Panasonic ZS50 vs Sony A390

Below is a in depth review of the Panasonic ZS50 versus Sony A390, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZS50 (12MP) and the A390 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the ZS50 (1/2.3") and A390 (APS-C) use totally different sensor measurements.

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The ZS50 was manufactured 4 years later than the A390 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera and the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the ZS50 scores versus the A390 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS50 Gallery and Sony A390 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera, you will have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS50 has got external dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Sony A390 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") and a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS50 versus Sony A390 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the ZS50 and the A390.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS50 and A390 is 90 and 66 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to visualise the difference between sensor measurements merely by reading through technical specs. The graphic below may give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS50 and A390.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZS50 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Sony A390 will give you greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The more modern ZS50 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.