Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VI vs Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 V vs Panasonic Lumix TZ200 vs Panasonic Lumix TZ100

Premium/Serious compact cameras are incredibly popular pieces of kit and when you look at the specs they offer in such small bodies, it's easy to see why. 

Earlier this year, Panasonic refined their line-up with the introduction of the TZ200 - an update to the TZ100 which is still a popular camera itself and earlier this week, Sony also updated their compact camera range with the introduction of the Cyber-shot RX100 VI. 

With so much choice now on offer to compact camera buyers, we thought we'd sit the specs of the new and old side-by-side in a, Panasonic vs Sony shoot-out that also compares each brand's new cameras with the older versions (in Sony's case, this is the Cyber-shot RX100 V). 

As well as taking a look at the below, do head over to our review section to see our full thoughts on each of the cameras and we also have a premium camera countdown you'll probably find interesting, too. 

For the full-on, side-by-side spec comparison without all of the words/opinion, skip to the bottom of the article where you'll find the specs comparison table for all four cameras. 

Those of you who are wondering what's the difference just between the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V and Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI, here's a quick rundown of some of the technical differences in the RX100 VI:

As you can see, the new camera isn't just a new lens on the front of the same camera, but there are a number of other changes that have been made, to improve the operation of the camera, as well as add new features, and better performance. 

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI vs RX100 V vs Panasonic Lumix TZ200 vs TZ100

Lens

The newest premium compact offering from Sony actually wins points in the 'aperture vs zoom' category, as even though the zoom starts at 24mm as the TZ200 does, its aperture range starts at f/2.8 whereas the TZ200 only has an aperture range that starts at f/3.3. The TZ100 isn't far behind the RX100 VI, aperture-wise, but its focal length begins at 25mm rather than 24mm. The RX100 V has the smallest aperture range out of them all and its zoom is much shorter, too. 

As for reach, the TZ200, a huge 15x optical zoom which, in terms of 35mm equivalent, gives it a reach of 24-360mm! The TZ100 comes next with a 10x optical zoom (25mm-250mm, 35mm equivalent) and the Sonys make up the rear with the RX100 VI offering 8.33x optical zoom (24mm - 200mm, 35mm equivalent) and the older RX100 V having just a 2.9x optical zoom (24mm - 70mm, 35mm equivalent).

LCD Monitor 

All four cameras have a 3-inch LCD monitor that offers a clear and bright view of the scene you're trying to capture. The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V isn't a touchscreen but the rest are. In fact, the RX100 VI has a touch shutter that can be activated by tapping the back LCD screen. The screen can also be tilted up and down, something the Panasonic's don't do but the older Sony does. 

Sensor

Sensor wise, all of the cameras are pretty similar with 20Mp or 20.1Mp built-in and all four are back-lit CMOS sensors that measure 1-inch. The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V and VI both use the latest "stacked" CMOS sensor, made by Sony, which is not available for use in other manufacturers cameras. This lets the Sony cameras shoot at 24fps at full-resolution, as well as record high-speed video. 

Focusing

The new Sony RX100 offers the worst minimum focus distance out of all four cameras, only focusing down to 8cm while the TZ200 gets as close as 3cm. The other two cameras both have a close focus distance of 5cm. All of the focus modes you'd expect (AF, manual, multi, face detection etc.) are also built into all models. 

Storage & Power 

All four cameras are compatible with SD memory cards and capture, JPEG, RAW or JPEG + RAW file formats. 

The TZ200 has the best battery life to shot ratio, capturing 370 shots and this is followed by the TZ100 which is capable of capturing 300 shots. The CIPA rating for the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI is much lower at 240 shots but it does improve on the RX100 V which captured 20 shots less. Although, you can use the Monitor Auto OFF function to extend how many shots the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI is capable of capturing to 310, bringing it much closer to the Panasonic rivals. 

ISO Charts 

The ISO ratings are pretty much the same for all four compact cameras so take a look at the below sample images to see which you think comes out on top. 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI ISO test images

Panasonic Lumix TZ200 (ZS200) ISO test images

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V ISO test images

Panasonic Lumix TZ100 ISO test images

Lens Test Images 

Here you'll find the images which showcase the zoom/lens power of each camera. Have a scroll through and see if you agree with what our reviewers said. 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI Lens test images

Panasonic Lumix TZ200 (ZS200) Lens test images

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V Lens test images

Panasonic Lumix TZ100 Lens test images

Sample Photos 

Even more, photos for you to look at and scrutinise. If you have your own images captured with any of the cameras discussed, why not share them with us in the Equipment Database? 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI Sample Photos

Panasonic Lumix TZ200 (ZS200) Sample Photos

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V Sample Photos

Panasonic Lumix TZ100 Sample Photos

Video 

As you'd expect with a modern compact camera, a movie mode is built-in and all four cameras capture 4K with stereo sound and the optical zoom can be used when capturing video. The latest RX100 VI has gone all-out to offer videographers what they are looking for, with S-Log 3 support, and HLG/HDR (High Dynamic Range) video recording as well. The RX100 V and VI both offer super slow-motion video recording, with up to 960/1000fps recording possible, albeit at a reduced resolution. 

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI 

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mark V

Panasonic Lumix TZ200

Panasonic Lumix TZ100

Weight & Dimensions 

As for size and weight, the RX100 VI is the same width/height as the previous RX100 and weighs just over 300g (with battery and memory card) so it definitely won't weigh you down. It also fits well in the hand and is comfortable in use. although there is little grip provided, so you may want to use an optional grip, or always wear the wrist strap. The Panasonic cameras aren't heavy either weighing 310g (TZ100) and 340g (TZ200). Plus, they, too, feel comfortable in use and are the right size for a travel compact, with an improved level of grip compared to the Sony camera.

Price

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV is priced at £1150, making it the most expensive camera here, however, Sony tend to reduce the price of the cameras as they introduce newer versions, with the older models staying on the market at a reduced price. The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V is now available for £886, but was priced at £1000 when it was first released. The Panasonic Lumix TZ100 is available for around £500 making it the cheapest camera here, with the Panasonic Lumix TZ200 available for £729.

Read Our Reviews

For more information on each camera, head over to our review section where you'll find a hands-on with the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI and full reviews of the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V, Panasonic Lumix TZ200 and Panasonic Lumix TZ100.