Leica M9 vs Panasonic FH5

Here is a detailed review of the Leica M9 vs Panasonic FH5, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Leica and Panasonic. The resolution of the M9 (18MP) and the FH5 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the M9 (Full frame) and FH5 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizes.

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The M9 was manufactured 16 months prior to the FH5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Leica M9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a full comparison, below is a simple summation of how the M9 matches up vs the FH5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M9 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5. The entire galleries are provided at Leica M9 Gallery & Panasonic FH5 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera often, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Leica M9 has got physical measurements of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") having a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs) while the Panasonic FH5 has proportions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") along with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

Analyze the Leica M9 vs Panasonic FH5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the M9 against the FH5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the M9 and FH5 is 79 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading through technical specs. The graphic here will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the M9 and FH5.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The M9 because of its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Leica M9 will give more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots much more aggressively. The older M9 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.