Panasonic FP8 vs Sony A300

Lets examine more in depth at the Panasonic FP8 vs Sony A300, 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 A300 (10MP) is fairly close but the FP8 (1/2.3") and A300 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The FP8 was revealed 19 months later than the A300 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A300 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the FP8 matches up versus the A300 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A300. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FP8 Gallery & Sony A300 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FP8 provides outer measurements of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") along with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) while the Sony A300 has dimensions of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") having a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FP8 vs Sony A300 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use during that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the FP8 versus the A300.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FP8 and A300 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Normally, its hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizing merely by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the FP8 and A300.

As you can see, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FP8 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic FP8 will provide you with more detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The fresher FP8 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.