Panasonic ZS1 vs Sony HX80

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Panasonic ZS1 vs Sony HX80, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by companies Panasonic and Sony. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and HX80 (18MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and HX80 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ZS1 was released 7 years prior to the HX80 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the ZS1 matches up vs the HX80 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery and Sony HX80 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS1 enjoys exterior 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 HX80 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS1 vs Sony HX80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the ZS1 versus the HX80.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS1 and HX80 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizes purely by viewing a spec sheet. The pic underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS1 and HX80.

As you can see, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS1 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony HX80 will result in more detail as a result of its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged ZS1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.