Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony A57

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony A57, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS8 (14MP) and the A57 (16MP) is pretty close but the ZS8 (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) posses different sensor measurements.

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The ZS8 was unveiled 14 months before the A57 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short introduction of how the ZS8 scores vs the A57 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 and Sony SLT-A57. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS8 provides external 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) and the Sony A57 has measurements of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony A57 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the ZS8 vs the A57.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the ZS8 and A57 is 92 and 64 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by viewing specifications. The picture underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS8 and A57.

Plainly, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS8 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony A57 will result in more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged ZS8 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.