Panasonic FP8 vs Sony A550

Lets take a closer look at the Panasonic FP8 versus Sony A550, former is a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FP8 (12MP) and the A550 (14MP) is very comparable but the FP8 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizing.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The FP8 was introduced 4 months earlier than the A550 and they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summary of how the FP8 grades against the A550 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP8 Gallery & Sony A550 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FP8 enjoys outside measurements of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") and a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) while the Sony A550 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FP8 versus Sony A550 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the FP8 vs the A550.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FP8 and A550 is 95 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizes only by seeing specs. The picture here should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the FP8 and A550.

All in all, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FP8 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh tougher and the Sony A550 will show extra detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively.