Panasonic FP1 vs Sony A33

The following is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic FP1 versus Sony A33, former is a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FP1 (12MP) and the A33 (14MP) is fairly similar but the FP1 (1/2.3") and A33 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizes.

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The FP1 was revealed 7 months earlier than the A33 and they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A33 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple overview of how the FP1 matches up versus the A33 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 & Sony SLT-A33. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP1 Gallery & Sony A33 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FP1 offers physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Sony A33 has measurements of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FP1 versus Sony A33 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using at that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the FP1 and the A33.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FP1 and A33 is 95 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to envision the difference between sensor dimensions purely by reading technical specs. The image below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP1 and A33.

As you have seen, both cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FP1 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Sony A33 will offer more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more aged FP1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.