Panasonic FS12 vs Sony A290

Its time to look closer at the Panasonic FS12 and Sony A290, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FS12 (12MP) and the A290 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the FS12 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FS12 was revealed 13 months before the A290 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a short view of how the FS12 grades versus the A290 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS12 Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS12 has got physical dimensions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Sony A290 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") and a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

See the Panasonic FS12 and Sony A290 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have at that moment. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the FS12 and the A290.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the FS12 and A290 is 95 and 66 respectively.

Generally, its tough to see the gap in sensor dimensions purely by checking out technical specs. The picture here might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS12 and A290.

As you have seen, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FS12 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony A290 will provide extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged FS12 will be behind in sensor tech.