Panasonic FX78 vs Sony A380

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FX78 and Sony A380, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FX78 (12MP) and the A380 (14MP) is relatively close but the FX78 (1/2.3") and A380 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

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The FX78 was announced 18 months later than the A380 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera and the Sony A380 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the FX78 grades against the A380 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A380. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FX78 Gallery and Sony A380 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FX78 enjoys outer dimensions of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") having a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Sony A380 has measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 519 grams (1.14 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FX78 and Sony A380 in the all 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 the time. The following is a front view size comparison of the FX78 and the A380.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the FX78 and A380 is 95 and 68 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to imagine the difference in sensor measurements merely by viewing specifications. The photograph here may provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FX78 and A380.

Plainly, each of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FX78 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony A380 will render more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots way more aggressively. The younger FX78 provides an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.