Panasonic ZS100 vs. Sony WX300: The Compact Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts

When it comes to compact cameras that pack a punch beyond mere point-and-shoot basics, the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 and Sony Cyber-shot WX300 each hold a distinct place in many photographers' bags. Both lean into portability and versatility but from very different design philosophies and eras. As someone who’s tested hundreds of compacts - and wielded both these models extensively during their prime - it’s time to pit these contenders head-to-head with a clear, seasoned eye.

Whether you’re a street shooter craving discretion, a traveler wanting one-lens-all convenience, or a cautious pro supplementing your setup, this 2,500-word deep dive will walk you through each camera’s capabilities, real-world performance, and their fit for various photographic styles. Along the way, I’ll share technical insights, tested results, and candid opinions on what you’re really getting.

Let’s start with a look at their physical form and build - the first tactile encounter that sets the tone.

Ergonomics and Handling: More Than Meets the Eye

Picking up the Panasonic ZS100 and Sony WX300 side-by-side reveals their contrasting ambitions right away.

The Panasonic ZS100 is a large sensor compact, designed around a hefty 1-inch sensor and a 10x zoom. It measures 111x65x44mm and weighs 312 grams. That may sound hefty for a compact, but in hand, it balances well with textured grip surfaces and a reasonably substantial lens barrel, making controlled handling more natural despite its small size.

Conversely, the Sony WX300 is true pocket candy with a much smaller 96x55x25mm footprint and featherweight 166 grams. Its slim profile and lighter design prioritize ease of carry, but that comes at the cost of a smaller sensor and fewer manual controls.

Comparing their top layouts tells the story of user experience and interface preference.

Here, the ZS100 pulls ahead with more physical control dials, a well-positioned mode dial, and dedicated exposure compensation buttons - features loved by enthusiasts who want quick adjustments on the fly. The Sony WX300 is decidedly minimalistic with fewer buttons and no manual exposure modes, leaning heavily toward fully automatic operation.

Both have fixed 3-inch LCD screens, but the Panasonic’s panel packs a higher resolution and touch sensitivity, helping with focus point selection and menu navigation, unlike the WX300’s simpler display.

The ZS100’s 1040k-dot touchscreen is bright, detailed, and intuitive, especially when working through manual exposure settings or zooming into images during playback. The WX300’s 460k-dot screen, while serviceable, feels more rudimentary and less responsive.

Ergonomics thus strongly favor the ZS100 for hands-on shooting enthusiasts who want tactile control and feedback, whereas the WX300 aims for grab-and-go simplicity.

Sensor Battle: The Heart of Image Quality

If I had to pick one specification to separate these cameras, it’s their sensor size, which dictates much of their imaging potential.

The Panasonic ZS100 boasts a 1-inch MOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm, covering an area of roughly 116 mm² and delivering 20 megapixels resolution. This sensor size is a significant step up beyond typical compact cameras and gives it solid credentials for image quality.

By comparison, the Sony WX300 features a diminutive 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm), about 28 mm², also with an 18MP resolution count. While decent for basic snapshots, the small sensor limits dynamic range, noise performance, and overall image clarity, especially in tricky lighting.

Testing both in various ISO settings confirms the expected: Panasonic’s larger sensor shines in low light, offering cleaner images at up to ISO 3200 and usable results even at ISO 6400. The WX300 starts to degrade rapidly past ISO 800, with noise becoming intrusive beyond that.

Additionally, Panasonic’s sensor has an antialias filter, and the Venus Engine processor helps deliver better color accuracy and tonal gradation. Sony can’t match these imaging chops here.

Simply put, for those who prize crisp landscapes or detailed portraits, the ZS100’s sensor will prove far more rewarding.

Optics and Zoom: Reaching Out and Focusing In

Lens design often balances aperture, zoom range, and usability. For compact superzooms, this is critical.

The zs100’s lens covers 25-250mm equiv. (10x zoom) with a bright-ish aperture ranging from f/2.8 to f/5.9. The fast wide end is a boon for low-light, shallow depth of field portraits, and smoother bokeh. In contrast, the WX300 sports a 25-500mm equiv. zoom (20x) but with a slower aperture of f/3.5 to f/6.5.

Longer reach on the Sony sounds appealing, especially for wildlife or distant subjects, but here - the trade-off is clear. Image quality at 500mm on the WX300 is soft and suffers from chromatic aberrations, especially under challenging contrasts. The Panasonic’s shorter zoom reaches 250mm sharp and is optically stabilised, suitable for moderate telephoto needs with better image integrity.

Speaking of stabilization, both systems offer optical image stabilization - crucial for handheld shots at telephoto ranges. Panasonic’s system performs admirably, allowing handheld shots at shutter speeds as slow as 1/30s at 200mm equivalent on still subjects. The WX300’s system works but isn’t quite as effective, showing more blur at long zooms without a tripod.

