Panasonic ZS60 vs Sony A550

Let's take a closer look at the Panasonic ZS60 versus Sony A550, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a large difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS60 (18MP) and A550 (14MP) and the ZS60 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) use different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS60 was introduced 6 years later than the A550 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS60 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a in depth comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the ZS60 matches up vs the A550 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS60 Gallery & Sony A550 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS60 enjoys outer measurements of 112mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 282 grams (0.62 lbs) and the Sony A550 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZS60 versus Sony A550 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the ZS60 compared to the A550.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the ZS60 and A550 is 88 and 63 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements merely by seeing specs. The visual below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS60 and A550.

All in all, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS60 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic ZS60 will produce extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The more modern ZS60 should have an edge in sensor innovation.