Panasonic FP2 vs Sony NEX-3

Lets look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic FP2 versus Sony NEX-3, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FP2 (14MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively close but the FP2 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) posses different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FP2 was released 5 months earlier than the NEX-3 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short summary of how the FP2 matches up versus the NEX-3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FP2 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP2 has physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FP2 versus Sony NEX-3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the FP2 compared to the NEX-3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FP2 and NEX-3 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to picture the contrast in sensor measurements only by viewing a spec sheet. The visual here might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the FP2 and NEX-3.

Clearly, both cameras feature the identical megapixel count albeit different sensor measurements. The FP2 has the smaller sensor which is going to make achieving shallower depth of field trickier.