Panasonic ZS200 vs Sigma SD1

Its time to take a deeper look at the Panasonic ZS200 and Sigma SD1, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sigma. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the ZS200 (20MP) and SD1 (15MP) and the ZS200 (1") and SD1 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS200 was revealed 7 years after the SD1 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS200 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sigma SD1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the ZS200 scores vs the SD1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 and Sigma SD1. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS200 Gallery and Sigma SD1 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS200 offers outside measurements of 111mm x 66mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.8") and a weight of 340 grams (0.75 lbs) whilst the Sigma SD1 has specifications of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") having a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS200 and Sigma SD1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the ZS200 and the SD1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS200 and SD1 is 86 and 77 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to see the gap between sensor dimensions merely by reading through a spec sheet. The picture underneath may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS200 and SD1.

Clearly, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS200 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field trickier and the Panasonic ZS200 will resolve greater detail because of its extra 5MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The newer ZS200 will have an edge in sensor innovation.