Panasonic S1 vs Sony A500

On this page, we will be reviewing the Panasonic S1 and Sony A500, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the S1 (12MP) and the A500 (12MP) is relatively similar but the S1 (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) have different sensor measurements.

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The S1 was introduced 17 months later than the A500 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic S1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short summation of how the S1 grades against the A500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic S1 Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic S1 features outside measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Sony A500 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic S1 and Sony A500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the S1 versus the A500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the S1 and A500 is 96 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizing purely by reviewing specs. The photograph underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the S1 and A500.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras provide the same resolution albeit different sensor sizing. The S1 includes the tinier sensor which will make obtaining shallower depth of field harder. The fresher S1 should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.