Leica X Vario vs Panasonic ZS100

Let's take a closer look at the Leica X Vario vs Panasonic ZS100, both Large Sensor Compact digital cameras by companies Leica and Panasonic. The resolution of the X Vario (16MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is fairly well matched but the X Vario (APS-C) and ZS100 (1") boast totally different sensor size.

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The X Vario was introduced 3 years prior to the ZS100 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Large Sensor Compact).

Before getting into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the X Vario grades versus the ZS100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica X Vario and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The whole galleries are available at Leica X Vario Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Leica X Vario features outer measurements of 133mm x 73mm x 95mm (5.2" x 2.9" x 3.7") with a weight of 680 grams (1.50 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS100 has proportions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Look at the Leica X Vario vs Panasonic ZS100 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at the time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the X Vario and the ZS100.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the X Vario and ZS100 is 62 and 87 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading through a spec sheet. The visual here should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the X Vario and ZS100.

Clearly, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The X Vario having a larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS100 will give you more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos way more aggressively. The older X Vario is going to be behind in sensor innovation.