Panasonic FH20 vs Sony A230

Below is a comprehensive analysis of the Panasonic FH20 vs Sony A230, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the FH20 (14MP) and A230 (10MP) and the FH20 (1/2.3") and A230 (APS-C) have different sensor sizes.

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The FH20 was released 8 months later than the A230 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH20 being a Compact camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple view of how the FH20 matches up against the A230 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FH20 Gallery and Sony A230 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH20 features physical dimensions of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Sony A230 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") having a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FH20 vs Sony A230 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the FH20 versus the A230.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the FH20 and A230 is 93 and 69 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to visualize the difference in sensor measurements simply by looking through technical specs. The photograph underneath will offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH20 and A230.

As you can tell, both the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FH20 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic FH20 will result in extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The newer FH20 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.