Panasonic FH1 vs Sony H20

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic FH1 versus Sony H20, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FH1 (12MP) and the H20 (10MP) is very close and they possess the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The FH1 was unveiled 8 months after the H20 and they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the FH1 grades vs the H20 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Sony H20 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FH1 provides outside measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Sony H20 has specifications of 107mm x 69mm x 47mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.9") having a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FH1 versus Sony H20 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the FH1 against the H20.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the FH1 and H20 is 95 and 87 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions just by viewing specs. The pic below may give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the FH1 and H20.

All in all, the 2 cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but different megapixels. You should expect to see the Panasonic FH1 to render extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The fresher FH1 should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.