Panasonic LZ40 vs Sony HX1

On this page, we are looking at the Panasonic LZ40 versus Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the LZ40 (20MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the LZ40 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") provide different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The LZ40 was unveiled 4 years after the HX1 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the LZ40 scores against the HX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic LZ40 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LZ40 comes with exterior dimensions of 126mm x 87mm x 94mm (5.0" x 3.4" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 524 grams (1.16 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has dimensions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic LZ40 versus Sony HX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the LZ40 vs the HX1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the LZ40 and HX1 is 67 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reading through technical specs. The picture here might provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the LZ40 and HX1.

As you can tell, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The LZ40 having a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic LZ40 will resolve greater detail having an extra 11 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The younger LZ40 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.