Panasonic FP1 vs Sony A230

Lets look more closely at the Panasonic FP1 and Sony A230, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FP1 (12MP) and the A230 (10MP) is very similar but the FP1 (1/2.3") and A230 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The FP1 was released 8 months after the A230 and they are of a similar generation. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the FP1 grades against the A230 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FP1 Gallery and Sony A230 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP1 offers physical measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) while the Sony A230 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") and a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FP1 and Sony A230 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have during that time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the FP1 vs the A230.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FP1 and A230 is 95 and 69 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions purely by reading specifications. The pic below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FP1 and A230.

To sum up, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FP1 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic FP1 will deliver more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The fresher FP1 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.