Panasonic ZS15 vs Sony HX1

Let's look more in depth at the Panasonic ZS15 and Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a noticeable gap among the image resolutions of the ZS15 (12MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the ZS15 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") posses totally different sensor size.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The ZS15 was brought out 3 years after the HX1 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the ZS15 scores against the HX1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS15 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera often, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS15 enjoys outer dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has sizing of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") and a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS15 and Sony HX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use at that moment. The following is a front view size comparison of the ZS15 against the HX1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS15 and HX1 is 92 and 67 respectively.

Typically, its tough to see the difference in sensor sizes merely by going through technical specs. The image below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS15 and HX1.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZS15 due to its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic ZS15 will provide more detail having its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The fresher ZS15 will have an advantage in sensor technology.