Panasonic FP5 vs Sony A300

In this article, we are evaluating the Panasonic FP5 vs Sony A300, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. There exists a considerable gap among the sensor resolutions of the FP5 (14MP) and A300 (10MP) and the FP5 (1/2.3") and A300 (APS-C) possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FP5 was launched 2 years later than the A300 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A300 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a short introduction of how the FP5 matches up against the A300 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A300. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP5 Gallery & Sony A300 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FP5 features exterior measurements of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) and the Sony A300 has specifications of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") having a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FP5 vs Sony A300 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the FP5 vs the A300.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FP5 and A300 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to visualize the gap in sensor measurements just by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the FP5 and A300.

As you can see, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FP5 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic FP5 will provide more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a little more aggressively. The more recent FP5 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.