Panasonic ZS15 vs Sony QX1

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic ZS15 vs Sony QX1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Lens-style by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the ZS15 (12MP) and QX1 (20MP) and the ZS15 (1/2.3") and QX1 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS15 was revealed 3 years earlier than the QX1 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise summation of how the ZS15 matches up versus the QX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 & Sony Alpha QX1. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS15 Gallery & Sony QX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS15 has got physical measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Sony QX1 has specifications of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") along with a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS15 vs Sony QX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the ZS15 vs the QX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS15 and QX1 is 92 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizing simply by looking through technical specs. The visual here may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS15 and QX1.

As you have seen, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS15 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony QX1 will render extra detail because of its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older ZS15 will be behind in sensor innovation.