Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony A850

Following is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic ZS5 versus Sony A850, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and A850 (25MP) and the ZS5 (1/2.3") and A850 (Full frame) have different sensor sizes.

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The ZS5 was released 3 months after the A850 so they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A850 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summary of how the ZS5 grades against the A850 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery and Sony A850 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS5 features external dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Sony A850 has specifications of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") with a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS5 versus Sony A850 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using during that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the ZS5 and the A850.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the ZS5 and A850 is 92 and 54 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading through technical specs. The image here will give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS5 and A850.

As you have seen, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS5 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony A850 will resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 13MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures more aggressively.