Panasonic FP8 vs Sony A390

Here, we will be looking at the Panasonic FP8 vs Sony A390, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FP8 (12MP) and the A390 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the FP8 (1/2.3") and A390 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The FP8 was announced 12 months before the A390 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple overview of how the FP8 matches up vs the A390 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FP8 Gallery and Sony A390 Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP8 has got outer dimensions of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") along with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Sony A390 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FP8 vs Sony A390 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the FP8 against the A390.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FP8 and A390 is 95 and 66 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements only by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph below might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP8 and A390.

Clearly, both of those cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FP8 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Sony A390 will give you greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older FP8 is going to be behind in sensor tech.