Panasonic FS42 vs Sony W550

Let's examine more closely at the Panasonic FS42 and Sony W550, both Ultracompact digital cameras by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and W550 (14MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and W550 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

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The FS42 was announced 3 years prior to the W550 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Ultracompact).

Before getting straight into a complete comparison, below is a short highlight of how the FS42 scores versus the W550 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Sony W550 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS42 enjoys physical 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 W550 has dimensions of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FS42 and Sony W550 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the FS42 against the W550.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and W550 is 95 and 96 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to visualise the difference between sensor measurements purely by reading specs. The graphic here may offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS42 and W550.

All in all, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FS42 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony W550 will deliver more detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older FS42 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.