Panasonic FP3 vs Sony HX30V

Lets look much closer at the Panasonic FP3 and Sony HX30V, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a substantial gap between the resolutions of the FP3 (14MP) and HX30V (18MP) but both cameras offer the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FP3 was released 3 years earlier than the HX30V and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the FP3 matches up against the HX30V in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FP3 Gallery & Sony HX30V Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FP3 has outer dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) and the Sony HX30V has specifications of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FP3 and Sony HX30V in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the FP3 against the HX30V.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FP3 and HX30V is 95 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to envision the difference between sensor sizing just by looking at specifications. The visual below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP3 and HX30V.

To sum up, the 2 cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Sony HX30V to give you more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The older FP3 is going to be behind in sensor tech.