Panasonic FH8 vs Sony HX20V

Here, we will be contrasting the Panasonic FH8 versus Sony HX20V, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FH8 (16MP) and the HX20V (18MP) is pretty close and both cameras offer the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FH8 was released 6 months before the HX20V and they are of a similar generation. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a short introduction of how the FH8 scores vs the HX20V when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH8 Gallery and Sony HX20V Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH8 provides external 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 HX20V has measurements of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH8 versus Sony HX20V in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the FH8 versus the HX20V.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FH8 and HX20V is 96 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizes only by researching specifications. The pic below will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH8 and HX20V.

To sum up, each of the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different resolution. You should expect the Sony HX20V to render greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively.