Panasonic F5 vs Sony NEX-6

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Panasonic F5 versus Sony NEX-6, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the F5 (14MP) and the NEX-6 (16MP) is fairly similar but the F5 (1/2.3") and NEX-6 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The F5 was brought out 2 months earlier than the NEX-6 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic F5 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a full comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the F5 grades against the NEX-6 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 and Sony Alpha NEX-6. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic F5 Gallery and Sony NEX-6 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic F5 provides outside measurements of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Sony NEX-6 has sizing of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 345 grams (0.76 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic F5 versus Sony NEX-6 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the F5 vs the NEX-6.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the F5 and NEX-6 is 96 and 85 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing simply by going over a spec sheet. The visual underneath will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the F5 and NEX-6.

As you can see, each of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The F5 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF harder and the Sony NEX-6 will deliver more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively.