Panasonic ZS7 vs Sony HX1

Below, we will be looking at the Panasonic ZS7 vs Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a large gap between the sensor resolutions of the ZS7 (12MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the ZS7 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") come with different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS7 was released 2 years after the HX1 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick summation of how the ZS7 matches up versus the HX1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS7 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS7 offers outer measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has measurements 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 ZS7 vs Sony HX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using at the time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the ZS7 vs the HX1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS7 and HX1 is 91 and 67 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizes only by reviewing specs. The picture underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS7 and HX1.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZS7 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic ZS7 will offer you greater detail as a result of its extra 3MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The younger ZS7 should have a benefit in sensor tech.