Panasonic FP8 vs Sony A100

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Panasonic FP8 vs Sony A100, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FP8 (12MP) and the A100 (10MP) is very well matched but the FP8 (1/2.3") and A100 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The FP8 was announced 3 years later than the A100 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the FP8 grades vs the A100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP8 Gallery & Sony A100 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera, you should think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FP8 comes with external dimensions of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") having a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) while the Sony A100 has measurements of 133mm x 95mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") and a weight of 638 grams (1.41 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FP8 vs Sony A100 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the FP8 versus the A100.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FP8 and A100 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to envision the gap between sensor sizing just by checking specs. The photograph below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP8 and A100.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FP8 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic FP8 will resolve more detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The fresher FP8 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.