Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony RX100 VII

The following is a extensive assessment of the Panasonic ZS5 and Sony RX100 VII, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and RX100 VII (20MP) and the ZS5 (1/2.3") and RX100 VII (1") have different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS5 was released 10 years prior to the RX100 VII which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 VII being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a concise summary of how the ZS5 matches up versus the RX100 VII with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery and Sony RX100 VII Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS5 features exterior dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Sony RX100 VII has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 43mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 302 grams (0.67 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS5 and Sony RX100 VII in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the ZS5 versus the RX100 VII.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the ZS5 and RX100 VII is 92 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions simply by checking out specs. The image underneath might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS5 and RX100 VII.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS5 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony RX100 VII will provide more detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged ZS5 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.