Panasonic FH8 vs Sony A390

Let's take a more detailed look at the Panasonic FH8 and Sony A390, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FH8 (16MP) and the A390 (14MP) is pretty similar but the FH8 (1/2.3") and A390 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The FH8 was manufactured 18 months later than the A390 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the FH8 grades versus the A390 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH8 Gallery and Sony A390 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH8 enjoys exterior dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Sony A390 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") along with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH8 and Sony A390 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the FH8 against the A390.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH8 and A390 is 96 and 66 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading a spec sheet. The visual underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FH8 and A390.

Clearly, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FH8 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic FH8 will offer extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures much more aggressively. The newer FH8 should have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.