Panasonic ZS1 vs Sony NEX-C3

The following is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic ZS1 versus Sony NEX-C3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Sony. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and NEX-C3 (16MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and NEX-C3 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ZS1 was introduced 3 years prior to the NEX-C3 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-C3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a in-depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the ZS1 scores versus the NEX-C3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 & Sony Alpha NEX-C3. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery & Sony NEX-C3 Gallery.

If you are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS1 has outside dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony NEX-C3 has dimensions of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS1 versus Sony NEX-C3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the ZS1 compared to the NEX-C3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS1 and NEX-C3 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to see the gap between sensor dimensions only by looking at a spec sheet. The pic here might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS1 and NEX-C3.

As you can see, both of those cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS1 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony NEX-C3 will give more detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged ZS1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.