Panasonic FH8 vs Sony A560

Let's examine more closely at the Panasonic FH8 versus Sony A560, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FH8 (16MP) and the A560 (14MP) is very similar but the FH8 (1/2.3") and A560 (APS-C) use different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FH8 was unveiled 17 months after the A560 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Sony A560 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short highlight of how the FH8 scores versus the A560 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A560. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FH8 Gallery and Sony A560 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH8 has exterior measurements 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 Sony A560 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FH8 versus Sony A560 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the FH8 and the A560.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH8 and A560 is 96 and 64 respectively.

Normally, its tough to picture the difference between sensor dimensions only by reviewing technical specs. The image below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the FH8 and A560.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FH8 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic FH8 will offer more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The younger FH8 should have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.