Compact Camera Face-Off: Canon PowerShot ELPH 140 IS vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5

In the crowded ultracompact camera segment, simplicity, portability, and decent image quality are essential criteria. For casual shooters and some enthusiasts looking for a pocketable companion without reaching for their smartphones, two models that often come up are the Canon PowerShot ELPH 140 IS (also known as the IXUS 150) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5. Both cameras hail from respected brands, promise ease of use, and sport modest specs catering to everyday photography.

Having put both through their paces, my goal here is to provide an honest, no-nonsense comparison grounded in hands-on experience. What can you really expect beyond the spec sheets? Which performs better for portraits, landscapes, or video? And is either a worthwhile investment today? Let’s break it down.

First Impressions: Size, Weight, and Handling

When you’re choosing a camera to accompany you everywhere, physical dimensions and ergonomics start at the top of your list. These two contenders are remarkably compact but differ slightly.

The Canon ELPH 140 IS measures a petite 95 x 54 x 22 mm and weighs a mere 127 grams with battery - barely heavier than a snack bar. The Panasonic FP5 is a touch larger at 101 x 59 x 18 mm and weighs 141 grams. While the FP5 is a smidge wider and taller, it also manages to be thinner.

Holding both, I appreciated Canon’s slightly more rounded edges and textured grip, which offers a surprisingly secure hold despite the tiny frame. Panasonic opts for a flatter, sleeker design that feels more like a slim gadget than a traditional camera - appealing if you prefer minimalism but less reassuring when shooting one-handed.

Neither camera boasts a dedicated viewfinder, relying on their LCDs exclusively - perfectly understandable in this size class but a drawback for bright outdoor use. Controls are straightforward, with minimal buttons and dials to navigate, fitting the ultracompact ethos.

Control Layout and Top-Plate Design

Peeking from above offers useful insights about usability and how quickly you can interact without diving into menus. Both models forego advanced control dials, so simplicity is king.

Canon lays out a small but tactile power button, shutter release, and a zoom toggle on the right edge, with a built-in flash that pops up on the top left. The shutter feels responsive and well-positioned.

The Panasonic FP5 mimics this layout with similarly placed zoom and shutter controls but swaps out the pop-up flash for a slightly larger built-in unit placed centrally. It also introduces a touchscreen LCD, which - while not a control element on the top - adds to wrangling menus without buttons.

For enthusiasts used to manual dials, this pared-down setup may feel limiting. But for quick snapshots or travel use, these layouts are intuitive and low-friction, minimizing missed moments due to fiddling.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras rely on 1/2.3" CCD sensors - a common choice in entry ultracompacts during their respective release years - but with slightly varying pixel counts: Canon’s 16 megapixels versus Panasonic’s 14 megapixels. Despite similar physical sensor sizes (~28 and 27.7 mm² respectively), image quality nuances emerge from sensor tuning, signal processing, and lens optics.

In controlled tests, I found Canon’s ELPH 140 IS delivering sharper images with its higher pixel density, but with a caveat: noise levels rise quickly beyond ISO 400, and dynamic range feels tight - shadows tend to plug up rapidly. Panasonic offers a slightly better noise handling at higher ISO (up to ISO 6400 vs. Canon’s max native 1600), which is surprising given its lower resolution sensor.

Color rendition leans toward Canon’s warmer skin tones, making it a modest favorite for portraiture, whereas Panasonic’s colors are slightly cooler and more neutral. Both cameras use optical low-pass filters, moderating fine detail to avoid moiré but at a cost to ultimate crispness.

LCD Screens and User Interface Experience

Viewing and composing through the rear screen is the only option here, and the screen size, resolution, and technology matter greatly.

The Canon sports a 2.7-inch, 230k-dot fixed TFT LCD, while the Panasonic FP5 ups the ante slightly with a 3-inch, likewise 230k-dot touchscreen TFT.

The wider Panasonic screen offers a bit more real estate for framing and reviewing images. The touchscreen provides snappy AF point selection and menu navigation, a distinct advantage for those who dislike fiddling with tiny buttons. However, responsiveness isn’t perfect - expect slight lag.

Canon’s screen, while smaller and non-touch, compensates with slightly better anti-glare coating, making outdoor viewing marginally easier.

Navigating menus on both cameras remains elementary, with Panasonic’s touchscreen easing the learning curve. The lack of full manual controls limits customization, but the menus are friendly for beginners and casual shooters.

Shooting Experience: Autofocus, Burst Rates, and Performance

Neither camera is a speed demon, but everyday usability depends heavily on autofocus accuracy and frame rates.

The Canon ELPH 140 IS employs contrast-detection autofocus with 9 focus points, including center-weighted and face detection modes. Autofocus is reliable in good light but noticeably hunts in dim scenarios, occasionally missing fast-moving subjects.

In burst mode, Canon drops to a snail-like 1 fps continuous shooting, aligning with its casual snapshot intent - basically you shoot, wait, shoot again. This makes it unsuitable for capturing action or sports.

The Panasonic FP5, also using contrast detection but with 11 AF points and face detection, felt less decisive during my tests. Autofocus was slower and sometimes jittery. On the plus side, it supports up to 6 fps burst shooting, which is a pleasant surprise in this category - albeit at reduced resolution and with limited autofocus during the bursts.

Lens and Focal Range: Versatility on the Go

The fixed lenses on both cameras dictate much of their creative possibilities. Here’s how they stack up:

• Canon ELPH 140 IS: 28-224 mm equivalent (8x zoom), max aperture f/3.2-6.9
• Panasonic FP5: 35-140 mm equivalent (4x zoom), max aperture f/3.5-5.9

Canon’s lens boasts a wider starting focal length - 28mm is genuinely useful for landscapes and group shots, providing a broader angle of view. The longer telephoto end extends further to 224mm, allowing more reach for distant subjects, albeit at a very small aperture that will limit low-light performance and bokeh potential.

Panasonic’s lens starts narrower at 35mm and maxes out at a more modest 140mm equivalent with a slightly faster aperture range in the telephoto region, favoring better light gathering but less reach.

Both lenses utilize optical image stabilization, crucial with their telephoto zooms to mitigate handshake - Canon’s IS is effective but Panasonic’s system exhibited slightly better steadiness in my handheld tests.

For macro enthusiasts, Canon impresses with a focus range down to 1 cm, allowing close-ups with punchy background blur, while Panasonic manages a respectable 10 cm minimum focus but isn’t quite as tight for tight macro work.

Portraits, Skin Tones, and Bokeh: Who Wins the People Shot?

Portrait photography in ultracompacts can be a stretch due to small sensors and limited aperture control, yet it remains a popular use case.

Canon ELPH 140 IS’s warmer color science gives skin tones a pleasing, natural look. Face detection autofocus improved capture success, granting good sharpness on eyes in most conditions. The extended telephoto reach lets you comfortably frame headshots with some background separation, although the maximum aperture of f/6.9 at the long end limits creamy bokeh.

The Panasonic FP5’s cooler tone rendition sometimes rendered skin slightly pale or flat, requiring post-processing tweaks. Face detection worked but with occasional focus misses. Its faster aperture at telephoto offers mild background blur, but the shorter zoom range forces closer cropping, resulting in a more environmental portrait style.

If your primary interest is casual portraits, the Canon’s color science and longer zoom gain a slight edge in my experience.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Detail Reign

Both models are challenged by limited dynamic range inherent to their sensor sizes and CCD technology.

The Panasonic’s slightly higher ISO ceiling and multiple aspect ratios (including 1:1 and 16:9) offer creative framing flexibility for landscapes. Still, shadow noise and highlight clipping become apparent in scenes with high contrast - especially clear in direct midday sun.

Canon’s greater resolution lets you capture more fine detail, making it a solid choice for static landscapes with ample light. The lens’s wider 28mm front end is preferred for sweeping vistas. However, limited weather sealing on both cameras (none, actually) discourages heavy outdoor use in adverse conditions.

Neither is weatherproof, dustproof, or ruggedized, so extreme field use requires caution.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Lower Priority

Ultracompacts are rarely the first choice for action and wildlife shooters, but let’s address performance honestly.

Canon’s slow 1 fps burst and hunting contrast AF makes it tough to track erratic subjects or catch fast animal antics. Panasonic’s 6 fps burst rate is theoretically better for sports but limited by slower autofocus and no continuous AF during shooting bursts.

Telephoto range favors Canon (224mm vs. 140mm), but wide apertures and AF speed are lacking in both; they simply aren’t designed for wildlife mouths or sprinting athletes. Optical stabilization helps handholding telephoto shots but won’t freeze motion effectively.

If action is your priority, mirrorless or DSLR models with dedicated phase-detection AF are better investments.

Street and Travel Photography: Size and Discretion Rules

Here, these cameras show their strengths.

Their ultracompact size encourages candid shooting without drawing attention - especially the Canon ELPH 140 IS with its rounded form and lightweight feel. Panasonic’s touchscreen can feel a little more “gadgety” and could attract curious looks when used openly.

Low-light performance is limited due to sensor technology and max ISO caps, but built-in optical IS compensates somewhat for slower shutter speeds - paramount for handheld street photography after sundown.

Battery life is fairly modest: Canon rated at 230 shots, Panasonic edging slightly higher at 260 shots per charge. Both are decent, but I suggest carrying spares or external power banks on prolonged trips.

The lack of wireless connectivity on both means no instant image sharing or remote control - a significant downside in today’s travel photography landscape where social media integration is often a priority.

Macro Close-Ups and Night/Astro Potential

Canon’s 1 cm macro capability aggressively pulls you close to the subject, enabling intriguing compositions with natural background blur - unusual in ultracompact cameras and a definite creative bonus.

Panasonic’s 10 cm minimum focus distance is respectable but less versatile.

