Panasonic FH3 vs Sony A450

Below is a detailed analysis of the Panasonic FH3 vs Sony A450, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FH3 (14MP) and the A450 (14MP) is very close but the FH3 (1/2.3") and A450 (APS-C) possess different sensor size.

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The FH3 was launched within a month of the A450 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A450 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the FH3 matches up against the A450 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A450. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FH3 Gallery and Sony A450 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH3 has outer measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Sony A450 has dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.2") along with a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FH3 vs Sony A450 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the FH3 against the A450.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH3 and A450 is 94 and 65 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to imagine the gap in sensor measurements just by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the FH3 and A450.

Clearly, each of the cameras have got the exact same megapixel count but different sensor measurements. The FH3 provides the smaller sensor which will make getting shallower depth of field trickier.