• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A55 advantages over Panasonic ZS70

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.82 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.73x vs 0.46x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic ZS70 advantages over Sony A55

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    41 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    7 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 9.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon T2i

Sony A55
Canon T2i
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony A55 vs Canon T2i

Panasonic ZS70
Canon T2i
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS70 vs Canon T2i

Compared to Sony A33

Sony A55
Sony A33
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
  • $540
  • APS-C

Compare Sony A55 vs Sony A33

Panasonic ZS70
Sony A33
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS70 vs Sony A33

Compared to Sony A35

Sony A55
Sony A35
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Sony A55 vs Sony A35

Panasonic ZS70
Sony A35
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS70 vs Sony A35

Compared to Canon SX730 HS

Sony A55
Canon SX730 HS
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Sony A55 vs Canon SX730 HS

Panasonic ZS70
Canon SX730 HS
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • NFC
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Panasonic ZS70 vs Canon SX730 HS

Compared to Panasonic ZS80

Sony A55
Panasonic ZS80
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony A55 vs Panasonic ZS80

Panasonic ZS70
Panasonic ZS80
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Shoots 24p video

Compare Panasonic ZS70 vs Panasonic ZS80

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