Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony A390

Following is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic ZS8 versus Sony A390, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZS8 (14MP) and the A390 (14MP) is pretty close but the ZS8 (1/2.3") and A390 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZS8 was announced 12 months after the A390 so they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going into a detailed comparison, here is a short view of how the ZS8 grades against the A390 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery and Sony A390 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS8 has got exterior measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Sony A390 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS8 versus Sony A390 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the ZS8 versus the A390.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS8 and A390 is 92 and 66 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to see the difference in sensor sizes purely by looking through a spec sheet. The picture below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS8 and A390.

As you can see, both of those cameras feature the identical megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizes. The ZS8 has the smaller sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field harder. The younger ZS8 will have a benefit in sensor technology.