Panasonic FH7 vs Sony A580

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FH7 vs Sony A580, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FH7 (16MP) and the A580 (16MP) is relatively similar but the FH7 (1/2.3") and A580 (APS-C) posses different sensor dimensions.

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The FH7 was announced 4 months later than the A580 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH7 being a Compact camera and the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a full comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the FH7 scores versus the A580 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FH7 Gallery and Sony A580 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic FH7 has external measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Sony A580 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH7 vs Sony A580 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the FH7 versus the A580.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the FH7 and A580 is 96 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to picture the gap between sensor sizing only by reviewing specifications. The graphic here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FH7 and A580.

Plainly, both of those cameras feature the identical resolution albeit different sensor sizing. The FH7 contains the tinier sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF more challenging.