Panasonic ZS30 vs Sony A37

Here is a detailed assessment of the Panasonic ZS30 vs Sony A37, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the ZS30 (18MP) and the A37 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the ZS30 (1/2.3") and A37 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ZS30 was manufactured 8 months later than the A37 and they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera and the Sony A37 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the ZS30 scores vs the A37 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Sony SLT-A37. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery and Sony A37 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS30 has got external dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) while the Sony A37 has measurements of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS30 vs Sony A37 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the ZS30 compared to the A37.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS30 and A37 is 92 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing just by seeing technical specs. The graphic below will give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS30 and A37.

As you can tell, both the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS30 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic ZS30 will provide greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more recent ZS30 provides an advantage in sensor innovation.