Panasonic ZS80 vs Sony A55

Here, we will be looking at the Panasonic ZS80 versus Sony A55, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS80 (20MP) and A55 (16MP) and the ZS80 (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) posses different sensor sizing.

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The ZS80 was unveiled 7 years later than the A55 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the ZS80 scores vs the A55 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 & Sony SLT-A55. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS80 Gallery & Sony A55 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS80 has exterior dimensions of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") and a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Sony A55 has measurements of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS80 versus Sony A55 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the ZS80 compared to the A55.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS80 and A55 is 86 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing simply by going through a spec sheet. The visual underneath will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS80 and A55.

Clearly, both of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS80 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Panasonic ZS80 will produce extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The more recent ZS80 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.