Panasonic L1 vs Sony A850

Let's take a more detailed look at the Panasonic L1 versus Sony A850, both Advanced DSLR cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and A850 (25MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and A850 (Full frame) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The L1 was revealed 4 years prior to the A850 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a quick overview of how the L1 matches up versus the A850 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic L1 Gallery & Sony A850 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera, you will need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic L1 features exterior measurements of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") and a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) whilst the Sony A850 has sizing of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic L1 versus Sony A850 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the L1 against the A850.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the L1 and A850 is 65 and 54 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing purely by researching specs. The visual underneath might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the L1 and A850.

All in all, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The L1 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Sony A850 will result in more detail because of its extra 18 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos a little more aggressively. The older L1 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.