Panasonic FP8 vs Sony HX9V

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Panasonic FP8 vs Sony HX9V, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the FP8 (12MP) and HX9V (16MP) but they use the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The FP8 was introduced 24 months before the HX9V making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX9V being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the FP8 scores vs the HX9V with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP8 Gallery & Sony HX9V Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP8 comes with outside dimensions of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") and a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) whilst the Sony HX9V has sizing of 105mm x 59mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FP8 vs Sony HX9V in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is the front view size comparison of the FP8 compared to the HX9V.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the FP8 and HX9V is 95 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing only by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP8 and HX9V.

Clearly, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You can expect to see the Sony HX9V to offer you extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The older FP8 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.