Panasonic FS42 vs Sony W380

Following is a extended assessment of the Panasonic FS42 vs Sony W380, both Ultracompact digital cameras by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and W380 (14MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and W380 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The FS42 was revealed 8 months earlier than the W380 and they are of a similar age. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Ultracompact).

Before getting straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the FS42 matches up versus the W380 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W380. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Sony W380 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FS42 has got exterior dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Sony W380 has specifications of 91mm x 52mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.8") having a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FS42 vs Sony W380 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at the time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the FS42 against the W380.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and W380 is 95 and 96 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reading through specs. The picture below will give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS42 and W380.

All in all, both of those cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FS42 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Sony W380 will resolve more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged FS42 is going to be behind in sensor tech.