Panasonic FS12 vs Sony A100

Here, we will be matching up the Panasonic FS12 versus Sony A100, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FS12 (12MP) and the A100 (10MP) is pretty close but the FS12 (1/2.3") and A100 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The FS12 was brought out 2 years after the A100 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the FS12 grades vs the A100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FS12 Gallery & Sony A100 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS12 comes with exterior measurements of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Sony A100 has dimensions of 133mm x 95mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 638 grams (1.41 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FS12 versus Sony A100 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the FS12 vs the A100.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the FS12 and A100 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizes merely by researching specs. The image below may give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the FS12 and A100.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FS12 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic FS12 will render more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The newer FS12 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.