Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony WX1

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Panasonic ZS5 versus Sony WX1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Ultracompact by companies Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZS5 (12MP) and the WX1 (10MP) is fairly similar but the ZS5 (1/2.3") and WX1 (1/2.4") feature different sensor measurements.

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The ZS5 was launched 11 months later than the WX1 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Sony WX1 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short highlight of how the ZS5 grades versus the WX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery and Sony WX1 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS5 has got exterior dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Sony WX1 has sizing of 91mm x 52mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.8") having a weight of 149 grams (0.33 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS5 versus Sony WX1 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 are employing at that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the ZS5 vs the WX1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS5 and WX1 is 92 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to picture the difference between sensor measurements merely by reading specs. The visual underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS5 and WX1.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZS5 due to its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic ZS5 will offer extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more recent ZS5 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.