Panasonic F5 vs Sony NEX-5

The following is a complete assessment of the Panasonic F5 vs Sony NEX-5, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the F5 (14MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is fairly similar but the F5 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) posses different sensor dimensions.

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The F5 was revealed 2 years after the NEX-5 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic F5 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the F5 scores against the NEX-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are available at Panasonic F5 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic F5 has got physical dimensions of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic F5 vs Sony NEX-5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select during that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the F5 versus the NEX-5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the F5 and NEX-5 is 96 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by going over a spec sheet. The pic underneath may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the F5 and NEX-5.

As you can see, the two cameras provide the same megapixel count but different sensor dimensions. The F5 provides the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging. The more recent F5 should have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.