »	4.6 in	3.3 in	1.6 in	13.4 oz	350	n	May 2015	799	-		Fujifilm X-T10
	Panasonic FZ1000 II« »	5.4 in	3.8 in	5.2 in	28.6 oz	350	n	Feb 2019	899			Panasonic FZ1000 II
	Panasonic GX9« »	4.9 in	2.8 in	1.9 in	14.4 oz	260	n	Feb 2018	849			Panasonic GX9
	Panasonic ZS70« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	1.6 in	11.4 oz	380	n	Apr 2017	449	-		Panasonic ZS70
	Panasonic LX10« »	4.2 in	2.4 in	1.7 in	10.9 oz	260	n	Sep 2016	699			Panasonic LX10
	Panasonic ZS100« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	1.7 in	11.0 oz	300	n	Jan 2016	699	-		Panasonic ZS100
	Panasonic FZ1000« »	5.4 in	3.9 in	5.2 in	29.3 oz	360	n	Jun 2014	899	-		Panasonic FZ1000
	Sony RX100 III« »	4.0 in	2.3 in	1.6 in	10.2 oz	320	n	May 2014	799	-		Sony RX100 III
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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 ZS200 was launched at a lower price than the X-T20, despite having a lens built in. 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.

Sensor comparison: Panasonic ZS200 vs Fujifilm X-T20

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels 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.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic ZS200 features an one-inch sensor and the Fujifilm X-T20 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the X-T20 is 217 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.7 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

In terms of underlying technology, both cameras are build around CMOS sensors.

With 24MP, the X-T20 offers a higher resolution than the ZS200 (20MP), but the X-T20 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.92μm versus 2.41μm for the ZS200) due to its larger sensor. However, the ZS200 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year) than the X-T20, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X-T20 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The X-T20 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during video recording.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 80-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm X-T20 are ISO 200 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-51200..

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. 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).

Feature comparison: Panasonic ZS200 vs Fujifilm X-T20

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 X-T20 offers a slightly higher resolution than the one in the ZS200 (2360k vs 2330k dots). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Panasonic ZS200 and Fujifilm X-T20 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

The reported shutter speed and shutter burst refer to the use of the mechanical shutter. In addition, both cameras 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).

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the ZS200 and the X-T20 write their files to SDXC cards.

Connectivity comparison: Panasonic ZS200 vs Fujifilm X-T20

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-ZS200 and Fujifilm X-T20 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the X-T20 has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The ZS200 does not feature such a mic input.

Both the ZS200 and the X-T20 are recent models that feature in their makers' current product line-up. The X-T20 replaced the earlier Fujifilm X-T10, while the ZS200 followed on from the Panasonic ZS100.

Review summary: Panasonic ZS200 vs Fujifilm X-T20

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Panasonic ZS200 or the Fujifilm X-T20 – has the upper hand? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1240k vs 1040k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the X-T20 requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (111x65mm vs 118x83mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the X-T20).
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year after the X-T20).

Reasons to prefer the Fujifilm X-T20:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 20MP), which boosts linear resolution by 10%.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: Larger pixels generate images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Capable of capturing a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can be used in poorly lit environments and still produce good images.
• Better video autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident movie autofocus.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (4000/sec vs 2000/sec) to freeze action.
• More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in January 2017).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-T20 is the clear winner of the contest (13 : 9 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.

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 handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the ZS200 or the X-T20. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews: Panasonic ZS200 vs Fujifilm X-T20

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). You can find the full text of the reviews by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Panasonic ZS200»	HiRec	81/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Feb 2018	799			Panasonic ZS200
	Fujifilm X-T20«	HiRec	82/100	5/5	-	4.5/5	Jan 2017	899			Fujifilm X-T20
	Canon G7 X Mark II« »	HiRec	81/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	699			Canon G7 X Mark II
	Canon G5 X« »	HiRec	78/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	799			Canon G5 X
	Canon G7 X« »	HiRec	77/100	4.5/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699	-		Canon G7 X
	Fujifilm X-T30« »	-	-	-	-	-	Feb 2019	899			Fujifilm X-T30
	Fujifilm X-A5« »	Rec	-	4/5	4/5	3.5/5	Jan 2018	399			Fujifilm X-A5
	Fujifilm X-T100« »	Rec	79/100	4/5	-	4.5/5	May 2018	599			Fujifilm X-T100
	Fujifilm X-E3« »	Rec	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2017	899			Fujifilm X-E3
	Fujifilm X-T10« »	HiRec	80/100	5/5	4/5	5/5	May 2015	799	-		Fujifilm X-T10
	Panasonic FZ1000 II« »	-	-	-	-	-	Feb 2019	899			Panasonic FZ1000 II
	Panasonic GX9« »	Rec	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2018	849			Panasonic GX9
	Panasonic ZS70« »	HiRec	-	4/5	-	4/5	Apr 2017	449	-		Panasonic ZS70
	Panasonic LX10« »	HiRec	81/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	699			Panasonic LX10
	Panasonic ZS100« »	HiRec	82/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	699	-		Panasonic ZS100
	Panasonic FZ1000« »	HiRec	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2014	899	-		Panasonic FZ1000
	Sony RX100 III« »	HiRec	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	May 2014	799	-		Sony RX100 III

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. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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.

Specifications: Panasonic ZS200 vs Fujifilm X-T20

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