Panasonic ZS7 vs Sony A300

The following is a comprehensive assessment of the Panasonic ZS7 vs Sony A300, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZS7 (12MP) and the A300 (10MP) is fairly similar but the ZS7 (1/2.3") and A300 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizing.

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The ZS7 was launched 3 years after the A300 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera and the Sony A300 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the ZS7 scores versus the A300 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A300. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS7 Gallery and Sony A300 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS7 provides exterior dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) whilst the Sony A300 has measurements of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZS7 vs Sony A300 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the ZS7 versus the A300.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS7 and A300 is 91 and 64 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to picture the difference between sensor dimensions only by going over specs. The image below should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS7 and A300.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZS7 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Panasonic ZS7 will deliver more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics more aggressively. The more recent ZS7 provides an edge when it comes to sensor tech.