Panasonic ZS1 vs Sony A300

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic ZS1 versus Sony A300, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS1 (10MP) and the A300 (10MP) is relatively similar but the ZS1 (1/2.5") and A300 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The ZS1 was launched 16 months later than the A300 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A300 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the ZS1 scores vs the A300 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A300. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery and Sony A300 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS1 features physical measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony A300 has proportions of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS1 versus Sony A300 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the ZS1 and the A300.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the ZS1 and A300 is 91 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizing merely by going over technical specs. The photograph here will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS1 and A300.

As you can tell, both cameras have got the exact same resolution albeit different sensor sizing. The ZS1 features the tinier sensor which should make achieving bokeh tougher. The younger ZS1 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.