Panasonic FH20 vs Sony A500

Here, we will be comparing the Panasonic FH20 and Sony A500, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FH20 (14MP) and the A500 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the FH20 (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) have totally different sensor size.

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The FH20 was brought out 5 months later than the A500 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH20 being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going right into a thorough comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the FH20 scores against the A500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FH20 Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH20 comes with physical measurements of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") having a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Sony A500 has dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") having a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FH20 and Sony A500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the FH20 and the A500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH20 and A500 is 93 and 63 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualise the difference in sensor measurements merely by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the FH20 and A500.

As you can see, the two cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FH20 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Panasonic FH20 will provide more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively.