Panasonic ZS100 vs Sony HX5

Let's look a little more closely at the Panasonic ZS100 versus Sony HX5, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the ZS100 (20MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the ZS100 (1") and HX5 (1/2.4") feature totally different sensor size.

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The ZS100 was manufactured 5 years later than the HX5 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a complete comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the ZS100 scores against the HX5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS100 has external measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS100 versus Sony HX5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is the front view size comparison of the ZS100 compared to the HX5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS100 and HX5 is 87 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to envision the gap between sensor measurements just by checking technical specs. The graphic underneath will offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS100 and HX5.

As you have seen, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZS100 featuring a larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS100 will give you greater detail due to its extra 10MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more modern ZS100 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.