Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony A380

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony A380, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS5 (12MP) and the A380 (14MP) is relatively similar but the ZS5 (1/2.3") and A380 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZS5 was released 10 months after the A380 which means that they are of a similar age. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A380 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the ZS5 matches up vs the A380 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A380. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery & Sony A380 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS5 offers physical dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Sony A380 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 519 grams (1.14 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony A380 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the ZS5 compared to the A380.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS5 and A380 is 92 and 68 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to envision the gap between sensor dimensions just by going over specs. The picture below will give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS5 and A380.

As you can plainly see, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZS5 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony A380 will offer greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more recent ZS5 will have an advantage in sensor tech.