Panasonic ZS50 vs Sony A330

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Panasonic ZS50 versus Sony A330, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS50 (12MP) and the A330 (10MP) is fairly similar but the ZS50 (1/2.3") and A330 (APS-C) use different sensor size.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The ZS50 was announced 5 years later than the A330 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera and the Sony A330 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the ZS50 grades vs the A330 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A330. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS50 Gallery and Sony A330 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS50 provides exterior measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs) whilst the Sony A330 has measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 529 grams (1.17 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS50 versus Sony A330 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the ZS50 versus the A330.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS50 and A330 is 90 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading specs. The visual underneath might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS50 and A330.

All in all, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS50 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic ZS50 will offer you more detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The fresher ZS50 provides an edge in sensor technology.