Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, We are going to illustrate Sony A100 and Panasonic SZ5 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Sony A100 has external dimensions of 133 x 95 x 71 mm (5.24 x 3.74 x 2.8″) and weighs 638 g (1.41 lb / 22.50 oz) (including batteries). Panasonic SZ5 has external dimensions of 104 x 58 x 21 mm (4.09 x 2.28 x 0.83″) and weighs 136 g (0.30 lb / 4.80 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Sony A100 and Panasonic SZ5. Panasonic SZ5 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 29mm narrower, 37mm shorter and 50mm thinner than Sony A100. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Panasonic SZ5 has a built-in lens but Sony A100 doesn't. Once you put a lens on A100, its thickness will increase significantly.
![Sony A100 vs Panasonic SZ5 Camera Size Comparison - Front View]()
Comparison image of Sony A100 and Panasonic SZ5 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View
Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic SZ5 is significantly lighter (502g ) than the Sony A100 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 A100, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Panasonic SZ5's 3" LCD screen is slightly larger than Sony A100's 2.5" screen.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.