Panasonic FZ47 vs Sony A100

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic FZ47 versus Sony A100, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FZ47 (12MP) and the A100 (10MP) is very well matched but the FZ47 (1/2.3") and A100 (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FZ47 was unveiled 5 years after the A100 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ47 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the FZ47 scores against the A100 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ47 Gallery & Sony A100 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic FZ47 offers external measurements of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") having a weight of 498 grams (1.10 lbs) while the Sony A100 has sizing of 133mm x 95mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 638 grams (1.41 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FZ47 versus Sony A100 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the FZ47 and the A100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ47 and A100 is 68 and 64 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reading through a spec sheet. The image underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ47 and A100.

Clearly, both of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FZ47 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic FZ47 will resolve greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos more aggressively. The more recent FZ47 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.