Best Compact Digital Camera for Wildlife Photos Under $300: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1, by picturemaker

Expert Recommendation

Best Compact Digital Camera for Wildlife Photos Under $300

By picturemaker

Expert (47 Recommendations and 29 Compliments)

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November 20, 2009 Updated: November 23, 2009

Overview

One of the things I learned early on about shooting wildlife is, you may not want to get too close. Or in the case of capturing beautiful wildlife in enclosed spaces, you can’t. That’s why my Best in Class choice for wildlife photos is the Panasonic DMC-ZS1. Outfitted with a 12x optical zoom, the ZS1 will safely get you the shots you want without making you part of the “wild” life.

My Best In Class Pick

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

The compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 is a pocketable camera you can take into the wild with the promise that you will get great shots without becoming an endangered species yourself.

With the LEICA DC VARIO ELMAR 12x, 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens that Panasonic users have come to depend on for clear, crisp images, a 10.1mp imaging sensor, a 2.7” LCD and the ability to shoot at 2.5 fps, the ZS1 is designed to be your top camera choice for capturing the birds and the bees with simplicity.

And for simplicity of use, the robust IA feature gives you auto focus tracking, intelligent exposure, optical image stabilization and intelligent ISO control. Nice things to rely on when your subject is on the move.

For excellent wildlife videos, the ZS1 records at WVGA (848x480, perfect for 16:9 widescreen TV’s ), VGA(640x480), QVGA(320x240). All at 30 frames per second.

So, when you’re ready to take on the challenges of capturing some of the most difficult subjects, take along the Panasonic DMC-ZS1 and bring home the trophies.

Comparison with Sony Cybershot DSC-H20

Because the H20 has less zoom and less wide angle, I prefer the ZS1. The feel of the H20 is nice though, and it has HD video recording. Tough call.

Comparison with Canon PowerShot SX120 IS

A bit smaller and having 12x zoom, plus being faster in the fps department, the ZS1 is my choice over the SX120 IS.

Pros

+
12x zoom
+
25mm wide angle
+
Comfortable
+
Lightweight

Cons

-
Mode dial easy to bump out of setting

Where to buy

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

Recommended with

SanDisk Ultra II SDHC 4GB SD Memory Card (SDSDRH-004G-A11, US Retail Package)

$7.26 @ Amazon.com

Specifications

Zoom: 12.0x
Image Stabilization: Yes
Resolution: 10.1MP

Want More Opinions? See:

Customer Reviews

Website Reviews (3 reviews)

Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
Rated Very Good by CNET.com

Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices

Product	Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1	2 Sony Cybershot DSC-H20	3 Canon PowerShot SX120 IS
Customer Rating
Price		$489.96	$139.00
Size (W x H x D)	4.1 x 2.3 x 1.3 in.	4.2 x 2.7 x 1.9 in.	4.4 x 2.8 x 1.8 in.
Weight (with batteries)	8.1 oz	10.1 oz	10.1 oz
? Close Sensor Size Most digital cameras, even most digital SLRs, have sensors that are smaller than a standard frame of 35 mm film (36 x 24 mm). These smaller sensors have a number of effects on the captured image and the use of the camera, including an increased depth of field, decreased light sensitivity, increased pixel noise, and increased degree of enlargement. Sensor Size	5.8 x 4.3 mm	5.8 x 4.3 mm	5.8 x 4.3 mm
Video Available	Yes	Yes	Yes
HD Video Available	No	Yes	No
Optical Zoom	12.0x	10.0x	10.0x
? Close Image Stabilization Available Image stabilization features are designed to reduce the blur that results from normal, minute shaking of a lens due to hand-held shooting. However, image stabilization does not prevent motion blur caused by the movement of the subject or by extreme movements of the camera. Image Stabilization Available	Yes	Yes	Yes
Manual Focus Available	No	No	Yes
Max Shutter Speed	1/2000 sec	1/2000 sec	1/2500 sec
Smile Detection Available	No	Yes	No
Max ISO Setting	6400	3200	1600
Aperture Priority Mode Available	No	No	Yes
Shutter Priority Mode Available	No	No	Yes
? Close Face Detection Available Face detection technology will try to set the focus, exposure, and color balance so that faces appear sharp, well-exposed, and with the proper color. Face Detection Available	Yes	Yes	Yes
? Close LCD Screen Size The LCD Screen Size is the length of the miniature LCD monitor measured diagonally. LCD Screen Size	2.7 in.	3.0 in.	3.0 in.
Storage Media	SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card	Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo	SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card
Battery Type	Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable	Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable	AA-size (x2)

Sony Cybershot DSC-H20

The Sony Cybershot DSC-H20 follows in the footsteps of it’s ultra-zoom compact camera predecessors with one difference, it’s smarter.

That’s because, with intelligent auto mode, Intelligent scene recognition and the Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization feature, the H20 has got your back when difficult or questionable shooting environments pop up, but so does the perfect shot. And you don’t want to worry about fussing with dials when the scene has changed dramatically.

Sporting a 10.1mp sensor, a 10x Carl Zeiss optical zoom lens, a bright 3.0” LCD screen and HD video, the H20 is a solid camera that fits nicely in your hand and responds quickly to your commands.

Another nice feature of the H20 comes into play when you move from outdoor wildlife to indoor wildlife. Sony’s face detection function will capture up to 8 faces, remembering those you’ve programmed in as frequent subjects and makes sure to avoid blinking eyes, taking two shots and saving the one that is the most natural.

Comparison with Canon PowerShot SX120 IS

I really like the feel of the H20 over the SX120 IS, although I’m a huge fan of Digic 4. The HD video on the H20 is a big plus too.

Pros

+
HD video
+
Manual controls
+
Optional remote control

Cons

-
Removable lens cap may cause problems
-
Flash in a position to be covered by finger(s)