Panasonic ZS1 vs Sony RX100

Here, we are looking at the Panasonic ZS1 versus Sony RX100, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and RX100 (20MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and RX100 (1") offer totally different sensor sizing.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The ZS1 was unveiled 4 years before the RX100 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a short summation of how the ZS1 grades vs the RX100 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery & Sony RX100 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS1 features exterior dimensions 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 RX100 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS1 versus Sony RX100 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the ZS1 against the RX100.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the ZS1 and RX100 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes just by going through a spec sheet. The picture underneath will offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS1 and RX100.

As you can see, both the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS1 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony RX100 will produce extra detail having an extra 10MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The more aged ZS1 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.