For night and astrophotography, neither camera shines. CCD sensors limit sensitivity and long-exposure noise control, with max shutter speeds and ISO ceilings restricting star field capture. Built-in exposure modes do not support bulb or long-exposure modes needed for astrophotography.

Video Capabilities: Modest at Best

Both Canon and Panasonic max out at 720p video resolution, quite low by modern standards. Canon records H.264 at 1280x720 up to 25p, while Panasonic offers Motion JPEG at 720p 30fps. Neither supports external microphones, headphone outputs, or 4K recording.

Canon’s video autofocus was quieter and smoother, albeit slow; Panasonic’s occasionally hunted during movements.

Optical IS helps stabilize handheld footage for both but expect a grainy, soft look due to sensor limitations.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

Neither camera supports RAW formats - both produce JPEGs exclusively - limiting post-processing latitude. For professionals needing wide color gamut, raw flexibility, or tethered shooting, these models fall short.

Their limited manual controls restrict intricate exposure adjustments, although both offer custom white balance and face detection as helpful automated features.

Connectivity options are minimal: no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS. USB 2.0 facilitates file transfers but isn’t speedy by modern standards.

If you require a dependable tool for professional or advanced enthusiast work, mirrorless cameras or higher-end compacts with manual control and RAW support will serve better.

Build Quality, Reliability, and Battery

Both cameras are plastic-bodied and lack weather sealing - not surprising for entry-level ultracompacts but worth noting for rough-field use.

Canon uses a proprietary NB-11L battery with 230 shot rating; Panasonic uses an unspecified battery rated for 260 shots. Both require charging offline; no USB charging available.

Storage is flexible via SD/SDHC/SDXC cards for both; Panasonic includes internal memory as well.

Price-to-Performance: What You Get for the Money

With street prices around $130 for the Canon ELPH 140 IS and $200 for the Panasonic FP5, both reside at budget-friendly entry points.

Canon’s package offers longer zoom, faster shutter speed range, more megapixels, and better portrait color - great for casual travel and family snapshots.

Panasonic’s strengths lie in touchscreen convenience, faster burst shooting, higher ISO ceiling, and a modestly larger screen - attractive if you value interface fluidity and action photography on a budget.

Neither camera replaces a smartphone for image quality or connectivity, but both carve niches for shooters who want dedicated optics and tactile controls in pocket-sized form.

Summing Up: How Do They Stack?

Canon ELPH 140 IS front Canon ELPH 140 IS screen back Panasonic FP5 front Panasonic FP5 screen back

I invited both cameras on a weekend hike, city stroll, and impromptu family portrait session to test real-world versatility and pace.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 140 IS impressed with balance: usable image quality, pleasant color rendering, longer zoom, and ease of grip made shooting a breeze. However, its slow continuous shooting and limited manual control show its casual intentions plainly.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 felt a little older in autofocus and image output but offered a surprisingly rapid burst rate and better video stabilization. The touchscreen improved menu navigation but sometimes at the expense of speed.

Performance Metrics Breakdown

• Image Quality: Canon slightly ahead on detail and portrait color; Panasonic wins at high ISO noise handling.
• Autofocus: Both basic contrast detection; Canon more reliable in still scenes.
• Ergonomics: Canon's grip edge; Panasonic’s touchscreen aids usability.
• Speed: Panasonic leads burst and video frame rates.
• Connectivity: Tie - neither offers wireless or GPS.
• Battery: Panasonic offers marginally longer life.
• Value: Canon undercuts Panasonic on price with more zoom range.

Who Should Buy Which?

• Canon ELPH 140 IS - The Everyday Travel Buddy: If you seek a tiny, affordable camera for snapshots, family events, and the occasional landscape, Canon delivers solidly with minimal fuss. Its longer zoom and nicer color make it better suited for casual portraiture and broad scenes.

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 - The Compact Action Shooter: If you crave a touchscreen interface, faster burst shooting, and slightly higher ISO flexibility - perhaps for casual sports or action shots - Panasonic offers more versatility. Don’t expect stellar image quality, but portability and speed count here.

Final Thoughts: Reality Check on Ultracompacts

These two cameras, though respectable in their class, clearly illustrate the compromises you make with ultracompacts. Small sensors, fixed lenses, and limited controls impose ceilings on image quality and creative scope.

In 2024, many users will find smartphones delivering comparable or superior image quality with greater convenience, connectivity, and editing possibilities. However, dedicated cameras like Canon’s ELPH 140 IS and Panasonic FP5 retain appeal by offering optical zoom, tactile shutter buttons, and simple interfaces without smartphone distractions.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your priorities: portability and ease, or control and creative flexibility. For the casual enthusiast or traveler seeking a pocket-friendly companion, either model can serve well within its limitations.

If you aim for more serious photography or video work, I recommend exploring modern mirrorless options with larger sensors, native RAW support, and advanced autofocus systems. However, as proven companions for unpretentious shooting, Canon and Panasonic’s ultracompacts hold their place.

Happy shooting!

Article images source: manufacturer specifications and hands-on testing sessions.