Panasonic ZS50 vs Sony HX1

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic ZS50 vs Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the ZS50 (12MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the ZS50 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") offer totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS50 was revealed 5 years after the HX1 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the ZS50 scores against the HX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS50 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS50 enjoys outside dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs) whilst the Sony HX1 has sizing of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS50 vs Sony HX1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the ZS50 against the HX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS50 and HX1 is 90 and 67 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to see the difference between sensor sizes only by reading a spec sheet. The pic below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS50 and HX1.

Clearly, the two cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS50 with its larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic ZS50 will offer you extra detail because of its extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The newer ZS50 is going to have an edge in sensor technology.