Panasonic FS12 vs Sony HX200V

In this article, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FS12 and Sony HX200V, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Panasonic and Sony. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the FS12 (12MP) and HX200V (18MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The FS12 was introduced 4 years before the HX200V and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX200V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the FS12 grades versus the HX200V when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FS12 Gallery and Sony HX200V Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS12 comes with physical dimensions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Sony HX200V has proportions of 122mm x 87mm x 93mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 3.7") having a weight of 583 grams (1.29 lbs).

See the Panasonic FS12 and Sony HX200V in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at the time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the FS12 vs the HX200V.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FS12 and HX200V is 95 and 66 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizing purely by checking out a spec sheet. The photograph below should give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS12 and HX200V.

Clearly, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Sony HX200V to produce greater detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older FS12 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.