Panasonic FP1 vs Sony HX30V

On this page, we will be looking at the Panasonic FP1 and Sony HX30V, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the FP1 (12MP) and HX30V (18MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The FP1 was introduced 3 years earlier than the HX30V and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple overview of how the FP1 grades against the HX30V with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FP1 Gallery & Sony HX30V Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP1 provides external measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) while the Sony HX30V has sizing of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FP1 and Sony HX30V in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the FP1 against the HX30V.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FP1 and HX30V is 95 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing purely by going over technical specs. The graphic here will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the FP1 and HX30V.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same megapixels. You can count on the Sony HX30V to offer extra detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older FP1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.