Panasonic ZS1 vs Sony HX100V

Following is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic ZS1 versus Sony HX100V, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Panasonic and Sony. There exists a large gap between the resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and HX100V (16MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and HX100V (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizes.

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The ZS1 was launched 3 years earlier than the HX100V which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX100V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting into a detailed comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the ZS1 grades against the HX100V for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery & Sony HX100V Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS1 offers physical measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony HX100V has measurements of 122mm x 87mm x 93mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 577 grams (1.27 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS1 versus Sony HX100V in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the ZS1 vs the HX100V.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS1 and HX100V is 91 and 66 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes only by looking at specs. The image below should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS1 and HX100V.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZS1 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh harder and the Sony HX100V will resolve more detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged ZS1 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.