Panasonic FP5 vs Sony A65

Here is a thorough assessment of the Panasonic FP5 and Sony A65, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the FP5 (14MP) and A65 (24MP) and the FP5 (1/2.3") and A65 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FP5 was brought out 10 months prior to the A65 so they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A65 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the FP5 scores against the A65 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 & Sony SLT-A65. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FP5 Gallery & Sony A65 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FP5 offers outer measurements of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) and the Sony A65 has measurements of 132mm x 97mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") and a weight of 622 grams (1.37 lbs).

See the Panasonic FP5 and Sony A65 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the FP5 vs the A65.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the FP5 and A65 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading technical specs. The graphic underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FP5 and A65.

As you can tell, both of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FP5 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony A65 will deliver greater detail having its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older FP5 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.