Panasonic FH3 vs Sony HX1

Here is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic FH3 vs Sony HX1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the FH3 (14MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the FH3 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") boast different sensor sizes.

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The FH3 was unveiled 9 months later than the HX1 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the FH3 matches up against the HX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FH3 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH3 comes with outside dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has sizing of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FH3 vs Sony HX1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the FH3 vs the HX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH3 and HX1 is 94 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading through technical specs. The photograph here should give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH3 and HX1.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FH3 with its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FH3 will give you more detail having an extra 5MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images way more aggressively. The more modern FH3 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.