Panasonic XS1 vs Sony A290

Below is a comprehensive overview of the Panasonic XS1 and Sony A290, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the XS1 (16MP) and the A290 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the XS1 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) offer different sensor dimensions.

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The XS1 was unveiled 2 years later than the A290 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a short summation of how the XS1 matches up versus the A290 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic XS1 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic XS1 enjoys exterior measurements 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 A290 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") having a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic XS1 and Sony A290 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the XS1 compared to the A290.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XS1 and A290 is 97 and 66 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements simply by seeing a spec sheet. The visual below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the XS1 and A290.

Clearly, both of those cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The XS1 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic XS1 will provide more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The more modern XS1 provides an advantage in sensor tech.