Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony HX1

Following is a comprehensive overview of the Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the ZS5 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") come with different sensor sizing.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The ZS5 was brought out 14 months after the HX1 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the ZS5 grades against the HX1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS5 offers outside dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Sony HX1 has sizing of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony HX1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the ZS5 compared to the HX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the ZS5 and HX1 is 92 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizes only by going over technical specs. The picture here might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS5 and HX1.

As you can tell, both the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS5 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS5 will deliver extra detail having its extra 3MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs much more aggressively. The more modern ZS5 provides a benefit in sensor tech.