Panasonic ZS20 vs Sony A580

Lets look more closely at the Panasonic ZS20 vs Sony A580, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZS20 (14MP) and the A580 (16MP) is pretty similar but the ZS20 (1/2.3") and A580 (APS-C) possess different sensor measurements.

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The ZS20 was introduced 12 months later than the A580 so they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera and the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summary of how the ZS20 matches up vs the A580 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery & Sony A580 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS20 enjoys external measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Sony A580 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS20 vs Sony A580 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the ZS20 against the A580.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS20 and A580 is 92 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing merely by reviewing specs. The visual below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS20 and A580.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS20 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh harder and the Sony A580 will offer you extra detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The newer ZS20 provides an edge in sensor technology.