Panasonic FS42 vs Sony TX20

Here is a detailed assessment of the Panasonic FS42 and Sony TX20, both Ultracompact digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and TX20 (16MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and TX20 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FS42 was revealed 3 years before the TX20 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Ultracompact).

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a brief summation of how the FS42 matches up against the TX20 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Sony TX20 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS42 has exterior measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Sony TX20 has proportions of 96mm x 56mm x 18mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FS42 and Sony TX20 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the FS42 and the TX20.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and TX20 is 95 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing purely by going over technical specs. The photograph underneath will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the FS42 and TX20.

As you can tell, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FS42 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony TX20 will offer extra detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older FS42 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.