Panasonic SZ1 vs Sony RX10 IV

Following is a extensive assessment of the Panasonic SZ1 and Sony RX10 IV, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by companies Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ1 (16MP) and the RX10 IV (20MP) is pretty close but the SZ1 (1/2.3") and RX10 IV (1") enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ1 was released 6 years earlier than the RX10 IV which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 IV being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SZ1 grades versus the RX10 IV in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery and Sony RX10 IV Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ1 offers exterior dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Sony RX10 IV has measurements of 133mm x 94mm x 145mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.7") and a weight of 1095 grams (2.41 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ1 and Sony RX10 IV in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ1 versus the RX10 IV.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ1 and RX10 IV is 95 and 52 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizes purely by viewing a spec sheet. The picture here will offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ1 and RX10 IV.

As you can see, the 2 cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SZ1 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sony RX10 IV will provide you with extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged SZ1 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.