Panasonic S1 vs Sony A57

Below, we are comparing the Panasonic S1 and Sony A57, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the S1 (12MP) and A57 (16MP) and the S1 (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The S1 was introduced 20 months prior to the A57 making the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the S1 grades against the A57 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 and Sony SLT-A57. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic S1 Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S1 comes with external dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) while the Sony A57 has measurements of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") along with a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic S1 and Sony A57 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the S1 against the A57.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S1 and A57 is 96 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor dimensions only by checking specs. The pic underneath may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the S1 and A57.

All in all, both of those cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The S1 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony A57 will give you extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos much more aggressively. The more aged S1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.