Panasonic ZS35 vs Sony RX100 VA

Lets look more closely at the Panasonic ZS35 and Sony RX100 VA, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS35 (16MP) and the RX100 VA (20MP) is relatively close but the ZS35 (1/2.3") and RX100 VA (1") feature different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS35 was revealed 5 years before the RX100 VA and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS35 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the ZS35 scores versus the RX100 VA with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A). The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS35 Gallery & Sony RX100 VA Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS35 provides outside dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 32mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 305 grams (0.67 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 VA has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") with a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS35 and Sony RX100 VA in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the ZS35 and the RX100 VA.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS35 and RX100 VA is 89 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizing simply by looking through a spec sheet. The visual underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS35 and RX100 VA.

Clearly, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS35 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony RX100 VA will render more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older ZS35 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.