Panasonic F5 vs Sony A580

The following is a complete comparison of the Panasonic F5 and Sony A580, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the F5 (14MP) and the A580 (16MP) is pretty close but the F5 (1/2.3") and A580 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

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The F5 was unveiled 20 months after the A580 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic F5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a complete comparison, below is a short introduction of how the F5 grades versus the A580 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic F5 Gallery & Sony A580 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic F5 enjoys exterior dimensions of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) whilst the Sony A580 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") along with a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic F5 and Sony A580 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select at the time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the F5 against the A580.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the F5 and A580 is 96 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by looking through technical specs. The pic below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the F5 and A580.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The F5 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony A580 will render more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more recent F5 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.