Panasonic XS1 vs Sony A700

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic XS1 and Sony A700, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the XS1 (16MP) and A700 (12MP) and the XS1 (1/2.3") and A700 (APS-C) posses different sensor sizes.

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The XS1 was released 5 years later than the A700 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A700 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a short introduction of how the XS1 scores versus the A700 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic XS1 Gallery and Sony A700 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic XS1 offers exterior 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) whilst the Sony A700 has measurements of 142mm x 105mm x 80mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.1") having a weight of 768 grams (1.69 lbs).

See the Panasonic XS1 and Sony A700 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the XS1 versus the A700.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the XS1 and A700 is 97 and 58 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The photograph here will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the XS1 and A700.

Clearly, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The XS1 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic XS1 will deliver more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The newer XS1 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.