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Sony W230 vs Panasonic ZS60 Comparison

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Sony W230

12 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD Sensor

Sony W230
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Panasonic ZS60

18 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CMOS Sensor

Panasonic ZS60
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Sony W230 vs Panasonic ZS60 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two Compact cameras from Sony and Panasonic. Sony W230 was introduced to market in February 2009 and Panasonic ZS60 was launched in January 2016. As you can see, W230 is 7 years older than ZS60. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Both cameras have 1/2.3-inch sensors but Sony W230 has a 12.0 MP and Panasonic ZS60 has a 18.0 MP resolution.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Sony W230 and Panasonic ZS60 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Sony W230 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2009-02-17
  • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • 30-120 mm F2.8-5.8 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3" Fixed Type Screen
  • 2 fps continuous shooting
  • - 640 x 480 video resolution
  • 156g. 95 x 57 x 22 mm

Panasonic ZS60 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2016-01-05
  • 18MP - 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 80 - 3200 ( expands to 6400)
  • 24-720 mm F3.3-6.4 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3" Fixed Type Screen
  • 1166k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 10.0 fps continuous shooting
  • 4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 282g. 112 x 64 x 38 mm
  • Also known as Lumix DMC-TZ80
  • Replaced Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 Compare

Panasonic ZS60 was replaced by Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 (Lumix DMC-TZ80)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Sony W230 and Panasonic ZS60 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60
Weight
156 g vs 282 g 126 g lighter
Max Aperture - Wide
2.80 vs 3.30 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
5.80 vs 6.40 faster lens at tele
Sensor Pixel Area
2.34µm2 vs 1.56µm2 49% larger pixel area


Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 over Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230
Wireless Connection
Built-In vs None Better connectivity
Touch Screen
Yes vs No Easy control of camera functions
Viewfinder
Electronic vs None Better framing and control
RAW Support
Yes vs No Better image quality
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs No very handy for portraits
Max Sensor Resolution
18 MP vs 12 MP 50% more pixels
Number of Focus Points
49 vs 9 40 more focus points
LCD Screen Resolution
1.040k dots vs 230k dots 351% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter
1/2000s vs 1/1600s faster mechanical shutter
Continuous Shooting
10.0fps vs 2.0fps 8 fps faster
Manual Exposure
Yes vs No better exposure control
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs No creative shooting
Focal Length - Wide
24mm vs 30mm 6 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
720mm vs 120mm 600 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
30x vs 4× more flexible focal coverage
Flash Coverage
5.6m vs 3.9m 1.7m longer range
Max Video Resolution
3840 x 2160 vs 640 x 480 Higher Resolution Video
AE Bracketing
Yes vs No Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
4K Photo Mode
Yes vs No Extract 8MP photos from 4K Video
Post Focus Mode
Yes vs No Change focus point after taking a shot
Smartphone Remote
Yes vs No Remote control your camera with a smartphone

Common Strengths of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60
Image Stabilization
Optical vs Optical Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Manual Focusing
Yes vs Yes both have manual focusing modes
Common Weaknesses of Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe
No vs No Not suitable for flash photography
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Max Aperture - Tele
5.80 vs 6.40 Slow lenses at tele
Sony W230 vs Panasonic ZS60: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Sony W230 and Panasonic ZS60 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Sony W230 has external dimensions of 95 x 57 x 22 mm (3.74 x 2.24 x 0.87″) and weighs 156 g (0.34 lb / 5.50 oz) (including batteries). Panasonic ZS60 has external dimensions of 112 x 64 x 38 mm (4.41 x 2.52 x 1.5″) and weighs 282 g (0.62 lb / 9.95 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Sony W230 and Panasonic ZS60. Sony W230 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 17mm narrower, 7mm shorter and 16mm thinner than Panasonic ZS60.

Sony W230 vs Panasonic ZS60 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Sony W230 and Panasonic ZS60 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Sony W230 and Panasonic ZS60.

