Panasonic FH8 vs Sony A380

On this page, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FH8 and Sony A380, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FH8 (16MP) and the A380 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the FH8 (1/2.3") and A380 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The FH8 was released 2 years later than the A380 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Sony A380 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a short introduction of how the FH8 matches up against the A380 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A380. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FH8 Gallery & Sony A380 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH8 provides outside measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) whilst the Sony A380 has measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 519 grams (1.14 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH8 and Sony A380 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the FH8 against the A380.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH8 and A380 is 96 and 68 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to see the gap in sensor sizing simply by checking out specs. The photograph here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the FH8 and A380.

All in all, each of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FH8 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting bokeh more difficult and the Panasonic FH8 will show more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more recent FH8 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.