Panasonic FH8 vs Sony A33

Let's take a more detailed look at the Panasonic FH8 vs Sony A33, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FH8 (16MP) and the A33 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the FH8 (1/2.3") and A33 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The FH8 was unveiled 17 months after the A33 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Sony A33 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the FH8 matches up against the A33 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 & Sony SLT-A33. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH8 Gallery & Sony A33 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH8 has outer measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) whilst the Sony A33 has proportions of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FH8 vs Sony A33 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the FH8 versus the A33.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH8 and A33 is 96 and 67 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes only by reading through specs. The picture underneath will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the FH8 and A33.

All in all, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FH8 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic FH8 will resolve extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The newer FH8 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.