Panasonic ZS7 vs Sony HX300

Here, we are analyzing the Panasonic ZS7 and Sony HX300, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the ZS7 (12MP) and HX300 (20MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The ZS7 was unveiled 19 months prior to the HX300 making them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a simple overview of how the ZS7 grades vs the HX300 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS7 Gallery and Sony HX300 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS7 provides outer dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) and the Sony HX300 has dimensions of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") having a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS7 and Sony HX300 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the ZS7 vs the HX300.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS7 and HX300 is 91 and 63 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizes purely by going through specs. The picture here should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS7 and HX300.

All in all, both cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Sony HX300 to produce extra detail having an extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged ZS7 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.