Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Panasonic TS2 and Sony A290 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Panasonic TS2 has external dimensions of 99 x 63 x 24 mm (3.9 x 2.48 x 0.94″) and weighs 188 g (0.41 lb / 6.63 oz) (including batteries). Sony A290 has external dimensions of 128 x 97 x 86 mm (5.04 x 3.82 x 3.39″) and weighs 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Panasonic TS2 and the Sony A290. Panasonic TS2 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 29mm narrower, 34mm shorter and 62mm thinner than Sony A290. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Panasonic TS2 has a built-in lens but Sony A290 doesn't. Once you put a lens on A290, its thickness will increase significantly.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Panasonic TS2 and Sony A290.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Panasonic TS2 and Sony A290.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic TS2 is significantly lighter (361g ) than the Sony A290 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on A290, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Thanks to the weather-sealed body of the TS2, you can use this camera with more confidence under conditions where there is risk of exposure to water and dust compared to the A290.
LCD Screen Size and Features
Panasonic TS2 and Sony A290's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 2.70 inches.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.