Panasonic ZS7 vs YI M1

Here is a thorough comparison of the Panasonic ZS7 and YI M1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and YI. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the ZS7 (12MP) and M1 (20MP) and the ZS7 (1/2.3") and M1 (Four Thirds) posses totally different sensor size.

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The ZS7 was introduced 6 years prior to the M1 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera and the YI M1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the ZS7 grades against the M1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 & YI M1. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS7 Gallery & YI M1 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS7 features external dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) and the YI M1 has measurements of 114mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 350 grams (0.77 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS7 and YI M1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the ZS7 vs the M1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS7 and M1 is 91 and 87 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to see the gap between sensor sizing just by reading a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS7 and M1.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS7 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the YI M1 will offer you more detail using its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos more aggressively. The older ZS7 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.