Panasonic FX580 vs Sony HX99

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Panasonic FX580 vs Sony HX99, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the FX580 (12MP) and HX99 (18MP) and the FX580 (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The FX580 was brought out 10 years prior to the HX99 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the FX580 scores vs the HX99 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FX580 Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FX580 comes with outer dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Sony HX99 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FX580 vs Sony HX99 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the FX580 versus the HX99.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FX580 and HX99 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements just by checking specs. The graphic underneath may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the FX580 and HX99.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FX580 featuring a larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Sony HX99 will resolve greater detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The older FX580 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.