Panasonic ZS50 vs Sony A500

Below, we are analyzing the Panasonic ZS50 vs Sony A500, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS50 (12MP) and the A500 (12MP) is very similar but the ZS50 (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS50 was brought out 5 years later than the A500 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the ZS50 scores versus the A500 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS50 Gallery & Sony A500 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS50 provides outside measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs) whilst the Sony A500 has dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS50 vs Sony A500 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the ZS50 and the A500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS50 and A500 is 90 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing purely by going over specs. The visual below will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS50 and A500.

All in all, the two cameras posses the exact same megapixel count but not the same sensor sizing. The ZS50 uses the tinier sensor which should make achieving shallow depth of field trickier. The fresher ZS50 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.