Canon A800 vs Panasonic ZS20

Here is a thorough analysis of the Canon A800 versus Panasonic ZS20, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Canon and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the A800 (10MP) and ZS20 (14MP) but they possess the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The A800 was brought out 15 months prior to the ZS20 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the A800 scores against the ZS20 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot A800 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The entire galleries are provided at Canon A800 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Canon A800 provides outside dimensions of 94mm x 61mm x 31mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 186 grams (0.41 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has sizing of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Canon A800 versus Panasonic ZS20 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the A800 compared to the ZS20.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A800 and ZS20 is 93 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing just by checking specifications. The graphic below will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the A800 and ZS20.

Plainly, both of the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Panasonic ZS20 to give you greater detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The older A800 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.