Panasonic Lumix ZS70 vs Sony Cyber-shot HX100V: The Ultimate Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

Choosing the right compact superzoom camera can be confusing, especially when options span multiple generations and brands with very different feature sets. Today, we put side-by-side two worthy contenders for enthusiasts and hobbyists interested in versatile travel-friendly shooters: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70 (ZS70) launched in 2017 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V dating back to 2011. Despite their age difference, both cameras offer powerful zoom ranges and unique traits that may appeal to different user types.

Drawing on our extensive hands-on testing experience with small-sensor superzoom cameras, we will delve deep into each model’s image quality, autofocus, build, usability, video capabilities, and more. This comprehensive, 2500-word comparison is crafted to help you feel confident making a choice tailored not only to your budget but also your photographic style.

Physical size and ergonomics are an important consideration for portability and handling - here the Panasonic ZS70 is clearly more compact and lightweight.

First Impressions: Ergonomics and Design Feel

Between these two, your tactile experience starts very differently. The Sony HX100V is designed as a bridge camera with a bulkier, SLR-like body that commands a firm grip and robust presence. Its dimensions of 122 x 87 x 93 mm and weight around 577 grams make it noticeably larger and heavier compared to the slender Panasonic ZS70’s 112 x 67 x 41 mm footprint and light 322 grams weight.

The Panasonic’s compact design is more pocket-friendly and ideal for travel, street shooting, or spontaneous moments where discretion matters. Meanwhile, the Sony’s larger body provides a more substantial grip, possibly improving stability during long telephoto shots or in situations requiring precision handling.

Buttons and controls on the Sony HX100V are laid out in a more traditional DSLR style, with dedicated dials and a textured grip that seasoned photographers appreciate for quick access under various conditions. The Panasonic ZS70, while compact, still offers a thoughtfully designed control cluster, including a tilting touchscreen that lets you navigate menus intuitively.

Examining the top controls, the Sony retains classic dial controls, whereas Panasonic balances streamlined buttons with touchscreen functionality.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors, Big Differences?

Both cameras boast a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, the same physical size at approximately 6.17 mm x 4.55 mm, standard for compact superzooms. However, the Panasonic offers a resolution of 20 megapixels versus the Sony’s 16 megapixels, giving the ZS70 a slight edge in achieving finer detail and the ability to crop images without heavy quality loss.

The Panasonic ZS70’s BSI (Backside Illuminated) CMOS sensor, paired with its Venus Engine processor, tends to deliver cleaner images at higher ISOs compared to its predecessor and likely the slightly dated Sony sensor. The ability to shoot in RAW format on the Panasonic is a major plus for photographers who want maximum post-processing flexibility - a feature the Sony HX100V completely lacks.

Both sport identical sized sensors, but Panasonic captures with a higher resolution and flexibility.

Dynamic range on these compact sensors is inherently limited compared to APS-C or full-frame cameras, yet the Panasonic slightly edges out the Sony in preserving highlight and shadow detail at lower ISO levels based on our lab tests and real-world shooting.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking Fast Moments

If you’re shooting anything fast-moving - sports, wildlife, or even busy street scenes - the autofocus system and burst rate are critical.

The Panasonic ZS70 features a contrast-detection AF system with 49 focus points, touch AF, face detection, AF tracking, and even focus bracketing and stacking modes. This enables not just more accurate focusing, but creative functionality such as stacking for expanded depth of field in macro or landscape work, and post-focus options for selective focusing after capture.

In contrast, the Sony HX100V’s autofocus system is simpler:

• 9 focus points (all contrast-detection)
• No face or eye detection
• No AF tracking capabilities
• No focus bracketing or stacking

While Sony’s AF was industry-leading when launched, it hasn’t aged well compared to modern autofocus standards.

In terms of continuous shooting speed, both cameras offer 10 frames per second burst rate - impressive in this segment. However, the Panasonic can maintain AF tracking during bursts, whereas Sony does not support continuous AF focus, limiting its usefulness for moving subjects.

For low-light autofocus, which is often a challenge, Panasonic’s AF system excels due to advancements in sensor sensitivity and processor speed.

Summary:

• For action, fast autofocus, and reliability in tracking moving subjects, Panasonic ZS70 is clearly superior.
• Sony HX100V is more limited but may still suffice for casual shooting or when subject movement is minimal.

Lens and Zoom: Reach Beyond the Ordinary

Both cameras shine in the zoom department with a 30x optical zoom - a defining characteristic of their class.

• Panasonic ZS70: 24-720 mm equivalent, maximum aperture f/3.3-6.4
• Sony HX100V: 27-810 mm equivalent, maximum aperture f/2.8-5.6

While Sony’s longer reach is impressive, it comes with a larger minimum focal length, meaning it starts less wide than Panasonic’s 24mm.

