Panasonic FS12 vs Sony WX500

Below, we will be analyzing the Panasonic FS12 and Sony WX500, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Panasonic and Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the FS12 (12MP) and WX500 (18MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The FS12 was revealed 7 years before the WX500 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony WX500 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summation of how the FS12 grades against the WX500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FS12 Gallery & Sony WX500 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS12 provides 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) while the Sony WX500 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FS12 and Sony WX500 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the FS12 and the WX500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FS12 and WX500 is 95 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizing only by checking a spec sheet. The graphic here will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the FS12 and WX500.

Clearly, both of these cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You can count on the Sony WX500 to give you greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older FS12 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.