Panasonic ZS15 vs Sony HX400V

Following is a extended analysis of the Panasonic ZS15 versus Sony HX400V, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the ZS15 (12MP) and HX400V (20MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The ZS15 was announced 19 months earlier than the HX400V which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX400V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going through a in depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the ZS15 scores vs the HX400V in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS15 Gallery and Sony HX400V Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS15 comes with outside dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Sony HX400V has measurements of 130mm x 93mm x 103mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.1") and a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS15 versus Sony HX400V in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the ZS15 and the HX400V.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS15 and HX400V is 92 and 62 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes just by reviewing specifications. The image below might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS15 and HX400V.

Plainly, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Sony HX400V to deliver more detail with its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged ZS15 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.