Panasonic FS15 vs Sony RX10 III

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FS15 versus Sony RX10 III, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the FS15 (12MP) and RX10 III (20MP) and the FS15 (1/2.3") and RX10 III (1") boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The FS15 was unveiled 8 years earlier than the RX10 III and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony RX10 III being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple view of how the FS15 matches up against the RX10 III when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS15 Gallery and Sony RX10 III Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS15 enjoys external dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Sony RX10 III has dimensions of 133mm x 94mm x 127mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.0") having a weight of 1051 grams (2.32 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FS15 versus Sony RX10 III in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the FS15 and the RX10 III.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the FS15 and RX10 III is 95 and 53 respectively.

Generally, its hard to see the contrast in sensor sizing merely by researching specs. The visual below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS15 and RX10 III.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FS15 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony RX10 III will render greater detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older FS15 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.