Panasonic SZ3 vs Sony A550

Below is a extended review of the Panasonic SZ3 vs Sony A550, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ3 (16MP) and the A550 (14MP) is fairly similar but the SZ3 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The SZ3 was revealed 3 years later than the A550 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a concise view of how the SZ3 scores against the A550 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ3 has got external dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 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 SZ3 vs Sony A550 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the SZ3 compared to the A550.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ3 and A550 is 96 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements merely by reading technical specs. The graphic below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ3 and A550.

As you can tell, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ3 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Panasonic SZ3 will deliver extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The fresher SZ3 will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.