Panasonic FH3 vs Sony A230

The following is a extensive review of the Panasonic FH3 and Sony A230, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the FH3 (14MP) and A230 (10MP) and the FH3 (1/2.3") and A230 (APS-C) posses different sensor sizes.

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The FH3 was unveiled 8 months after the A230 and they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a simple view of how the FH3 matches up vs the A230 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FH3 Gallery & Sony A230 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH3 features external measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) whilst the Sony A230 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") with a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FH3 and Sony A230 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use at that moment. The following is a front view size comparison of the FH3 vs the A230.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the FH3 and A230 is 94 and 69 respectively.

Often, its tough to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by looking at technical specs. The pic here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the FH3 and A230.

As you have seen, each of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FH3 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FH3 will resolve greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more modern FH3 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.