Panasonic FS42 vs Sony A700

Following is a in-depth review of the Panasonic FS42 versus Sony A700, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FS42 (10MP) and the A700 (12MP) is pretty similar but the FS42 (1/2.5") and A700 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FS42 was introduced 17 months after the A700 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A700 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a simple summation of how the FS42 matches up vs the A700 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Sony A700 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FS42 enjoys outer dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Sony A700 has specifications of 142mm x 105mm x 80mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.1") and a weight of 768 grams (1.69 lbs).

See the Panasonic FS42 versus Sony A700 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the FS42 compared to the A700.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FS42 and A700 is 95 and 58 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizes purely by going over specs. The pic here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FS42 and A700.

All in all, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FS42 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony A700 will offer extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots far more aggressively. The fresher FS42 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.