Panasonic FX78 vs Sony A290

Below is a in-depth overview of the Panasonic FX78 versus Sony A290, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FX78 (12MP) and the A290 (14MP) is very similar but the FX78 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The FX78 was manufactured 8 months later than the A290 so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the FX78 scores against the A290 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FX78 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FX78 has physical dimensions of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Sony A290 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") along with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FX78 versus Sony A290 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the FX78 and the A290.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FX78 and A290 is 95 and 66 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to envision the difference between sensor measurements simply by reading a spec sheet. The photograph underneath may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FX78 and A290.

Clearly, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FX78 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony A290 will offer you extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images a little more aggressively. The younger FX78 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.