Panasonic FP2 vs Sony a1

Here, we will be analyzing the Panasonic FP2 and Sony a1, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Sony. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the FP2 (14MP) and a1 (50MP) and the FP2 (1/2.3") and a1 (Full frame) provide different sensor size.

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The FP2 was announced 12 years before the a1 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony a1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the FP2 grades against the a1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 and Sony Alpha a1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FP2 Gallery and Sony a1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FP2 enjoys physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Sony a1 has dimensions of 129mm x 97mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 737 grams (1.62 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FP2 and Sony a1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the FP2 vs the a1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FP2 and a1 is 95 and 61 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizes simply by seeing technical specs. The image below will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FP2 and a1.

As you have seen, the two cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FP2 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony a1 will show more detail with its extra 36 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged FP2 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.