Panasonic FS12 vs Sony A550

Here is a extensive review of the Panasonic FS12 vs Sony A550, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FS12 (12MP) and the A550 (14MP) is pretty similar but the FS12 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

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The FS12 was manufactured 7 months before the A550 and they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a full comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the FS12 matches up versus the A550 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FS12 Gallery & Sony A550 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS12 offers physical dimensions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Sony A550 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FS12 vs Sony A550 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the FS12 and the A550.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the FS12 and A550 is 95 and 63 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing just by going over specs. The photograph below should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FS12 and A550.

All in all, both of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FS12 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Sony A550 will offer extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older FS12 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.