Panasonic TS4 vs Sony A290

Below is a in-depth overview of the Panasonic TS4 vs Sony A290, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the TS4 (12MP) and the A290 (14MP) is very close but the TS4 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizes.

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The TS4 was unveiled 21 months later than the A290 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic TS4 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the TS4 grades versus the A290 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic TS4 Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic TS4 has physical dimensions of 103mm x 64mm x 27mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1") and a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Sony A290 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

See the Panasonic TS4 vs Sony A290 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is a front view size comparison of the TS4 versus the A290.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the TS4 and A290 is 92 and 66 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to envision the contrast in sensor measurements purely by researching a spec sheet. The photograph below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the TS4 and A290.

Clearly, both of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The TS4 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony A290 will provide you with more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The more recent TS4 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.