Panasonic ZS80 vs Sony A58

Following is a comprehensive overview of the Panasonic ZS80 and Sony A58, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS80 (20MP) and the A58 (20MP) is fairly similar but the ZS80 (1/2.3") and A58 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ZS80 was launched 4 years after the A58 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the ZS80 grades versus the A58 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 and Sony SLT-A58. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS80 Gallery and Sony A58 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS80 provides outer measurements of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") having a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Sony A58 has sizing of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") along with a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS80 and Sony A58 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the ZS80 and the A58.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS80 and A58 is 86 and 68 respectively.

Generally, its tough to picture the difference between sensor sizes merely by reading specs. The picture underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS80 and A58.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras have the same resolution but different sensor sizes. The ZS80 uses the tinier sensor which will make obtaining bokeh more difficult. The newer ZS80 provides an advantage in sensor innovation.