Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony A550

In this write-up, we are looking at the Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony A550, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZS8 (14MP) and the A550 (14MP) is very similar but the ZS8 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

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The ZS8 was introduced 20 months later than the A550 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief overview of how the ZS8 grades vs the A550 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery & Sony A550 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS8 has got physical dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) whilst the Sony A550 has dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony A550 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is the front view scale comparison of the ZS8 against the A550.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS8 and A550 is 92 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to visualize the difference between sensor measurements only by reading specs. The visual below will offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS8 and A550.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels but different sensor measurements. The ZS8 has the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult. The more recent ZS8 should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.