Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 was introduced in October 2008 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 was introduced in January 2016. Let us first list highlights of the models.

Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A900.

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

Screen

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 have 3.0" Fixed screens with 922k dot and 1,040k dot resolutions respectively. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality (available only on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100) allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.

Viewfinder

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderPanasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 1,166k dot resolution. They both have 100% coverage.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 features a 24.6 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 24 mm and a total area of 861.6 mm². Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 features a 20.1 megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 77.4 mm². Its native ISO range is 125 - 12,800 and expands to 80 - 25,600 in boosted mode.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 6048 x 4032 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4400 x 2936, 4400 x 2936, 3024 x 2016, 6048 x 3408, 4400 x 2472, 3024 x 1704, 3924 x 2656, 2896 x 1928, 1984 x 1320 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 is equipped with Venus Engine processor and can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution.

Image Stabilization

The cameras have a built-in image stabilization. On Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 it means that you are still getting vibration reduction when it is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

Built-in Wi-Fi on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 has a built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz) which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
  Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.

NFC on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 has Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.

USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has a Mini Type C HDMI and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 has a Micro HDMI connector for video signal output.

Battery

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 comes with NP-FM500H battery pack with battery life of 880 shots.

External Storage Slots

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has two card slots - one for Compact Flash (Type I or II), Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo and one for . Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

Shutter

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has Electronically controlled Vertical-traverse Carbon Fiber Focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A900, and up to 1/16000 sec with electronic shutter and up to 1/2000 sec with mechanical shutter on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps.

Flash

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 8.00 m at Auto ISO. Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Proprietary Hot Shoe (compatible w/ Sony & Minolta flashes). The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A900.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 body has dimensions of 156 x 117 x 82 mm (6.14 x 4.61 x 3.23") and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 body has dimensions of 111 x 65 x 44 mm (4.37 x 2.56 x 1.73"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 weighs 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz) and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 weighs 312 g (0.69 lb / 11.01 oz).

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100

156 mm

117 mm

111 mm

65 mm

117 mm

65 mm

82 mm

44 mm