Panasonic FP8 vs Sony A58

Below is a in-depth comparison of the Panasonic FP8 versus Sony A58, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the FP8 (12MP) and A58 (20MP) and the FP8 (1/2.3") and A58 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FP8 was brought out 5 years prior to the A58 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the FP8 scores against the A58 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 & Sony SLT-A58. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP8 Gallery & Sony A58 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FP8 offers 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) while the Sony A58 has measurements of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") with a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FP8 versus Sony A58 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the FP8 vs the A58.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the FP8 and A58 is 95 and 68 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualise the gap between sensor measurements only by reading through specs. The graphic underneath may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FP8 and A58.

All in all, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FP8 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Sony A58 will give you more detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The older FP8 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.