Panasonic FP8 vs Sony NEX-3

The following is a detailed review of the Panasonic FP8 and Sony NEX-3, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FP8 (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is very well matched but the FP8 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) offer different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FP8 was manufactured 10 months before the NEX-3 and they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the FP8 grades versus the NEX-3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FP8 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

If you're aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP8 has got outside 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) and the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FP8 and Sony NEX-3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the FP8 compared to the NEX-3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FP8 and NEX-3 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Typically, its hard to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reading through a spec sheet. The picture underneath will help offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the FP8 and NEX-3.

Clearly, both of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FP8 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony NEX-3 will give extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged FP8 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.