Panasonic FH1 vs Sony A300

Following is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic FH1 and Sony A300, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FH1 (12MP) and the A300 (10MP) is relatively close but the FH1 (1/2.3") and A300 (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FH1 was revealed 24 months after the A300 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A300 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summation of how the FH1 grades versus the A300 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A300. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Sony A300 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH1 provides external dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) whilst the Sony A300 has dimensions of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FH1 and Sony A300 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the FH1 compared to the A300.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FH1 and A300 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to envision the gap in sensor sizes merely by looking through technical specs. The picture underneath may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the FH1 and A300.

As you have seen, each of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FH1 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FH1 will result in greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The younger FH1 will have an edge in sensor technology.