Panasonic FP2 vs Sony A230

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Panasonic FP2 versus Sony A230, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the FP2 (14MP) and A230 (10MP) and the FP2 (1/2.3") and A230 (APS-C) boast different sensor dimensions.

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

The FP2 was released 8 months later than the A230 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the FP2 matches up against the A230 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FP2 Gallery and Sony A230 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FP2 comes with outer 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) whilst the Sony A230 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") and a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FP2 versus Sony A230 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that moment. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the FP2 against the A230.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FP2 and A230 is 95 and 69 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing only by reading through specs. The photograph underneath will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FP2 and A230.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FP2 due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic FP2 will give more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The younger FP2 provides an edge in sensor technology.