Panasonic SZ5 vs Sony A58

Following is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic SZ5 and Sony A58, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ5 (14MP) and A58 (20MP) and the SZ5 (1/2.3") and A58 (APS-C) possess different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ5 was launched 16 months prior to the A58 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SZ5 matches up vs the A58 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 & Sony SLT-A58. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic SZ5 Gallery & Sony A58 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ5 provides outside dimensions of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Sony A58 has sizing of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") having a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic SZ5 and Sony A58 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the SZ5 vs the A58.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ5 and A58 is 95 and 68 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes just by reading specifications. The pic here should give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ5 and A58.

Plainly, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SZ5 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh trickier and the Sony A58 will deliver more detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged SZ5 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.