Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony RX100

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony RX100, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Panasonic and Sony. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and RX100 (20MP) and the ZS5 (1/2.3") and RX100 (1") have different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS5 was introduced 3 years prior to the RX100 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a concise overview of how the ZS5 scores against the RX100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery & Sony RX100 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS5 offers external measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Sony RX100 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony RX100 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the ZS5 versus the RX100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS5 and RX100 is 92 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizes merely by reviewing technical specs. The pic below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS5 and RX100.

As you have seen, both of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZS5 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh tougher and the Sony RX100 will offer you extra detail using its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more aged ZS5 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.