Panasonic FS42 vs Sony A580

In this article, we are evaluating the Panasonic FS42 and Sony A580, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. There exists a crucial gap among the resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and A580 (16MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and A580 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

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The FS42 was revealed 3 years before the A580 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the FS42 matches up against the A580 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Sony A580 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS42 has exterior measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Sony A580 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FS42 and Sony A580 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have during that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the FS42 versus the A580.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and A580 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by seeing specs. The picture underneath will offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FS42 and A580.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FS42 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh harder and the Sony A580 will provide more detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics far more aggressively. The more aged FS42 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.