Panasonic LZ30 vs Sony A390

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic LZ30 and Sony A390, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the LZ30 (16MP) and the A390 (14MP) is relatively similar but the LZ30 (1/2.3") and A390 (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

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The LZ30 was unveiled 2 years later than the A390 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the LZ30 matches up versus the A390 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The full galleries are available at Panasonic LZ30 Gallery & Sony A390 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LZ30 has got physical measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) and the Sony A390 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic LZ30 and Sony A390 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose at that time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the LZ30 vs the A390.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the LZ30 and A390 is 66 and 66 respectively.

Normally, its hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing only by going over technical specs. The graphic underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the LZ30 and A390.

As you can tell, each of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The LZ30 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic LZ30 will deliver extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs much more aggressively. The more recent LZ30 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.