Panasonic ZS8 vs Sony A99

Below is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic ZS8 versus Sony A99, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the ZS8 (14MP) and A99 (24MP) and the ZS8 (1/2.3") and A99 (Full frame) possess different sensor sizes.

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The ZS8 was unveiled 17 months earlier than the A99 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Sony A99 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short summary of how the ZS8 matches up against the A99 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 and Sony SLT-A99. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery and Sony A99 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS8 features exterior measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) while the Sony A99 has specifications of 147mm x 111mm x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") with a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS8 versus Sony A99 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the ZS8 vs the A99.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS8 and A99 is 92 and 57 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements merely by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS8 and A99.

Clearly, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS8 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony A99 will give you greater detail having an extra 10MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older ZS8 is going to be behind in sensor tech.