Panasonic FP7 vs Sony NEX-3

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FP7 and Sony NEX-3, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FP7 (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the FP7 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) posses different sensor size.

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The FP7 was revealed 8 months later than the NEX-3 so they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP7 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise overview of how the FP7 grades vs the NEX-3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP7 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FP7 has got physical dimensions of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 147 grams (0.32 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3 has specifications of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FP7 and Sony NEX-3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the FP7 vs the NEX-3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FP7 and NEX-3 is 95 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to picture the difference in sensor measurements simply by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FP7 and NEX-3.

As you can see, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FP7 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic FP7 will produce more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs way more aggressively. The more modern FP7 provides a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.