Panasonic FS12 vs Sony A57

Below, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FS12 versus Sony A57, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the FS12 (12MP) and A57 (16MP) and the FS12 (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FS12 was announced 4 years earlier than the A57 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the FS12 matches up against the A57 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 and Sony SLT-A57. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FS12 Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS12 features outside measurements 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 A57 has measurements of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") with a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FS12 versus Sony A57 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the FS12 compared to the A57.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the FS12 and A57 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements just by looking through a spec sheet. The visual here will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the FS12 and A57.

Clearly, both of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FS12 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Sony A57 will render more detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs much more aggressively. The older FS12 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.