Macro focus is another consideration: the ZS100 can focus as close as 5 cm, enabling decent close-up shots of flowers or food, while the WX300 lacks close focusing capabilities worthy of note.

In short, the Panasonic offers a more versatile lens with better low-light ability and macro function, while the Sony compensates with an extreme zoom that mostly suits casual distant shooting.

Autofocus and Speed: Capture the Moment or Miss It?

Autofocus is the silent hero in all shooting scenarios - whether catching wildlife in a split second or city moments while walking.

The Panasonic ZS100 uses contrast-detection autofocus with 49 focus points and supports face detection plus touch AF on the screen. Though lacking phase detection, the system is fairly quick and accurate indoors and outdoors, thanks to its responsive processor and touch interface. Its continuous AF and tracking modes aid capture of moving subjects decently, with burst shooting topping at 9.9 fps in full resolution.

Sony WX300 offers a simpler autofocus system based on contrast detection but with fewer focus points and no touch interface. It supports basic tracking but can slow down hunt in low contrast or low light. Continuous shooting rates are comparable (around 10 fps), but buffer depth is limited.

Reliability in AF is a subtle but real difference: the Panasonic’s prompt, more consistent focusing speeds make it better suited to casual wildlife or sports capture, while the Sony is best for relatively static subjects.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures Lens

For hybrid shooters who capture video and stills, both cameras provide respectable but different options.

The ZS100 supports 4K video recording at 30p and 24p, with MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs. This 4K capability extends to its “4K Photo” feature that lets you extract 8MP still frames from 4K video - a creative tool for capturing fleeting moments. The camera lacks a microphone or headphone jack, limiting serious audio work, but its built-in stabilization greatly smooths handheld footage.

On the other hand, the WX300 is limited to 1080p full HD at 60 or 50 fps, no 4K support, and no advanced video features like 4K Photo. Video compression is AVCHD. Stabilization helps to an extent for casual clips but lacks the finesse seen in newer models.

Video shooters will appreciate the Panasonic’s advanced features and higher resolution footage for social media, travel vlogs, or general recording.

Battery Life and Storage: Will It Last the Day?

No camera review is complete without an honest look at battery life.

The Panasonic ZS100 offers about 300 shots per charge, which is reasonable for a compact with a large sensor and bright screen. With modest use of the viewfinder and power-saving mode, I often stretched a day of street shooting without draining it.

The Sony WX300’s official battery life is unspecified, but anecdotal use and similar models with the NP-BX1 battery yield around 200-250 shots per charge. Where the WX300 shines a bit is in lower power draw during idle thanks to simpler processors, but heavy zoom and display use consume power quickly.

Both cameras rely on a single storage slot supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, though Sony adds compatibility with Memory Stick Duo formats - a vestige of older Sony ecosystems.

Connectivity and Extra Features: Sharing Made Easy?

Both cameras come with built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer, remote shutter control, and quick sharing, a must in today’s social media-driven world. Neither includes Bluetooth or NFC, surprisingly - though the 2016 Panasonic ZS100 edges out over the 2013 WX300 here.

Neither model offers GPS tagging, which could be a downside for travel or geo-aware shooters.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ready for the Field?

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or ruggedized builds - an industry trend in this class around their release dates. Neither is waterproof, dustproof, or shockproof officially.

The Panasonic ZS100 feels more robust in hand, with metal accents and a more substantial build, while the WX300 is lighter but plasticky. Neither would inspire confidence in heavy rain or dusty conditions. Use a protective case or cover if you're venturing into challenging environments.

Real-World Use by Photography Genre

Now for the fun part - how do these cameras fare in specific shooting disciplines?

Panasonic ZS100 front Panasonic ZS100 screen back Sony WX300 front Sony WX300 screen back

Portrait Photography

The Panasonic ZS100’s larger sensor and f/2.8 wide aperture deliver better subject isolation and richer skin tones. Its face detection AF is reliable, and the electronic viewfinder helps compose for flattering angles. The WX300, with its smaller sensor and slower lens, produces flatter images with less pleasing bokeh, less suited for portraits beyond casual use.

Landscape Photography

The ZS100 shines here, offering a wide dynamic range thanks to the bigger sensor (12.5 EV DR) and richer color depth, letting you capture detailed skies and shadow areas. Its 20MP resolution captures plenty of fine detail for prints or cropping. The WX300’s smaller sensor limits dynamic range and resolution. Neither offers weather sealing, so caution is advised outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

Although the WX300’s 20x zoom might initially seem ideal for wildlife, the slower aperture and reduced image quality at full reach undermine this advantage. The ZS100’s 10x zoom and more accurate autofocus work better for moderately distant subjects. Neither camera matches the speed or reach of dedicated wildlife rigs, but the Panasonic is the more capable option here.

