Panasonic FH2 vs Sony HX30V

Following is a extensive review of the Panasonic FH2 vs Sony HX30V, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the FH2 (14MP) and HX30V (18MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The FH2 was unveiled 13 months prior to the HX30V which makes them a generation away from one another. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the FH2 matches up against the HX30V for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FH2 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH2 has got exterior dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) whilst the Sony HX30V has measurements of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH2 vs Sony HX30V in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the FH2 vs the HX30V.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FH2 and HX30V is 96 and 90 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizes purely by checking out specifications. The image below should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH2 and HX30V.

Plainly, both cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You should expect the Sony HX30V to provide extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged FH2 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.