Panasonic ZS15 vs Sony RX100 III

Here is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic ZS15 versus Sony RX100 III, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Panasonic and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the ZS15 (12MP) and RX100 III (20MP) and the ZS15 (1/2.3") and RX100 III (1") enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The ZS15 was brought out 22 months before the RX100 III which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 III being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief overview of how the ZS15 scores against the RX100 III for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS15 Gallery and Sony RX100 III Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS15 comes with exterior dimensions 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 RX100 III has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") along with a weight of 290 grams (0.64 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS15 versus Sony RX100 III in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the ZS15 and the RX100 III.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS15 and RX100 III is 92 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing just by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic here may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS15 and RX100 III.

Clearly, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS15 featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh harder and the Sony RX100 III will provide more detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The older ZS15 will be behind in sensor innovation.