Panasonic FP3 vs Sony A37

Here, we are evaluating the Panasonic FP3 vs Sony A37, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FP3 (14MP) and the A37 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the FP3 (1/2.3") and A37 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The FP3 was announced 3 years prior to the A37 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A37 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the FP3 matches up vs the A37 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 and Sony SLT-A37. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP3 Gallery and Sony A37 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FP3 has physical 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 A37 has dimensions of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FP3 vs Sony A37 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the FP3 compared to the A37.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FP3 and A37 is 95 and 67 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by checking a spec sheet. The pic below might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the FP3 and A37.

As you can see, both the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FP3 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony A37 will resolve extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The more aged FP3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.