Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, We are going to illustrate Panasonic FX48 and Sony A550 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Panasonic FX48 has external dimensions of 95 x 53 x 22 mm (3.74 x 2.09 x 0.87″) and weighs 150 g (0.33 lb / 5.29 oz) (including batteries). Sony A550 has external dimensions of 137 x 104 x 84 mm (5.39 x 4.09 x 3.31″) and weighs 632 g (1.39 lb / 22.29 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic FX48 and Sony A550. Panasonic FX48 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 42mm narrower, 51mm shorter and 62mm thinner than Sony A550. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Panasonic FX48 has a built-in lens but Sony A550 doesn't. Once you put a lens on A550, its thickness will increase significantly.
![Panasonic FX48 vs Sony A550 Camera Size Comparison - Front View]()
Comparison image of Panasonic FX48 and Sony A550 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View
Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic FX48 and Sony A550.
![Panasonic FX48 vs Sony A550 Camera Size Comparison - Back View]()
Comparison image of Panasonic FX48 and Sony A550 Size and Weight - Back View
Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic FX48 is significantly lighter (482g ) than the Sony A550 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on A550, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 (Lumix DMC-FX40) nor Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Sony A550's 3" LCD screen is slightly larger than Panasonic FX48's 2.5" screen.
In addition to the size advantage, Sony A550 LCD screen also has a
Tilting feature where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over the head levels. On the other hand, Panasonic FX48 has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to A550.