Panasonic ZS20 vs Sony HX5

Its time to examine more closely at the Panasonic ZS20 and Sony HX5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Sony. There exists a substantial gap between the sensor resolutions of the ZS20 (14MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the ZS20 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") use totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZS20 was introduced 23 months later than the HX5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going through a in-depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the ZS20 grades versus the HX5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS20 enjoys external measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS20 and Sony HX5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the ZS20 versus the HX5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS20 and HX5 is 92 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to envision the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading specifications. The graphic here will give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS20 and HX5.

To sum up, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS20 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS20 will deliver more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The fresher ZS20 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.