Panasonic FH22 vs Sony HX1

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Panasonic FH22 and Sony HX1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Panasonic and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the FH22 (14MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the FH22 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") use totally different sensor sizing.

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The FH22 was released 9 months after the HX1 and they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH22 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going in to a in depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the FH22 grades vs the HX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH22 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FH22 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FH22 provides physical measurements of 100mm x 57mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") with a weight of 170 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Sony HX1 has specifications of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FH22 and Sony HX1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the FH22 and the HX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FH22 and HX1 is 94 and 67 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes just by going over specifications. The pic here should give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FH22 and HX1.

To sum up, both of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FH22 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic FH22 will deliver greater detail as a result of its extra 5 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics far more aggressively. The newer FH22 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.