Panasonic FP1 vs Sony A550

Below, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FP1 and Sony A550, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FP1 (12MP) and the A550 (14MP) is pretty close but the FP1 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The FP1 was brought out around the same time to the A550 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summation of how the FP1 matches up versus the A550 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FP1 Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FP1 provides outside dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) while the Sony A550 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FP1 and Sony A550 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the FP1 vs the A550.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FP1 and A550 is 95 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements only by viewing specifications. The visual here should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FP1 and A550.

To sum up, both the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FP1 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh trickier and the Sony A550 will render greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively.