Panasonic FP8 vs Sony A230

On this page, we will be contrasting the Panasonic FP8 and Sony A230, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FP8 (12MP) and the A230 (10MP) is pretty well matched but the FP8 (1/2.3") and A230 (APS-C) posses different sensor sizing.

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The FP8 was unveiled 3 months later than the A230 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summary of how the FP8 grades against the A230 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FP8 Gallery & Sony A230 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FP8 has outer dimensions of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") having a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Sony A230 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

See the Panasonic FP8 and Sony A230 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the FP8 versus the A230.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FP8 and A230 is 95 and 69 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizing only by looking at specs. The visual below will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FP8 and A230.

All in all, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FP8 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic FP8 will resolve greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures more aggressively.