Panasonic FS15 vs Sony HX1

Below, we will be comparing the Panasonic FS15 and Sony HX1, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the FS15 (12MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the FS15 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") enjoy different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FS15 was revealed 3 months prior to the HX1 which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a concise summary of how the FS15 matches up against the HX1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS15 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS15 offers external dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") along with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has dimensions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FS15 and Sony HX1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the FS15 vs the HX1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the FS15 and HX1 is 95 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes just by checking out technical specs. The pic here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FS15 and HX1.

As you have seen, both the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FS15 having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FS15 will produce more detail because of its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively.