Panasonic SZ1 vs Sony WX500

Lets look much closer at the Panasonic SZ1 vs Sony WX500, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ1 (16MP) and the WX500 (18MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras have the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SZ1 was revealed 4 years earlier than the WX500 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the SZ1 scores vs the WX500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery and Sony WX500 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ1 offers physical measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Sony WX500 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic SZ1 vs Sony WX500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ1 against the WX500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SZ1 and WX500 is 95 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to visualise the difference between sensor measurements purely by looking at a spec sheet. The visual below should provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ1 and WX500.

Clearly, both of these cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same megapixels. You should anticipate the Sony WX500 to give you greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The older SZ1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.