Panasonic ZS20 vs Sony RX100 III

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Panasonic ZS20 and Sony RX100 III, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Sony. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the ZS20 (14MP) and RX100 III (20MP) and the ZS20 (1/2.3") and RX100 III (1") come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS20 was introduced 24 months prior to the RX100 III making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 III being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the ZS20 grades versus the RX100 III in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery and Sony RX100 III Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS20 comes with outside dimensions 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 RX100 III has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") having a weight of 290 grams (0.64 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS20 and Sony RX100 III in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the ZS20 against the RX100 III.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS20 and RX100 III is 92 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to see the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by looking at specifications. The image underneath will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS20 and RX100 III.

To sum up, both the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZS20 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Sony RX100 III will give you more detail using its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The more aged ZS20 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.