Sony W230 vs Panasonic ZS60 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Sony W230 and Panasonic ZS60 Size and Weight - Back View

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Sony W230 is significantly lighter (126g ) than the Panasonic ZS60 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

W230
ZS60
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

W230
ZS60
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 (Lumix DMC-TZ80) provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Sony W230 and Panasonic ZS60's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Sony W230 vs Panasonic ZS60: Sensor Comparison

Sony W230 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor . On the other hand, Panasonic ZS60 has a 18.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Venus Engine processor.

Panasonic ZS60's sensor provides 6MP more than Sony W230's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely. On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.

Below you can see the W230 and ZS60 sensor size comparison.

Sony W230 vs Panasonic ZS60 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony W230 and Panasonic ZS60 Cameras


Sony W230 and Panasonic ZS60 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Sony W230 has 49% larger pixel area compared to Panasonic ZS60, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Sony W230 vs Panasonic ZS60 Lens Specs Comparison

Sony W230 features a 30-120 mm F2.8-5.8 4× zoom lens whereas Panasonic ZS60 features a 24-720 mm F3.3-6.4 30x zoom lens.

Panasonic ZS60 has 6mm wider coverage than the Sony W230. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f2.80, Sony W230 is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Panasonic ZS60 has 600mm longer telezoom reach than the Sony W230. However, with a max aperture of f5.80, Sony W230 is faster at widest end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

W230
ZS60
Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

W230
ZS60
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

W230
ZS60
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

W230
ZS60
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Sony W230 and Panasonic ZS60 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Sony W230 and Panasonic ZS60 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Sony W230 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Panasonic ZS60 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No External Flash Shoe
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Sony W230 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Panasonic ZS60 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
30 mm - Not so Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
Read the details

Sony W230 for Sports Photography

POOR

Panasonic ZS60 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
120 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1600s
9 Focus Points
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.80
Read the details
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
49 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
720 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No External Flash Shoe
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Slow Lens at Tele: f6.40
Read the details

Sony W230 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Panasonic ZS60 for Daily Photography

GOOD
Compact Body
156g
Body Thickness 22mm
4.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
282g
30.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
Read the details

Sony W230 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Panasonic ZS60 for Landscape Photography

POOR
Manual Focus Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
30 mm - Not so Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Sony W230 vs Panasonic ZS60: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Sony W230 and Panasonic ZS60, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Sony W230 and Panasonic ZS60 scores compare:

Sony W230
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #335 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #986 out of 1225 in all Cameras
Panasonic ZS60
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #6 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #272 out of 1225 in all Cameras

Panasonic ZS60 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Sony W230 in all criteria except one: Portability.
If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Sony W230. Otherwise, Panasonic ZS60 is the better camera overall.

Sony W230
Sony W230
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Panasonic ZS60
Panasonic ZS60
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Panasonic ZS60 vs Sony W230 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60
Brand Sony Panasonic
Announced 2009-02-17 2016-01-05
Body Type Compact Compact
Sensor
Type CCD CMOS
Size 1/2.3-inch 1/2.3-inch
Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area 28.07mm2 28.07mm2
Megapixels 12 megapixels 18 megapixels
Max Resolution 4000 x 3000 4896 x 3672
Max Native Light sensitivity 3,200 ISO 3,200 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity - 6400 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 80 ISO 80 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 9 49
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 30-120 mm (4×) 24-720 mm (30x)
Max Aperture F2.8-5.8 F3.3-6.4
Macro Focus Range 4cm 3cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3" 3"
Resolution 230k dots 1,040k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder 1,166k dots
Viewfinder Coverage n/a 100%
Viewfinder Magnification n/a 0.46x
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/1600s 1/2000s
Max Electronic Shutter n/a 1/16000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization Optical Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 3.90 m 5.60 m (at Auto ISO)
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 2.0 fps 10.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 640 x 480 3840 x 2160
Video Formats Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 156g 282g
Dimensions 95 x 57 x 22mm 112 x 64 x 38mm
Battery Life n/a 320 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score not tested 37
DxO Color Depth not tested 19.3
DxO Dynamic Range not tested 10.6
DxO Low Light ISO not tested 109
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