Panasonic FS42 vs Sony A290

In this article, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FS42 versus Sony A290, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and A290 (14MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and A290 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The FS42 was brought out 13 months earlier than the A290 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the FS42 matches up vs the A290 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS42 enjoys outside measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Sony A290 has measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") and a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FS42 versus Sony A290 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at that moment. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the FS42 versus the A290.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and A290 is 95 and 66 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to envision the gap in sensor dimensions only by going through specs. The pic here should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the FS42 and A290.

All in all, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FS42 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Sony A290 will produce greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged FS42 will be behind in sensor innovation.