Panasonic ZS45 vs Sony RX100 V

The following is a in-depth overview of the Panasonic ZS45 and Sony RX100 V, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZS45 (16MP) and the RX100 V (20MP) is fairly close but the ZS45 (1/2.3") and RX100 V (1") possess totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS45 was manufactured 21 months prior to the RX100 V making the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 V being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the ZS45 matches up vs the RX100 V when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS45 Gallery & Sony RX100 V Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS45 comes with 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) whilst the Sony RX100 V has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS45 and Sony RX100 V in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at the time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the ZS45 and the RX100 V.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS45 and RX100 V is 91 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to see the gap in sensor dimensions simply by looking through a spec sheet. The image here might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS45 and RX100 V.

As you can see, both the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZS45 featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony RX100 V will render greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images much more aggressively. The more aged ZS45 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.