Panasonic FP3 vs Sony RX10 IV

Let's look a little more in depth at the Panasonic FP3 vs Sony RX10 IV, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by companies Panasonic and Sony. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the FP3 (14MP) and RX10 IV (20MP) and the FP3 (1/2.3") and RX10 IV (1") come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FP3 was revealed 8 years before the RX10 IV which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony RX10 IV being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the FP3 scores against the RX10 IV with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FP3 Gallery and Sony RX10 IV Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FP3 has outside measurements 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 RX10 IV has specifications of 133mm x 94mm x 145mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.7") and a weight of 1095 grams (2.41 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FP3 vs Sony RX10 IV in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using during that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the FP3 versus the RX10 IV.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the FP3 and RX10 IV is 95 and 52 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by going through technical specs. The pic below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FP3 and RX10 IV.

As you can tell, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FP3 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony RX10 IV will show greater detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more aged FP3 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.