Panasonic ZS7 vs Sony RX100

Following is a comprehensive assessment of the Panasonic ZS7 versus Sony RX100, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the ZS7 (12MP) and RX100 (20MP) and the ZS7 (1/2.3") and RX100 (1") have different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ZS7 was released 13 months before the RX100 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the ZS7 matches up vs the RX100 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS7 Gallery & Sony RX100 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS7 has got exterior dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Sony RX100 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS7 versus Sony RX100 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the ZS7 vs the RX100.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS7 and RX100 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizes merely by reading through specifications. The pic below will give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS7 and RX100.

To sum up, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZS7 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony RX100 will give you more detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots more aggressively. The more aged ZS7 is going to be behind in sensor technology.