Panasonic ZS45 vs Sony QX1

Here is a comprehensive analysis of the Panasonic ZS45 and Sony QX1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Lens-style by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS45 (16MP) and the QX1 (20MP) is pretty close but the ZS45 (1/2.3") and QX1 (APS-C) offer different sensor measurements.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The ZS45 was announced 5 months later than the QX1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before getting into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the ZS45 matches up against the QX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 and Sony Alpha QX1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS45 Gallery and Sony QX1 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera often, you need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS45 features outer measurements of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) while the Sony QX1 has specifications of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") along with a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS45 and Sony QX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the ZS45 versus the QX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS45 and QX1 is 91 and 90 respectively.

Normally, its tough to picture the difference in sensor sizing only by looking through specs. The visual underneath might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS45 and QX1.

All in all, each of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS45 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF harder and the Sony QX1 will provide you with more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively.