Panasonic FH20 vs Sony HX1

Following is a in depth comparison of the Panasonic FH20 and Sony HX1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the FH20 (14MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the FH20 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The FH20 was brought out 9 months after the HX1 so they are of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH20 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief view of how the FH20 scores vs the HX1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FH20 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH20 offers exterior dimensions of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Sony HX1 has dimensions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") having a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH20 and Sony HX1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the FH20 compared to the HX1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH20 and HX1 is 93 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by going over a spec sheet. The picture underneath should offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH20 and HX1.

As you can see, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FH20 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic FH20 will offer extra detail having its extra 5 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The newer FH20 will have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.