Panasonic ZS70 vs Sony A390

Here is a in depth comparison of the Panasonic ZS70 and Sony A390, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the ZS70 (20MP) and A390 (14MP) and the ZS70 (1/2.3") and A390 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS70 was launched 6 years later than the A390 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS70 being a Compact camera and the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a short introduction of how the ZS70 matches up against the A390 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS70 Gallery & Sony A390 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS70 offers external measurements of 112mm x 67mm x 41mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 322 grams (0.71 lbs) whilst the Sony A390 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") along with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS70 and Sony A390 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the ZS70 compared to the A390.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS70 and A390 is 87 and 66 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing just by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic below will provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS70 and A390.

Clearly, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS70 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic ZS70 will give you greater detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern ZS70 will have an edge in sensor tech.