Panasonic FS12 vs Sony A560

Here is a in depth overview of the Panasonic FS12 and Sony A560, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FS12 (12MP) and the A560 (14MP) is pretty close but the FS12 (1/2.3") and A560 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FS12 was revealed 16 months before the A560 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A560 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the FS12 grades versus the A560 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A560. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FS12 Gallery and Sony A560 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS12 comes with external dimensions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Sony A560 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") along with a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FS12 and Sony A560 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the FS12 compared to the A560.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FS12 and A560 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing simply by looking through technical specs. The visual underneath will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS12 and A560.

As you can tell, both of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FS12 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sony A560 will render extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs much more aggressively. The older FS12 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.