Panasonic FS12 vs Sony NEX-C3

Its time to look more in depth at the Panasonic FS12 versus Sony NEX-C3, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a crucial gap among the sensor resolutions of the FS12 (12MP) and NEX-C3 (16MP) and the FS12 (1/2.3") and NEX-C3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The FS12 was brought out 3 years prior to the NEX-C3 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-C3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple summation of how the FS12 scores vs the NEX-C3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 and Sony Alpha NEX-C3. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FS12 Gallery and Sony NEX-C3 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS12 offers outer 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 NEX-C3 has measurements of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FS12 versus Sony NEX-C3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select during that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the FS12 versus the NEX-C3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FS12 and NEX-C3 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing purely by going through specs. The visual here should give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FS12 and NEX-C3.

All in all, both cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FS12 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony NEX-C3 will produce more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older FS12 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.