Panasonic ZS1 vs Sony RX100 II

Here is a detailed analysis of the Panasonic ZS1 versus Sony RX100 II, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and RX100 II (20MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and RX100 II (1") enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The ZS1 was introduced 5 years before the RX100 II and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 II being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the ZS1 grades versus the RX100 II in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery and Sony RX100 II Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS1 enjoys external 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) while the Sony RX100 II has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 38mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 281 grams (0.62 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS1 versus Sony RX100 II in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the ZS1 and the RX100 II.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS1 and RX100 II is 91 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizing just by going over a spec sheet. The photograph below will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS1 and RX100 II.

As you can see, both the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS1 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony RX100 II will deliver more detail using its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics much more aggressively. The older ZS1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.