Panasonic FP7 vs Sony A550

On this page, we are analyzing the Panasonic FP7 vs Sony A550, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FP7 (16MP) and the A550 (14MP) is very close but the FP7 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FP7 was brought out 14 months after the A550 making them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP7 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the FP7 scores versus the A550 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FP7 Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FP7 features exterior measurements of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 147 grams (0.32 lbs) whilst the Sony A550 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FP7 vs Sony A550 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at that moment. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the FP7 versus the A550.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the FP7 and A550 is 95 and 63 respectively.

Often, its tough to see the difference in sensor sizes just by viewing a spec sheet. The picture underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FP7 and A550.

As you can see, both the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FP7 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic FP7 will provide you with greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The younger FP7 will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.