Panasonic GX1 vs Panasonic ZS20

Here is a comprehensive assessment of the Panasonic GX1 and Panasonic ZS20, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both designed by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GX1 (16MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is fairly similar but the GX1 (Four Thirds) and ZS20 (1/2.3") provide different sensor size.

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The GX1 was introduced 2 months prior to the ZS20 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the GX1 matches up versus the ZS20 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GX1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GX1 has got physical measurements of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") and a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic GX1 and Panasonic ZS20 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the GX1 and the ZS20.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GX1 and ZS20 is 87 and 92 respectively.

Normally, its tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing simply by going over technical specs. The visual underneath will offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the GX1 and ZS20.

As you have seen, each of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GX1 having a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic GX1 will deliver more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images a good deal more aggressively.