Panasonic FS25 vs Sony A550

Lets examine more closely at the Panasonic FS25 vs Sony A550, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FS25 (12MP) and the A550 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the FS25 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FS25 was announced 10 months before the A550 so they are of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS25 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple view of how the FS25 scores versus the A550 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS25 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FS25 Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS25 has physical dimensions of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 148 grams (0.33 lbs) whilst the Sony A550 has dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FS25 vs Sony A550 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the FS25 against the A550.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FS25 and A550 is 95 and 63 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to see the difference between sensor sizes only by reading through specifications. The picture underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS25 and A550.

To sum up, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FS25 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF harder and the Sony A550 will give more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged FS25 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.