Panasonic SZ10 vs Sony HX1

Following is a thorough review of the Panasonic SZ10 versus Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the SZ10 (16MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the SZ10 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") come with totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ10 was introduced 5 years after the HX1 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic SZ10 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summation of how the SZ10 matches up vs the HX1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic SZ10 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ10 has got outside dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.2") along with a weight of 177 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Sony HX1 has sizing of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic SZ10 versus Sony HX1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the SZ10 versus the HX1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SZ10 and HX1 is 93 and 67 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizes purely by going over technical specs. The pic here will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ10 and HX1.

As you have seen, the two cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ10 with its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic SZ10 will deliver greater detail using its extra 7 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The younger SZ10 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.