Panasonic ZS1 vs Sony QX30

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Panasonic ZS1 vs Sony QX30, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Lens-style by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and QX30 (20MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and QX30 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS1 was introduced 6 years prior to the QX30 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX30 being a Lens-style camera.

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the ZS1 grades versus the QX30 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery and Sony QX30 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS1 offers outer measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony QX30 has measurements of 68mm x 65mm x 58mm (2.7" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS1 vs Sony QX30 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the ZS1 vs the QX30.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the ZS1 and QX30 is 91 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements merely by reading specifications. The visual here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS1 and QX30.

Plainly, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZS1 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony QX30 will deliver extra detail using its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics far more aggressively. The older ZS1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.