Panasonic FS42 vs Sony HX400V

Below, we will be analyzing the Panasonic FS42 vs Sony HX400V, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a large gap among the sensor resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and HX400V (20MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and HX400V (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The FS42 was released 5 years prior to the HX400V and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX400V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the FS42 scores vs the HX400V in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Sony HX400V Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FS42 features exterior dimensions 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 HX400V has specifications of 130mm x 93mm x 103mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.1") with a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FS42 vs Sony HX400V in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you use at that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the FS42 against the HX400V.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and HX400V is 95 and 62 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to picture the gap in sensor measurements only by checking out specifications. The graphic here might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS42 and HX400V.

Plainly, each of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FS42 because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Sony HX400V will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older FS42 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.