Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony A55

Following is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony A55, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the ZS8 (14MP) and the A55 (16MP) is pretty close but the ZS8 (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor size.

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The ZS8 was announced 11 months after the A55 and they are of a similar age. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the ZS8 scores vs the A55 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 & Sony SLT-A55. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery & Sony A55 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS8 comes with outside measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) whilst the Sony A55 has measurements of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") having a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony A55 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the ZS8 compared to the A55.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the ZS8 and A55 is 92 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes just by viewing a spec sheet. The image below should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS8 and A55.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZS8 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony A55 will result in extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The newer ZS8 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.