Panasonic FH2 vs Sony A37

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Panasonic FH2 versus Sony A37, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FH2 (14MP) and the A37 (16MP) is very well matched but the FH2 (1/2.3") and A37 (APS-C) use different sensor sizes.

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The FH2 was revealed 16 months prior to the A37 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH2 being a Compact camera and the Sony A37 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick summation of how the FH2 grades versus the A37 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 & Sony SLT-A37. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FH2 Gallery & Sony A37 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH2 comes with outer 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) whilst the Sony A37 has proportions of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") having a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH2 versus Sony A37 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the FH2 compared to the A37.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the FH2 and A37 is 96 and 67 respectively.

Often, its difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizing merely by looking at technical specs. The photograph here will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the FH2 and A37.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FH2 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony A37 will give extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images far more aggressively. The older FH2 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.