Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony HX1

Following is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZS3 (10MP) and the HX1 (9MP) is pretty similar but the ZS3 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") come with totally different sensor size.

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The ZS3 was revealed within a month of the HX1 and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going through a complete comparison, below is a concise overview of how the ZS3 scores vs the HX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS3 comes with external dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony HX1 has proportions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") and a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony HX1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the ZS3 against the HX1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS3 and HX1 is 91 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by reviewing technical specs. The image underneath might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS3 and HX1.

As you have seen, both of those cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS3 with its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic ZS3 will offer more detail because of its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively.