Panasonic XS1 vs Sony QX100

In this article, we are reviewing the Panasonic XS1 vs Sony QX100, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Lens-style by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the XS1 (16MP) and the QX100 (20MP) is fairly comparable but the XS1 (1/2.3") and QX100 (1") feature totally different sensor size.

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The XS1 was unveiled 8 months before the QX100 and they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX100 being a Lens-style camera.

Before getting straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick summation of how the XS1 scores vs the QX100 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic XS1 Gallery & Sony QX100 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic XS1 has physical measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") accompanied by a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs) while the Sony QX100 has dimensions of 63mm x 63mm x 56mm (2.5" x 2.5" x 2.2") accompanied by a weight of 179 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check the Panasonic XS1 vs Sony QX100 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the XS1 versus the QX100.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XS1 and QX100 is 97 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing merely by going through specs. The graphic below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the XS1 and QX100.

All in all, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The XS1 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Sony QX100 will show greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images far more aggressively. The older XS1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.