Panasonic FH8 vs Panasonic FS42

Below is a in-depth comparison of the Panasonic FH8 vs Panasonic FS42, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Ultracompact and both are built by Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the FH8 (16MP) and FS42 (10MP) and the FH8 (1/2.3") and FS42 (1/2.5") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FH8 was introduced 2 years later than the FS42 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the FH8 scores against the FS42 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH8 Gallery and Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera, you should think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FH8 offers outside dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Panasonic FS42 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FH8 vs Panasonic FS42 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the FH8 compared to the FS42.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the FH8 and FS42 is 96 and 95 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements just by viewing a spec sheet. The visual underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH8 and FS42.

Clearly, each of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FH8 using its larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic FH8 will result in greater detail using its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The newer FH8 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.