Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony QX30

Below is a extended overview of the Panasonic ZS5 and Sony QX30, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Lens-style by brands Panasonic and Sony. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and QX30 (20MP) but they use the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The ZS5 was manufactured 5 years earlier than the QX30 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX30 being a Lens-style camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the ZS5 scores against the QX30 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery and Sony QX30 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS5 comes with outside dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Sony QX30 has specifications of 68mm x 65mm x 58mm (2.7" x 2.6" x 2.3") along with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS5 and Sony QX30 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the ZS5 vs the QX30.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS5 and QX30 is 92 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it can be tough to visualise the gap in sensor measurements just by going through a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS5 and QX30.

Clearly, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Sony QX30 to produce greater detail due to its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics far more aggressively. The older ZS5 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.