Panasonic XS1 vs Sony A500

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic XS1 and Sony A500, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. There exists a big gap among the image resolutions of the XS1 (16MP) and A500 (12MP) and the XS1 (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) posses different sensor sizes.

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The XS1 was brought out 3 years later than the A500 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the XS1 matches up versus the A500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic XS1 Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic XS1 has got outer measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") accompanied by a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs) and the Sony A500 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") along with a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic XS1 and Sony A500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the XS1 against the A500.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XS1 and A500 is 97 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizing simply by checking out specs. The graphic underneath may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the XS1 and A500.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The XS1 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic XS1 will produce extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The more recent XS1 provides a benefit with regard to sensor tech.