Panasonic ZS20 vs Sony A550

Here, we are matching up the Panasonic ZS20 and Sony A550, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the ZS20 (14MP) and the A550 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the ZS20 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) posses different sensor sizing.

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The ZS20 was announced 2 years after the A550 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short overview of how the ZS20 scores against the A550 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery & Sony A550 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS20 offers physical measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Sony A550 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS20 and Sony A550 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the ZS20 against the A550.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS20 and A550 is 92 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by going through technical specs. The image below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS20 and A550.

As you have seen, each of these cameras come with the identical megapixels but different sensor dimensions. The ZS20 offers the smaller sensor which should make achieving bokeh more challenging. The fresher ZS20 should have an edge in sensor tech.