Panasonic SZ5 vs Sony HX99

Lets look more in depth at the Panasonic SZ5 versus Sony HX99, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the SZ5 (14MP) and HX99 (18MP) and the SZ5 (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) have different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ5 was unveiled 7 years before the HX99 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SZ5 matches up vs the HX99 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ5 Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ5 features external dimensions of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Sony HX99 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ5 versus Sony HX99 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the SZ5 vs the HX99.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ5 and HX99 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Typically, its tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing just by researching specs. The graphic here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ5 and HX99.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ5 using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sony HX99 will result in extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older SZ5 will be behind in sensor technology.