Panasonic FH7 vs Sigma DP2 Quattro

Its time to look a little more closely at the Panasonic FH7 versus Sigma DP2 Quattro, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Sigma. The image resolution of the FH7 (16MP) and the DP2 Quattro (20MP) is very well matched but the FH7 (1/2.3") and DP2 Quattro (APS-C) offer different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FH7 was introduced 3 years before the DP2 Quattro and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH7 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2 Quattro being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go right into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise summary of how the FH7 matches up vs the DP2 Quattro in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7 and Sigma DP2 Quattro. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FH7 Gallery and Sigma DP2 Quattro Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FH7 provides external dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Sigma DP2 Quattro has specifications of 161mm x 67mm x 82mm (6.3" x 2.6" x 3.2") with a weight of 395 grams (0.87 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FH7 versus Sigma DP2 Quattro in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the FH7 and the DP2 Quattro.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH7 and DP2 Quattro is 96 and 70 respectively.

Typically, its tough to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements purely by checking specs. The visual here might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH7 and DP2 Quattro.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FH7 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Sigma DP2 Quattro will resolve extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older FH7 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.