Panasonic FH22 vs Sony A57

Lets examine more in depth at the Panasonic FH22 vs Sony A57, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FH22 (14MP) and the A57 (16MP) is very close but the FH22 (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

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The FH22 was released 3 years prior to the A57 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH22 being a Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise view of how the FH22 matches up against the A57 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH22 & Sony SLT-A57. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FH22 Gallery & Sony A57 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH22 offers external measurements of 100mm x 57mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 170 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Sony A57 has measurements of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") and a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FH22 vs Sony A57 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the FH22 and the A57.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the FH22 and A57 is 94 and 64 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing just by researching a spec sheet. The graphic here should give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the FH22 and A57.

Clearly, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FH22 because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony A57 will result in more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The older FH22 will be behind in sensor tech.