Panasonic FH27 vs Sony A550

Below, we will be matching up the Panasonic FH27 versus Sony A550, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FH27 (16MP) and the A550 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the FH27 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FH27 was brought out 14 months after the A550 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH27 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the FH27 matches up versus the A550 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FH27 Gallery & Sony A550 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH27 has outside measurements of 99mm x 57mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") and a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Sony A550 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") along with a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FH27 versus Sony A550 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the FH27 and the A550.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH27 and A550 is 94 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizes just by reading through technical specs. The image below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FH27 and A550.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FH27 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic FH27 will resolve extra detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The younger FH27 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.