Panasonic FH2 vs Sony A58

Below is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic FH2 versus Sony A58, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the FH2 (14MP) and A58 (20MP) and the FH2 (1/2.3") and A58 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FH2 was revealed 3 years earlier than the A58 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH2 being a Compact camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the FH2 grades against the A58 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 and Sony SLT-A58. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FH2 Gallery and Sony A58 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH2 has got physical measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Sony A58 has proportions of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") with a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FH2 versus Sony A58 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the FH2 and the A58.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the FH2 and A58 is 96 and 68 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to see the gap in sensor measurements purely by going through specs. The photograph underneath will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FH2 and A58.

All in all, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FH2 using its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh harder and the Sony A58 will show greater detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older FH2 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.