Panasonic FH3 vs Sony A700

On this page, we will be comparing the Panasonic FH3 vs Sony A700, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FH3 (14MP) and the A700 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the FH3 (1/2.3") and A700 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor size.

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The FH3 was unveiled 2 years after the A700 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A700 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the FH3 matches up versus the A700 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FH3 Gallery & Sony A700 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH3 comes with outside measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Sony A700 has measurements of 142mm x 105mm x 80mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.1") with a weight of 768 grams (1.69 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FH3 vs Sony A700 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the FH3 against the A700.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the FH3 and A700 is 94 and 58 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to envision the difference in sensor dimensions just by seeing specs. The pic below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FH3 and A700.

All in all, both of those cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FH3 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic FH3 will produce more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The younger FH3 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.