Panasonic FH1 vs Sony A57

On this page, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FH1 versus Sony A57, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the FH1 (12MP) and A57 (16MP) and the FH1 (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) provide different sensor dimensions.

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The FH1 was revealed 3 years earlier than the A57 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a quick overview of how the FH1 matches up against the A57 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 & Sony SLT-A57. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FH1 Gallery & Sony A57 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH1 has got exterior measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) whilst the Sony A57 has dimensions of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") having a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FH1 versus Sony A57 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the FH1 and the A57.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the FH1 and A57 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions merely by going through a spec sheet. The pic here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FH1 and A57.

Clearly, the two cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FH1 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony A57 will provide more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged FH1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.