Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony RX100 V

Here, we are reviewing the Panasonic ZS3 and Sony RX100 V, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and RX100 V (20MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and RX100 V (1") boast different sensor sizes.

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The ZS3 was revealed 8 years earlier than the RX100 V and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 V being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple summation of how the ZS3 scores versus the RX100 V with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Sony RX100 V Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS3 features external measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony RX100 V has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") along with a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS3 and Sony RX100 V in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the ZS3 and the RX100 V.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS3 and RX100 V is 91 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements merely by researching specifications. The visual underneath might offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS3 and RX100 V.

To sum up, the two cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS3 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony RX100 V will result in extra detail because of its extra 10MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The older ZS3 will be behind in sensor tech.