Panasonic FP7 vs Sony A380

On this page, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FP7 versus Sony A380, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FP7 (16MP) and the A380 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the FP7 (1/2.3") and A380 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FP7 was released 17 months later than the A380 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP7 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A380 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple overview of how the FP7 matches up against the A380 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A380. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP7 Gallery and Sony A380 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP7 provides external measurements of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 147 grams (0.32 lbs) whilst the Sony A380 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 519 grams (1.14 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FP7 versus Sony A380 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the FP7 versus the A380.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FP7 and A380 is 95 and 68 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to see the difference in sensor measurements only by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic here will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the FP7 and A380.

As you can see, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FP7 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic FP7 will show greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more recent FP7 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.