Panasonic FS42 vs Sony A380

Let's take a closer look at the Panasonic FS42 versus Sony A380, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and A380 (14MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and A380 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

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The FS42 was introduced 4 months before the A380 and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A380 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the FS42 matches up versus the A380 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A380. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Sony A380 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic FS42 provides outer measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Sony A380 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 519 grams (1.14 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FS42 versus Sony A380 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the FS42 and the A380.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the FS42 and A380 is 95 and 68 respectively.

Usually, its tough to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions only by reading through technical specs. The image here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FS42 and A380.

As you have seen, both of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FS42 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Sony A380 will give you extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a good deal more aggressively.