Panasonic FX580 vs Sony HX400V

On this page, we are reviewing the Panasonic FX580 and Sony HX400V, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the FX580 (12MP) and HX400V (20MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The FX580 was introduced 6 years earlier than the HX400V which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX400V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the FX580 scores against the HX400V with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FX580 Gallery and Sony HX400V Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FX580 comes with outside measurements 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 HX400V has sizing of 130mm x 93mm x 103mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.1") accompanied by a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FX580 and Sony HX400V in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the FX580 versus the HX400V.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FX580 and HX400V is 95 and 62 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to see the gap between sensor sizes just by reviewing technical specs. The picture below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the FX580 and HX400V.

As you have seen, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Sony HX400V to offer you more detail using its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images more aggressively. The more aged FX580 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.