Panasonic FS42 vs Sony HX30V

Here is a in-depth comparison of the Panasonic FS42 and Sony HX30V, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Panasonic and Sony. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and HX30V (18MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and HX30V (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The FS42 was revealed 3 years earlier than the HX30V and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the FS42 matches up vs the HX30V with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS42 offers 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) while the Sony HX30V has proportions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FS42 and Sony HX30V in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the FS42 against the HX30V.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and HX30V is 95 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizing simply by seeing specifications. The visual here will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the FS42 and HX30V.

Plainly, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FS42 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony HX30V will produce extra detail because of its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics far more aggressively. The older FS42 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.