Panasonic FH6 vs Sony A560

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FH6 versus Sony A560, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FH6 (14MP) and the A560 (14MP) is relatively similar but the FH6 (1/2.3") and A560 (APS-C) use different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FH6 was released 17 months later than the A560 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH6 being a Compact camera and the Sony A560 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the FH6 matches up versus the A560 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A560. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH6 Gallery and Sony A560 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH6 comes with outer dimensions of 96mm x 56mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 119 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Sony A560 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH6 versus Sony A560 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the FH6 compared to the A560.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FH6 and A560 is 96 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualize the difference between sensor measurements simply by reading a spec sheet. The photograph here should offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH6 and A560.

As you can see, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels albeit different sensor measurements. The FH6 uses the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallower depth of field harder. The younger FH6 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.