Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic FH5

Following is a complete assessment of the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic FH5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and FH5 (16MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and FH5 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The XZ-1 was introduced at a similar time to the FH5 so they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the XZ-1 grades against the FH5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Panasonic FH5 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-1 has external dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Panasonic FH5 has proportions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") and a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

Examine the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic FH5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the XZ-1 against the FH5.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-1 and FH5 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizes simply by going over technical specs. The picture below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-1 and FH5.

As you can tell, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The XZ-1 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic FH5 will deliver more detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively.