Panasonic XS1 vs Sony A100

Here is a comprehensive review of the Panasonic XS1 versus Sony A100, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the XS1 (16MP) and A100 (10MP) and the XS1 (1/2.3") and A100 (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

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The XS1 was manufactured 6 years later than the A100 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short overview of how the XS1 scores versus the A100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic XS1 Gallery and Sony A100 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic XS1 has outside dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") along with a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs) and the Sony A100 has dimensions of 133mm x 95mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") and a weight of 638 grams (1.41 lbs).

Check the Panasonic XS1 versus Sony A100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the XS1 and the A100.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XS1 and A100 is 97 and 64 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing just by looking through specifications. The graphic here will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the XS1 and A100.

To sum up, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The XS1 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Panasonic XS1 will provide you with more detail due to its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more recent XS1 provides an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.