Canon 550D vs Panasonic FS42

Lets look more closely at the Canon 550D and Panasonic FS42, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Canon and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the 550D (18MP) and FS42 (10MP) and the 550D (APS-C) and FS42 (1/2.5") come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The 550D was unveiled 12 months later than the FS42 and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Canon 550D being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving in to a complete comparison, below is a brief overview of how the 550D matches up versus the FS42 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon EOS 550D and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The full galleries are viewable at Canon 550D Gallery and Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera, you will need to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon 550D comes with external measurements of 129mm x 98mm x 62mm (5.1" x 3.9" x 2.4") having a weight of 530 grams (1.17 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FS42 has proportions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon 550D and Panasonic FS42 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the 550D against the FS42.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 550D and FS42 is 70 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to envision the contrast between sensor measurements merely by reading through specifications. The graphic underneath will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the 550D and FS42.

To sum up, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 550D having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Canon 550D will resolve more detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more recent 550D is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.