Panasonic FX580 vs Sony A300

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Panasonic FX580 versus Sony A300, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FX580 (12MP) and the A300 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the FX580 (1/2.3") and A300 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

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The FX580 was announced 13 months later than the A300 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera and the Sony A300 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving through a in-depth comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the FX580 grades against the A300 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A300. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FX580 Gallery and Sony A300 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic FX580 has exterior dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Sony A300 has specifications of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") along with a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FX580 versus Sony A300 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the FX580 against the A300.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FX580 and A300 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing merely by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph here may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FX580 and A300.

Clearly, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FX580 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic FX580 will give more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The younger FX580 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.