Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony A560

Below, we will be looking at the Panasonic ZS3 and Sony A560, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and A560 (14MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and A560 (APS-C) come with different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS3 was unveiled 15 months earlier than the A560 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A560 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick summation of how the ZS3 scores versus the A560 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A560. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Sony A560 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS3 comes with outer measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony A560 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).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS3 and Sony A560 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the ZS3 and the A560.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS3 and A560 is 91 and 64 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions only by going through specs. The pic below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS3 and A560.

All in all, both cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS3 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony A560 will produce greater detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged ZS3 will be behind in sensor technology.