Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony RX100 IV

Lets examine more closely at the Panasonic ZS5 versus Sony RX100 IV, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and RX100 IV (20MP) and the ZS5 (1/2.3") and RX100 IV (1") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZS5 was unveiled 6 years before the RX100 IV which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 IV being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the ZS5 scores against the RX100 IV for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery & Sony RX100 IV Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera often, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS5 comes with 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) while the Sony RX100 IV has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") and a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS5 versus Sony RX100 IV in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose at the time. The following is the front view size comparison of the ZS5 vs the RX100 IV.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS5 and RX100 IV is 92 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizes simply by reading specs. The pic underneath will help give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS5 and RX100 IV.

All in all, the 2 cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZS5 having a tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh trickier and the Sony RX100 IV will offer you greater detail having an extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged ZS5 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.