Panasonic FP3 vs Sony A560

Below, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FP3 vs Sony A560, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FP3 (14MP) and the A560 (14MP) is relatively similar but the FP3 (1/2.3") and A560 (APS-C) use different sensor sizing.

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The FP3 was unveiled 7 months earlier than the A560 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A560 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the FP3 scores versus the A560 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A560. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FP3 Gallery and Sony A560 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FP3 comes with physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Sony A560 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") along with a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FP3 vs Sony A560 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is the front view scale comparison of the FP3 and the A560.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the FP3 and A560 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizing simply by going over specs. The photograph here should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FP3 and A560.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras posses the exact same resolution albeit different sensor sizing. The FP3 comes with the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallower depth of field more challenging. The older FP3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.