Panasonic FH8 vs Sony NEX-7

Here is a comprehensive analysis of the Panasonic FH8 and Sony NEX-7, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizable gap between the resolutions of the FH8 (16MP) and NEX-7 (24MP) and the FH8 (1/2.3") and NEX-7 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

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The FH8 was unveiled at a similar time to the NEX-7 so they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a quick overview of how the FH8 matches up against the NEX-7 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 & Sony Alpha NEX-7. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FH8 Gallery & Sony NEX-7 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FH8 enjoys exterior dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Sony NEX-7 has specifications of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 400 grams (0.88 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FH8 and Sony NEX-7 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is a front view size comparison of the FH8 compared to the NEX-7.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH8 and NEX-7 is 96 and 84 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing just by going over specs. The photograph underneath may give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH8 and NEX-7.

All in all, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FH8 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony NEX-7 will offer greater detail having an extra 8MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a bit more aggressively.