Panasonic FH20 vs Sony HX9V

Its time to look closer at the Panasonic FH20 and Sony HX9V, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FH20 (14MP) and the HX9V (16MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras boast the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FH20 was revealed 18 months earlier than the HX9V which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the FH20 scores against the HX9V for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FH20 Gallery and Sony HX9V Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera, you have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FH20 enjoys physical measurements of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Sony HX9V has specifications of 105mm x 59mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FH20 and Sony HX9V in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the FH20 compared to the HX9V.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH20 and HX9V is 93 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements only by checking technical specs. The visual underneath will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the FH20 and HX9V.

As you have seen, the two cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different resolution. You should expect the Sony HX9V to resolve greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older FH20 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.