Panasonic XS1 vs Sony RX100 III

In this article, we will be evaluating the Panasonic XS1 versus Sony RX100 III, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the XS1 (16MP) and the RX100 III (20MP) is pretty comparable but the XS1 (1/2.3") and RX100 III (1") come with different sensor dimensions.

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The XS1 was announced 16 months earlier than the RX100 III which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 III being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the XS1 matches up vs the RX100 III when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic XS1 Gallery and Sony RX100 III Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic XS1 provides external measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") along with a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs) while the Sony RX100 III has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") and a weight of 290 grams (0.64 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic XS1 versus Sony RX100 III in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the XS1 compared to the RX100 III.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the XS1 and RX100 III is 97 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizes just by going through technical specs. The picture below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the XS1 and RX100 III.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The XS1 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sony RX100 III will provide extra detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged XS1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.