Panasonic ZS45 vs Sony A6500

Here, we will be reviewing the Panasonic ZS45 and Sony A6500, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the ZS45 (16MP) and A6500 (24MP) and the ZS45 (1/2.3") and A6500 (APS-C) provide different sensor measurements.

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The ZS45 was unveiled 21 months before the A6500 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera and the Sony A6500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the ZS45 matches up versus the A6500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 and Sony Alpha a6500. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS45 Gallery and Sony A6500 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS45 has got physical dimensions of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Sony A6500 has proportions of 120mm x 67mm x 53mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 2.1") along with a weight of 453 grams (1.00 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS45 and Sony A6500 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the ZS45 and the A6500.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS45 and A6500 is 91 and 81 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizing only by going through a spec sheet. The graphic below may give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS45 and A6500.

As you can see, each of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS45 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony A6500 will show more detail having an extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The older ZS45 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.