• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 480.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A350 advantages over Panasonic ZS20

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 1.42 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Fast startup
    ~1.00 vs 2.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 730 vs 260 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic ZS20 advantages over Sony DSLR-A350

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Thinner
    28 mm vs 74 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    207g vs 582g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 2.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    10 vs 3 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

  • Very long zoom lens; Full HD video; Great grip; Built-in GPS; HDR and Handheld Night Shot modes.

  • Poor image quality due to excessive noise suppression; Flash too close to the grip; No GPS logging; Battery only charges in the camera; Limited touchscreen.

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A200

Sony DSLR-A350
Sony DSLR-A200
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic ZS20
Sony DSLR-A200
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony DSLR-A300

Sony DSLR-A350
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More pixels
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Panasonic ZS20
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon D5000

Sony DSLR-A350
Nikon D5000
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Panasonic ZS20
Nikon D5000
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Panasonic ZS10

Sony DSLR-A350
Panasonic ZS10
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic ZS20
Panasonic ZS10
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Faster shutter

Compared to Panasonic ZS19

Sony DSLR-A350
Panasonic ZS19
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic ZS20
Panasonic ZS19
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
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