Panasonic FH3 vs Sony A35

Here, we are comparing the Panasonic FH3 versus Sony A35, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FH3 (14MP) and the A35 (16MP) is very comparable but the FH3 (1/2.3") and A35 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor size.

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The FH3 was manufactured 20 months before the A35 making them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A35 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise overview of how the FH3 scores versus the A35 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 and Sony SLT-A35. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FH3 Gallery and Sony A35 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH3 comes with outer measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Sony A35 has sizing of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 415 grams (0.91 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FH3 versus Sony A35 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the FH3 vs the A35.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH3 and A35 is 94 and 69 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to see the gap in sensor sizing purely by seeing specifications. The visual below will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FH3 and A35.

Plainly, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FH3 due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony A35 will produce extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older FH3 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.