Panasonic FP2 vs Sony A350

Lets look more closely at the Panasonic FP2 and Sony A350, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FP2 (14MP) and the A350 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the FP2 (1/2.3") and A350 (APS-C) offer different sensor dimensions.

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The FP2 was launched 20 months after the A350 making them a generation away from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A350 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a simple summary of how the FP2 grades versus the A350 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A350. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FP2 Gallery and Sony A350 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP2 provides external measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Sony A350 has proportions of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 674 grams (1.49 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FP2 and Sony A350 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the FP2 versus the A350.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FP2 and A350 is 95 and 62 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to picture the gap between sensor sizes purely by looking at technical specs. The pic here will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FP2 and A350.

As you have seen, each of these cameras provide the same megapixels but different sensor sizes. The FP2 provides the tinier sensor which should make obtaining bokeh harder. The more recent FP2 provides an advantage in sensor innovation.