Panasonic TS3 vs Sony A550

The following is a in depth overview of the Panasonic TS3 and Sony A550, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the TS3 (12MP) and the A550 (14MP) is very similar but the TS3 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

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The TS3 was brought out 21 months after the A550 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic TS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short summary of how the TS3 matches up versus the A550 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic TS3 Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic TS3 offers physical dimensions of 103mm x 64mm x 27mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1") along with a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Sony A550 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Check the Panasonic TS3 and Sony A550 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the TS3 vs the A550.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the TS3 and A550 is 92 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing specifications. The image below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the TS3 and A550.

To sum up, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The TS3 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony A550 will deliver extra detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The newer TS3 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.