Panasonic FH7 vs Sigma DP1x

Here is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic FH7 versus Sigma DP1x, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Sigma. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the FH7 (16MP) and DP1x (5MP) and the FH7 (1/2.3") and DP1x (APS-C) feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The FH7 was manufactured 19 months later than the DP1x which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH7 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP1x being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving through a full comparison, below is a concise summation of how the FH7 grades versus the DP1x with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7 and Sigma DP1x. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FH7 Gallery and Sigma DP1x Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH7 has got physical dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Sigma DP1x has measurements of 113mm x 60mm x 50mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.0") and a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH7 versus Sigma DP1x in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the FH7 and the DP1x.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the FH7 and DP1x is 96 and 88 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to see the gap between sensor sizing purely by checking specs. The photograph below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH7 and DP1x.

All in all, both of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FH7 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic FH7 will give extra detail due to its extra 11MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more recent FH7 will have a benefit in sensor tech.