Panasonic SZ1 vs Sony A200

Following is a comprehensive analysis of the Panasonic SZ1 vs Sony A200, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the SZ1 (16MP) and A200 (10MP) and the SZ1 (1/2.3") and A200 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

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The SZ1 was launched 3 years after the A200 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A200 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SZ1 grades against the A200 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A200. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery and Sony A200 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera, you have to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic SZ1 features external measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Sony A200 has specifications of 131mm x 99mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 2.8") along with a weight of 572 grams (1.26 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic SZ1 vs Sony A200 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at the time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ1 versus the A200.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ1 and A200 is 95 and 66 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizes only by reading a spec sheet. The picture here might give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ1 and A200.

As you can see, both of those cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ1 due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic SZ1 will offer you extra detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures much more aggressively. The newer SZ1 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.