Panasonic’s wider 24mm allows more versatile framing for landscapes and interiors. However, Sony’s brighter f/2.8 aperture at the wide end is advantageous in low light to achieve faster shutter speeds and smoother background blur.

Neither camera has interchangeable lenses, but the fixed lens superzoom design means you get a visual range that supports travel, wildlife, sports, and casual landscape photography.

Panasonic also includes effective optical image stabilization to counteract camera shake during long zoom shots, an essential feature given small sensors’ modest ISO ranges.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers dedicated weather sealing, dustproofing, or freezeproofing - a common limitation for compact superzoom models aiming to keep size and cost down. You should treat either camera cautiously in adverse weather.

However, the Panasonic ZS70 benefits from a more modern build using lighter polycarbonate materials, which help keep the weight manageable without compromising durability.

The Sony HX100V’s heavier, chunkier design feels rugged but is not optimized for carry-everywhere convenience.

User Interface: Screens and Viewfinders that Help You Shoot

The Panasonic ZS70 features a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1040k dots, providing high resolution and excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. The touchscreen capability makes menu navigation and focus selection intuitive, especially for vloggers or those shooting selfies.

In contrast, the Sony HX100V offers a similarly sized 3-inch tilting screen but without touchscreen support, and a lower resolution of 921k dots. It uses Sony’s “XtraFine” LCD with TruBlack technology to improve contrast and outdoor visibility, but the lack of touch means slower menu interactions.

Both cameras provide electronic viewfinders, with Panasonic’s EVF resolution at 1166k dots covering 100% of the frame and 0.46x magnification. Sony's viewfinder resolution information isn’t officially specified, but it’s understood to be less refined and smaller in coverage.

Panasonic’s high-res tilting touchscreen versus Sony’s non-touch LCD highlight the ZS70’s user-friendly interface.

If you often shoot outdoors in bright conditions or prefer composing via viewfinder, Panasonic’s more advanced EVF and touchscreen pairing will serve you better.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery capacity is another practical concern, especially on trips or longer outings.

• Panasonic ZS70 offers approximately 380 shots per charge.
• Sony HX100V’s battery life is unspecified but known to be shorter due to older battery chemistry and a power-hungry electronic viewfinder.

You’ll likely need to pack spare batteries with the Sony or rely on external chargers, while Panasonic’s newer battery offers more comfortable endurance.

For storage, both cameras accept SD cards, with Sony’s extended support for Memory Stick formats as well, offering flexibility if you already own such cards.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity has advanced considerably since Sony’s 2011 launch:

• Panasonic ZS70 offers built-in Wi-Fi for seamless image transfer and remote shooting via smartphone apps.
• Sony HX100V supports “Eye-Fi” cards for wireless transfer but lacks integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• Neither camera supports NFC or Bluetooth.
• Both have HDMI ports for video output and USB 2.0 for tethered transfer.

Panasonic’s Wi-Fi integration means you can quickly share images on social media or control the camera remotely, an advantage for vloggers or social media creators.

Video Capabilities: 4K vs Full HD

Video remains an important consideration, especially for hybrid shooters.

The Panasonic ZS70 supports:

• 4K UHD video recording at 30p (3840 x 2160)
• Full HD 1080p at 60p, 60i, and 30p options
• 4K Photo mode, allowing extraction of hypersharp 8MP still frames from video
• Electronic image stabilization during video capture

The Sony HX100V manufactures videos at:

• Full HD 1080p max 60fps (1920 x 1080)
• Lower resolutions such as 1440 x 1080, 720p, and VGA
• No 4K video support or advanced stabilization modes for video

Panasonic’s 4K video and 4K Photo mode add modern versatility for creators capturing fast scenes or wanting to reframe footage effortlessly.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Now that we’ve reviewed specifications and features, how do these cameras actually perform in your favorite photography styles?

Panasonic ZS70 front Sony HX100V front Sony HX100V screen back

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic ZS70: With accurate face detection, eye AF, and 20MP resolution, it produces pleasing skin tones and smoother bokeh at wider apertures. Realistic color reproduction and noise control at moderate ISO levels enable flattering portraits.
• Sony HX100V: Without face detection or eye AF, focus can be hit-or-miss. Bokeh is less pronounced due to a narrower maximum aperture and lower resolution. Still acceptable for casual snapshots but less refined.

Landscape Photography

• Panasonic: Wider 24mm, RAW support, and better dynamic range make it more adaptable for landscapes. Focus bracketing and stacking let you maximize depth of field.
• Sony: Slightly longer zoom but less resolution, no RAW, and fewer exposure aids limit landscape potential.

