Panasonic FH8 vs Sony A58

On this page, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FH8 and Sony A58, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FH8 (16MP) and the A58 (20MP) is relatively comparable but the FH8 (1/2.3") and A58 (APS-C) posses different sensor sizes.

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The FH8 was revealed 22 months prior to the A58 which makes them a generation away from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the FH8 matches up versus the A58 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and Sony SLT-A58. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FH8 Gallery and Sony A58 Gallery.

If you are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH8 features exterior measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Sony A58 has dimensions of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") and a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FH8 and Sony A58 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the FH8 and the A58.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH8 and A58 is 96 and 68 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions merely by checking out specs. The image here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FH8 and A58.

All in all, both of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FH8 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Sony A58 will show extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged FH8 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.