Panasonic FH8 vs Sony RX100 IV

Here, we will be analyzing the Panasonic FH8 and Sony RX100 IV, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FH8 (16MP) and the RX100 IV (20MP) is relatively similar but the FH8 (1/2.3") and RX100 IV (1") have totally different sensor sizing.

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The FH8 was manufactured 4 years prior to the RX100 IV which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 IV being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick view of how the FH8 scores versus the RX100 IV with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FH8 Gallery and Sony RX100 IV Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. 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) while the Sony RX100 IV has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH8 and Sony RX100 IV in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the FH8 vs the RX100 IV.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH8 and RX100 IV is 96 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading technical specs. The picture here may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FH8 and RX100 IV.

As you can tell, both of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FH8 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony RX100 IV will offer greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more aged FH8 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.