Panasonic ZS15 vs Sony RX100 IV

Let's take a more detailed look at the Panasonic ZS15 versus Sony RX100 IV, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the ZS15 (12MP) and RX100 IV (20MP) and the ZS15 (1/2.3") and RX100 IV (1") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS15 was unveiled 3 years before the RX100 IV and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 IV being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the ZS15 grades versus the RX100 IV in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS15 Gallery & Sony RX100 IV Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS15 enjoys external 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 IV has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") having a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS15 versus Sony RX100 IV in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the ZS15 versus the RX100 IV.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS15 and RX100 IV is 92 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to see the gap between sensor measurements only by going over a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS15 and RX100 IV.

Clearly, the two cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZS15 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Sony RX100 IV will deliver extra detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The older ZS15 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.