Panasonic ZS30 vs Sony HX1

The following is a detailed analysis of the Panasonic ZS30 vs Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS30 (18MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the ZS30 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") posses different sensor size.

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The ZS30 was manufactured 3 years after the HX1 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the ZS30 matches up versus the HX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS30 has got exterior measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Sony HX1 has measurements of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS30 vs Sony HX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the ZS30 versus the HX1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS30 and HX1 is 92 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions just by viewing specs. The picture underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS30 and HX1.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZS30 due to its larger sensor is going to make getting bokeh easier and the Panasonic ZS30 will result in greater detail due to its extra 9MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images way more aggressively. The more modern ZS30 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.