Panasonic FP1 vs Sony A100

Below, we will be comparing the Panasonic FP1 vs Sony A100, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FP1 (12MP) and the A100 (10MP) is pretty similar but the FP1 (1/2.3") and A100 (APS-C) use different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FP1 was manufactured 3 years after the A100 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the FP1 matches up versus the A100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FP1 Gallery and Sony A100 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FP1 features outer measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) while the Sony A100 has specifications of 133mm x 95mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 638 grams (1.41 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FP1 vs Sony A100 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the FP1 compared to the A100.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the FP1 and A100 is 95 and 64 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions purely by going over specifications. The picture below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FP1 and A100.

Plainly, both of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FP1 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Panasonic FP1 will offer you extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The fresher FP1 should have an edge with regard to sensor technology.