Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony RX100 IV

Here, we are matching up the Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony RX100 IV, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and RX100 IV (20MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and RX100 IV (1") posses totally different sensor size.

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The ZS3 was released 7 years prior to the RX100 IV and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 IV being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the ZS3 matches up against the RX100 IV in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Sony RX100 IV Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS3 offers outer dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 IV has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") along with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony RX100 IV in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have during that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the ZS3 versus the RX100 IV.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS3 and RX100 IV is 91 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizing only by reading through technical specs. The photograph underneath will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS3 and RX100 IV.

As you have seen, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS3 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony RX100 IV will resolve greater detail as a result of its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The older ZS3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.