Panasonic ZS45 vs Sony A230

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Panasonic ZS45 and Sony A230, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the ZS45 (16MP) and A230 (10MP) and the ZS45 (1/2.3") and A230 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZS45 was introduced 5 years after the A230 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick summary of how the ZS45 scores vs the A230 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS45 Gallery and Sony A230 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS45 provides external measurements of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Sony A230 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS45 and Sony A230 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the ZS45 versus the A230.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS45 and A230 is 91 and 69 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading technical specs. The picture here should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS45 and A230.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZS45 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF harder and the Panasonic ZS45 will deliver more detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots far more aggressively. The more recent ZS45 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.