Panasonic ZS15 vs Sony RX10 IV

Here is a comprehensive review of the Panasonic ZS15 versus Sony RX10 IV, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the ZS15 (12MP) and RX10 IV (20MP) and the ZS15 (1/2.3") and RX10 IV (1") possess different sensor sizing.

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The ZS15 was introduced 6 years before the RX10 IV and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 IV being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a quick overview of how the ZS15 matches up against the RX10 IV with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS15 Gallery and Sony RX10 IV Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS15 enjoys exterior measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs) while the Sony RX10 IV has measurements of 133mm x 94mm x 145mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.7") having a weight of 1095 grams (2.41 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZS15 versus Sony RX10 IV in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select during that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the ZS15 and the RX10 IV.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS15 and RX10 IV is 92 and 52 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing purely by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS15 and RX10 IV.

As you can see, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS15 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony RX10 IV will give more detail using its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older ZS15 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.