Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony A290

In this article, we will be comparing the Panasonic ZS3 versus Sony A290, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizable gap among the sensor resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and A290 (14MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The ZS3 was unveiled 13 months before the A290 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a short summary of how the ZS3 scores versus the A290 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS3 provides external measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony A290 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") along with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS3 versus Sony A290 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at that moment. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the ZS3 vs the A290.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS3 and A290 is 91 and 66 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizing just by viewing specs. The photograph underneath will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS3 and A290.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS3 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony A290 will provide you with more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots far more aggressively. The older ZS3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.