Panasonic ZS35 vs Sony RX1

Here is a complete comparison of the Panasonic ZS35 versus Sony RX1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS35 (16MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the ZS35 (1/2.3") and RX1 (Full frame) come with different sensor dimensions.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The ZS35 was unveiled 11 months later than the RX1 so they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS35 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the ZS35 scores against the RX1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS35 Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS35 enjoys external dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 32mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 305 grams (0.67 lbs) and the Sony RX1 has sizing of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") with a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZS35 versus Sony RX1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the ZS35 compared to the RX1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS35 and RX1 is 89 and 79 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizing simply by looking through specifications. The graphic here may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS35 and RX1.

Plainly, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS35 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Sony RX1 will result in greater detail having an extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The newer ZS35 should have an advantage in sensor technology.