Panasonic FS15 vs Sony A350

Its time to look much closer at the Panasonic FS15 vs Sony A350, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FS15 (12MP) and the A350 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the FS15 (1/2.3") and A350 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The FS15 was released 8 months later than the A350 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A350 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple summation of how the FS15 matches up vs the A350 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A350. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FS15 Gallery and Sony A350 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic FS15 has got outside dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") and a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Sony A350 has sizing of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") along with a weight of 674 grams (1.49 lbs).

See the Panasonic FS15 vs Sony A350 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at the time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the FS15 vs the A350.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FS15 and A350 is 95 and 62 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to see the contrast in sensor measurements just by checking out technical specs. The graphic here will give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS15 and A350.

As you have seen, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FS15 due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony A350 will show greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The younger FS15 will have an advantage in sensor tech.