Panasonic ZS20 vs Sony NEX-C3

The following is a extensive comparison of the Panasonic ZS20 vs Sony NEX-C3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS20 (14MP) and the NEX-C3 (16MP) is very comparable but the ZS20 (1/2.3") and NEX-C3 (APS-C) boast different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS20 was revealed 9 months after the NEX-C3 so they are of a similar generation. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-C3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the ZS20 scores against the NEX-C3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 and Sony Alpha NEX-C3. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery and Sony NEX-C3 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS20 enjoys physical measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Sony NEX-C3 has measurements of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS20 vs Sony NEX-C3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the ZS20 and the NEX-C3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS20 and NEX-C3 is 92 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions only by seeing a spec sheet. The image here will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS20 and NEX-C3.

As you can see, the two cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZS20 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony NEX-C3 will produce greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics way more aggressively. The more recent ZS20 should have an edge in sensor innovation.