Nikon D5000 vs Panasonic FH5

Here is a in-depth comparison of the Nikon D5000 vs Panasonic FH5, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. There exists a big gap among the sensor resolutions of the D5000 (12MP) and FH5 (16MP) and the D5000 (APS-C) and FH5 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The D5000 was revealed 19 months before the FH5 making them a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Nikon D5000 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short summary of how the D5000 scores vs the FH5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D5000 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon D5000 Gallery and Panasonic FH5 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Nikon D5000 comes with outer measurements of 127mm x 104mm x 80mm (5.0" x 4.1" x 3.1") and a weight of 590 grams (1.30 lbs) and the Panasonic FH5 has dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") having a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

See the Nikon D5000 vs Panasonic FH5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is a front view size comparison of the D5000 against the FH5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the D5000 and FH5 is 65 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing just by viewing specifications. The photograph below will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the D5000 and FH5.

To sum up, each of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The D5000 having a larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic FH5 will result in greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older D5000 will be behind in sensor technology.