Panasonic ZS80 vs Sony A550

On this page, we are analyzing the Panasonic ZS80 versus Sony A550, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS80 (20MP) and A550 (14MP) and the ZS80 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor size.

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The ZS80 was unveiled 8 years after the A550 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick overview of how the ZS80 matches up against the A550 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS80 Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS80 comes with external measurements of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") along with a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Sony A550 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") along with a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS80 versus Sony A550 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the ZS80 versus the A550.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS80 and A550 is 86 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizes merely by looking through specs. The pic here may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS80 and A550.

All in all, both of those cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZS80 using its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh harder and the Panasonic ZS80 will provide you with more detail having an extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics more aggressively. The fresher ZS80 will have an advantage in sensor tech.