Panasonic ZS100 vs Sigma DP1

Following is a detailed assessment of the Panasonic ZS100 and Sigma DP1, both Large Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sigma. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the ZS100 (20MP) and DP1 (5MP) and the ZS100 (1") and DP1 (APS-C) posses different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS100 was announced 7 years after the DP1 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Large Sensor Compact).

Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a short view of how the ZS100 scores vs the DP1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 and Sigma DP1. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery and Sigma DP1 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS100 provides exterior dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Sigma DP1 has dimensions of 113mm x 60mm x 50mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.0") and a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS100 and Sigma DP1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the ZS100 compared to the DP1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS100 and DP1 is 87 and 87 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading through specifications. The picture underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS100 and DP1.

To sum up, both cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZS100 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic ZS100 will give you greater detail with its extra 15MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The younger ZS100 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.