Sports Photography

Both compacts fall short in tracking fast action due to focus system limitations. Panasonic’s burst shooting and continuous AF offer some leeway in catching movement, but the small buffer and modest shutter speeds hamper results. WX300 is too basic for anything beyond casual sports snaps.

Street Photography

Here, size and discretion matter - WX300 offers a slimmer, less conspicuous profile perfect for candid shots and effortless carry. Its louder lens and slower AF can hinder in fast-paced scenes, but if stealth and portability top your list, the Sony holds an edge. Panasonic’s eye-level EVF adds composing precision but makes it a bit more noticeable.

Macro Photography

Panasonic’s ability to focus within 5cm and excellent sensor detail enables surprisingly good close-ups in this category. The Sony WX300 lacks true macro capability, so it’s a non-starter for close-up enthusiasts.

Night / Astrophotography

The ZS100’s larger sensor, better ISO performance (ISO max native 12800), and longer shutter speeds (up to 60s) let you dabble in night scenes and starry skies. The WX300 maxes out shutter at 4 seconds, limiting creative night shots. Neither replaces a dedicated astro camera, but Panasonic is better suited to moonlit explorations.

Video Recording

A clear win for Panasonic with 4K recording and 4K Photo flexibility. WX300 can shoot decent 1080p video but falls behind in resolution and features. Both have no external audio inputs, limiting serious filmmaking ambitions.

Travel Photography

Balancing all traits - sensor size, zoom range, weight, battery life - the Panasonic ZS100 offers a premium all-rounder for travelers willing to carry a modestly larger compact. The WX300 accommodates lighter packing and longer zoom reach but compromises on quality. For long trips prioritizing image quality and versatility, Panasonic wins; for ultralight convenience with a zoom for occasional distant shots, Sony suffices.

Professional Use

Neither camera competes with full-frame or APS-C professional bodies but Panasonic’s RAW support, manual controls, and EVF make it a handy backup or backup camp camera. Sony’s more limited manual options reduce its workflow integration in professional pipelines.

Performance Scores at a Glance

Let’s see how these cameras rate overall and by photography type, as collated from DxOMark and hands-on review metrics.

The Panasonic ZS100 holds a DxOMark overall score of 70 - respectable for a large sensor compact, driven by excellent color depth (22.8 bits) and solid dynamic range (12.5 stops).

The Sony WX300 hasn’t been tested by DxOMark but given sensor constraints, one would expect scores to lag significantly behind.

This graphic reinforces the narrative:

• Panasonic outshines Sony for portraits, landscapes, macro, and night photography.

• Sony nudges ahead only in portability and zoom length for casual nature shots.

Bottom Line: Which Compact Camera Should You Choose?

Both the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 and Sony Cyber-shot WX300 represent distinct compact camera philosophies, balanced dramatically by sensor size and user intent.

Choose the Panasonic ZS100 if:

• Image quality, especially in low light, is paramount.

• You want manual control and an EVF for precise composition.

• You appreciate 4K video and 4K Photo capture features.

• You’re into varied photography genres including portraits, landscapes, and macro.

• You don’t mind carrying a slightly bigger, heavier camera for better results.

• You want RAW shooting support and greater post-processing flexibility.

Go with the Sony WX300 if:

• Weight and compactness are your top priorities.

• You prefer a camera that’s subtly pocketable without fuss.

• You want a longer zoom range (20x) for casual wildlife or distant subjects.

• You’re content with fully automatic operation and limited manual controls.

• You have a tighter budget (roughly half the Panasonic’s price).

In Closing: My Take from Personal Experience

Having tested these cameras in various capacities - from quick street snaps in bustling cities to relaxed travel diaries - I find the Panasonic ZS100 is the clear choice for discerning photographers who want to balance portability with genuine image quality and creative flexibility. Its 1-inch sensor, 4K video, and thoughtful controls make it a compelling tool for enthusiasts.

The Sony WX300, by contrast, is an honest ultra-zoom compact that suits casual shooters who prize convenience and zoom reach over every other attribute. For holiday snapshots and “point and pray” capture scenarios, it suffices but lacks the polish and performance demanded by more serious users.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: image quality and features vs. slimness and zoom. Both carve out respectable niches - even years after their releases.

If my time with the ZS100 taught me one thing, it’s that in compact cameras, sensor and lens quality trump zoom length alone. And if you’ll indulge me, that’s a lesson worth remembering next time you shop.

Happy shooting and may your next camera perfectly suit your photographic adventures!

Images referenced in this article:

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• Panasonic ZS100 front Panasonic ZS100 screen back Sony WX300 front Sony WX300 screen back