Panasonic FP3 vs Sony HX50V

Its time to look much closer at the Panasonic FP3 and Sony HX50V, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the FP3 (14MP) and HX50V (20MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The FP3 was manufactured 4 years prior to the HX50V and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX50V being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the FP3 grades vs the HX50V in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FP3 Gallery & Sony HX50V Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FP3 offers outer dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Sony HX50V has specifications of 108mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 272 grams (0.60 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FP3 and Sony HX50V in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have during that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the FP3 vs the HX50V.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the FP3 and HX50V is 95 and 89 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing simply by going through a spec sheet. The graphic here will give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP3 and HX50V.

Clearly, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You can count on the Sony HX50V to provide greater detail due to its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older FP3 will be behind in sensor innovation.