Panasonic ZS1 vs Sony HX99

Here is a extensive overview of the Panasonic ZS1 and Sony HX99, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by companies Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and HX99 (18MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) use different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ZS1 was announced 10 years earlier than the HX99 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a short summation of how the ZS1 scores vs the HX99 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS1 has got exterior dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony HX99 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS1 and Sony HX99 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the ZS1 against the HX99.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS1 and HX99 is 91 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizing only by looking through specifications. The graphic below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS1 and HX99.

To sum up, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS1 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony HX99 will render extra detail with its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The older ZS1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.