Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony A57

In this article, we will be comparing the Panasonic ZS5 versus Sony A57, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and A57 (16MP) and the ZS5 (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS5 was announced 3 years before the A57 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a in depth comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the ZS5 grades vs the A57 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Sony SLT-A57. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS5 provides outer 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 A57 has dimensions of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") and a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS5 versus Sony A57 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the ZS5 against the A57.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS5 and A57 is 92 and 64 respectively.

Often, it is tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizing purely by looking through technical specs. The visual underneath will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS5 and A57.

As you can tell, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS5 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Sony A57 will render greater detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots far more aggressively. The older ZS5 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.