Canon A3500 IS vs Panasonic ZS50

Below is a comprehensive analysis of the Canon A3500 IS and Panasonic ZS50, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Canon and Panasonic. There exists a big gap among the image resolutions of the A3500 IS (16MP) and ZS50 (12MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The A3500 IS was brought out 24 months earlier than the ZS50 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple overview of how the A3500 IS scores against the ZS50 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot A3500 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The entire galleries are provided at Canon A3500 IS Gallery and Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Canon A3500 IS offers external dimensions of 98mm x 56mm x 20mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 135 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS50 has specifications of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Compare the Canon A3500 IS and Panasonic ZS50 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the A3500 IS versus the ZS50.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A3500 IS and ZS50 is 96 and 90 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to imagine the difference in sensor measurements purely by researching a spec sheet. The photograph below will give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the A3500 IS and ZS50.

Clearly, both of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Canon A3500 IS to provide you with extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The older A3500 IS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.