Panasonic SZ10 vs Sony A550

The following is a in-depth assessment of the Panasonic SZ10 and Sony A550, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the SZ10 (16MP) and the A550 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the SZ10 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ10 was brought out 5 years after the A550 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic SZ10 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short highlight of how the SZ10 grades vs the A550 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ10 Gallery & Sony A550 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ10 offers external measurements of 99mm x 60mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.2") and a weight of 177 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Sony A550 has sizing of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic SZ10 and Sony A550 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select at that moment. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ10 against the A550.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ10 and A550 is 93 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by reading through a spec sheet. The picture below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ10 and A550.

As you can see, both of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SZ10 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic SZ10 will give more detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more modern SZ10 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.