Panasonic ZS20 vs Sony HX300

Let's take a closer look at the Panasonic ZS20 versus Sony HX300, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Panasonic and Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the ZS20 (14MP) and HX300 (20MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The ZS20 was unveiled 10 months earlier than the HX300 so they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the ZS20 matches up against the HX300 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery & Sony HX300 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS20 features outside dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Sony HX300 has sizing of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") along with a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS20 versus Sony HX300 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the ZS20 versus the HX300.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS20 and HX300 is 92 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to picture the gap between sensor sizes simply by going over technical specs. The pic below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS20 and HX300.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You can expect the Sony HX300 to offer you greater detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged ZS20 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.