Wildlife Photography

• Panasonic: Faster AF, AF tracking, and 10fps burst with continuous focus make it better for capturing animals in motion.
• Sony: Longer reach but less capable AF, no tracking or continuous AF, challenging for fast wildlife.

Sports Photography

• Panasonic: Again, superior in tracking, burst speed with AF, and ISO performance, making it a more reliable sports shooter within this segment.
• Sony: Limited by single AF mode and slow shutter speeds.

Street Photography

• Panasonic: Smaller size, lighter weight, and tilt-touchscreen support discreet street shooting. Faster AF helps you nail fleeting moments.
• Sony: Bulkier and heavier, making it less ideal for inconspicuous shooting; slower AF can cause missed shots.

Macro Photography

• Panasonic: 3cm minimum focusing distance, focus stacking, and stabilization allows creative macro work.
• Sony: Macro capabilities less defined, no stacking, minimum focus range not specified.

Night and Astro Photography

• Panasonic: Higher ISO with less noise and manual exposure modes aid night photography. RAW files enable better post-processing.
• Sony: ISO performance is weaker, no RAW support hampers flexibility.

Video and Vlogging

• Panasonic: 4K video, touchscreen, and robust stabilization make it well-suited for casual creators and vloggers.
• Sony: Only Full HD video, no touchscreen, limiting ease of use for video.

Travel Photography

• Panasonic: Compactness, versatile zoom, Wi-Fi, and battery life make it an excellent travel camera.
• Sony: Longer zoom but heavier, less wireless convenience.

Professional Use

Neither camera is a professional-grade tool but the Panasonic’s RAW files and greater controls make it more viable for freelance and documented professional work where portability and versatility take priority over absolute image quality.

Performance Ratings

We rate these cameras on overall and genre-specific performance based on testing metrics, user feedback, and lab data.

Deep Dive: Technical Comparisons at a Glance

Final Thoughts and Who Should Choose Which

Panasonic Lumix ZS70: Our Expert Pick for Versatility and Modern Convenience

Pros:

• Higher-resolution sensor with RAW support
• Advanced autofocus system including face/eye detection and tracking
• Compact and lightweight design, perfect for travel and street shooting
• 4K video and 4K Photo mode for hybrid shooters
• Touchscreen interface and built-in Wi-Fi for ease-of-use and connectivity
• Macro focus stacking and bracketing support for creative projects

Cons:

• Less powerful internal flash compared to Sony
• Slightly slower max aperture at telephoto (f/6.4) limiting low-light zoom shots

If you’re a serious enthusiast or creative content creator who values flexibility, image quality, and modern features in a compact body, the Panasonic ZS70 offers a compelling package for under $500.

Sony Cyber-shot HX100V: A Solid Zoom Workhorse for Beginners and Budget Buyers

Pros:

• Longer zoom range reaching up to 810mm equivalent
• Larger built-in flash range for fill-flash scenarios
• Hefty SLR-style body that some users find better for stability
• Reasonable price point on the used market

Cons:

• Lower resolution sensor, no RAW support
• No continuous autofocus or face recognition
• No touchscreen or integrated Wi-Fi
• Older video specs limited to Full HD

The Sony HX100V remains an option if reach at a bargain price is your key requirement and you don’t mind older tech with fewer creative features. However, it lacks the refinement and adaptability of newer models like the ZS70.

Getting Started and Making the Most of Your Superzoom

Whatever camera you choose, mastering its capabilities involves practice and smart accessory investments. For Panasonic ZS70 owners: consider extra batteries, fast SD cards with UHS-I/UHS-II speed for 4K video, and a quality compact tripod to exploit focus stacking and night shots fully.

Sony HX100V users will benefit from protective cases to handle the bulky body and possibly external flashes for better lighting control, since the internal flash - even with longer range - has limited versatility.

Both cameras excel in getting you closer to faraway subjects, so check out telephoto and macro photography accessories to expand your creative toolkit.

Conclusion: Panasonic ZS70 is the Modern Small Sensor Superzoom That Delivers More

Between the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 and Sony Cyber-shot HX100V, it’s clear the ZS70 stands out in nearly every technical and user-experience category. It reflects six years’ worth of technological progress beyond the HX100V’s 2011 launch, offering improved sensor, faster and smarter autofocus, 4K video, and connectivity features that meet today’s content creation demands.

That said, the Sony still offers respectable zoom reach and flash power if you need a budget-friendly superzoom with a more traditional body. But for enthusiasts seeking a go-anywhere enthusiast camera that supports a wide range of photography styles and creative possibilities, the Panasonic ZS70 is the wiser pick.

Take these insights, try the cameras in-store if you can, and envision which suits your creative journey best. Happy shooting!