Panasonic ZS20 vs Sony QX1

Following is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic ZS20 versus Sony QX1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Lens-style by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the ZS20 (14MP) and QX1 (20MP) and the ZS20 (1/2.3") and QX1 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The ZS20 was announced 3 years prior to the QX1 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the ZS20 scores vs the QX1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 and Sony Alpha QX1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery and Sony QX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS20 has got outside measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Sony QX1 has measurements of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") having a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS20 versus Sony QX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS20 and the QX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS20 and QX1 is 92 and 90 respectively.

Typically, its tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizes just by viewing a spec sheet. The image below should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS20 and QX1.

Clearly, both of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZS20 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony QX1 will render more detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged ZS20 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.