Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony A200

Lets look more closely at the Panasonic ZS3 and Sony A200, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZS3 (10MP) and the A200 (10MP) is fairly well matched but the ZS3 (1/2.3") and A200 (APS-C) posses different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS3 was introduced 11 months later than the A200 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A200 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summary of how the ZS3 grades vs the A200 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A200. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Sony A200 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS3 has got physical dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony A200 has dimensions of 131mm x 99mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 572 grams (1.26 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS3 and Sony A200 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the ZS3 versus the A200.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS3 and A200 is 91 and 66 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to imagine the gap between sensor measurements just by looking at specs. The photograph underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS3 and A200.

All in all, each of the cameras feature the identical resolution but different sensor measurements. The ZS3 contains the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower depth of field more difficult. The newer ZS3 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.