Panasonic XS1 vs Sony A55

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic XS1 and Sony A55, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the XS1 (16MP) and the A55 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the XS1 (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor size.

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The XS1 was announced 2 years later than the A55 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a short summation of how the XS1 scores versus the A55 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1 and Sony SLT-A55. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic XS1 Gallery and Sony A55 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic XS1 offers physical measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") having a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs) and the Sony A55 has sizing of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") having a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic XS1 and Sony A55 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the XS1 vs the A55.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the XS1 and A55 is 97 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing only by reading through specifications. The visual underneath may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the XS1 and A55.

To sum up, each of the cameras have got the exact same resolution but not the same sensor sizing. The XS1 uses the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallower DOF tougher. The more modern XS1 will have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.