Panasonic FS15 vs Sony A290

Lets look much closer at the Panasonic FS15 vs Sony A290, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FS15 (12MP) and the A290 (14MP) is pretty close but the FS15 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) feature different sensor measurements.

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The FS15 was revealed 16 months before the A290 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summary of how the FS15 scores versus the A290 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS15 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS15 has got outside dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Sony A290 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") having a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FS15 vs Sony A290 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the FS15 vs the A290.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the FS15 and A290 is 95 and 66 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizes merely by viewing technical specs. The pic below might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FS15 and A290.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FS15 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony A290 will provide you with greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged FS15 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.