Panasonic XS1 vs Sony A37

The following is a comprehensive overview of the Panasonic XS1 versus Sony A37, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the XS1 (16MP) and the A37 (16MP) is fairly similar but the XS1 (1/2.3") and A37 (APS-C) possess different sensor dimensions.

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The XS1 was brought out 8 months after the A37 and they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A37 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the XS1 scores versus the A37 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1 and Sony SLT-A37. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic XS1 Gallery and Sony A37 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic XS1 provides external dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") with a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs) while the Sony A37 has dimensions of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") along with a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic XS1 versus Sony A37 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the XS1 and the A37.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the XS1 and A37 is 97 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by going over specs. The pic underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the XS1 and A37.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras posses the exact same MP but different sensor dimensions. The XS1 uses the tinier sensor which will make obtaining shallower depth of field trickier. The more recent XS1 provides an edge with regard to sensor technology.