Panasonic TS5 vs Sony A290

Let's take a more detailed look at the Panasonic TS5 versus Sony A290, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the TS5 (16MP) and the A290 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the TS5 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The TS5 was unveiled 3 years after the A290 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic TS5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting in to a thorough comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the TS5 grades against the A290 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic TS5 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic TS5 offers physical measurements of 110mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Sony A290 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic TS5 versus Sony A290 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the TS5 against the A290.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the TS5 and A290 is 91 and 66 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by going through specifications. The pic here might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the TS5 and A290.

To sum up, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The TS5 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic TS5 will show extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more modern TS5 should have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.