Panasonic ZS1 vs Sony W550

Following is a thorough assessment of the Panasonic ZS1 and Sony W550, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and W550 (14MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and W550 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor size.

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The ZS1 was revealed 3 years earlier than the W550 which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony W550 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the ZS1 grades versus the W550 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery & Sony W550 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera, you need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS1 has 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) and the Sony W550 has specifications of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS1 and Sony W550 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the ZS1 and the W550.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS1 and W550 is 91 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizes only by looking at specs. The image here might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS1 and W550.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS1 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Sony W550 will give extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged ZS1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.