Panasonic FH2 vs Sony A290

Its time to look much closer at the Panasonic FH2 versus Sony A290, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FH2 (14MP) and the A290 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the FH2 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

The FH2 was released 7 months later than the A290 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH2 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the FH2 matches up versus the A290 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH2 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH2 offers external measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Sony A290 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH2 versus Sony A290 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the FH2 versus the A290.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH2 and A290 is 96 and 66 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to picture the difference between sensor sizing just by checking technical specs. The photograph here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FH2 and A290.

As you can tell, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels but different sensor sizing. The FH2 has got the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallower depth of field more difficult. The fresher FH2 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.