Panasonic ZS45 vs Sony A290

The following is a complete analysis of the Panasonic ZS45 and Sony A290, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the ZS45 (16MP) and the A290 (14MP) is very well matched but the ZS45 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) possess different sensor measurements.

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The ZS45 was brought out 4 years after the A290 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a quick summation of how the ZS45 grades vs the A290 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS45 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS45 enjoys outside dimensions of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Sony A290 has measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") having a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS45 and Sony A290 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the ZS45 versus the A290.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS45 and A290 is 91 and 66 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions just by looking at specs. The image here might give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS45 and A290.

All in all, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS45 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic ZS45 will give extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The newer ZS45 should have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.