Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony A500

Here, we will be looking at the Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony A500, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the SZ8 (16MP) and A500 (12MP) and the SZ8 (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ8 was launched 4 years later than the A500 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SZ8 scores against the A500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ8 has outer measurements of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Sony A500 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony A500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the SZ8 and the A500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ8 and A500 is 94 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements purely by researching specifications. The graphic below should give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ8 and A500.

To sum up, both of those cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SZ8 due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic SZ8 will result in extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The fresher SZ8 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.