Panasonic L1 vs Sony A99

Following is a thorough assessment of the Panasonic L1 versus Sony A99, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and A99 (24MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and A99 (Full frame) posses totally different sensor size.

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The L1 was released 6 years before the A99 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before getting straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick overview of how the L1 matches up vs the A99 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 & Sony SLT-A99. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic L1 Gallery & Sony A99 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic L1 provides outside dimensions of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") having a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) and the Sony A99 has sizing of 147mm x 111mm x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") and a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic L1 versus Sony A99 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the L1 versus the A99.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the L1 and A99 is 65 and 57 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to see the gap between sensor sizes merely by checking specifications. The image below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the L1 and A99.

Plainly, both of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The L1 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Sony A99 will give greater detail as a result of its extra 17MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more aged L1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.