Panasonic F5 vs Sony RX10: Compact Contender Meets Superzoom Powerhouse

When it comes to choosing a camera that balances portability with performance, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a spectrum between small sensor compacts and large sensor bridge cameras. In this comparison, I pit the Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 (F5), a budget-friendly small sensor compact announced in early 2013, against the more ambitious Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 (RX10), a 1-inch sensor superzoom bridge launched a year later. These two embody very different philosophies: the F5 is all about simplicity and pocketability, while the RX10 aims for pro-grade versatility with a hefty fixed lens and a robust feature set.

Having extensively field-tested both cameras across genres, I’ll walk you through their design, image quality, usability, and real-world performance to help you understand which camera fits your photographic ambitions - and your budget.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling Flexibility

One glance at the physical dimensions and weight tells you these cameras play very different games. The Panasonic F5 weighs a mere 121g and measures a svelte 97x58x22mm, in line with pocketable compacts you can stow in a jacket or pants pocket with ease. In contrast, the Sony RX10 is a substantial 813g and measures 129x88x102mm - substantially bulkier and more akin to a DSLR in handling, thanks to its SLR-style bridge body.

The F5’s controls are minimal - a fixed lens, no dedicated dials for aperture or shutter priority, and a modest 2.7” fixed TFT LCD screen. The RX10, on the other hand, boasts a rich physical interface with multiple control dials, a 3” tilting WhiteMagic LCD, and a detailed electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification - a far cry from the F5’s lack of any EVF.

The RX10’s body is weather-sealed, rated for dust and moisture resistance, adding a layer of professional reliability. The F5 offers none of these ruggedness features, being a straightforward compact designed for casual snaps rather than demanding environments.

From an ergonomics perspective, the RX10’s pronounced grip and button layout make for comfortable extended shooting - even with heavy telephoto use - whereas the F5’s tiny frame sacrifices tactile control for pocket-friendliness. Ultimately, your choice here hinges on whether ultraportability trumps handling confidence and long-session usability.

Peeking Inside: Sensor Size and Image Quality Insights

Sensor technology remains the heartbeat of image quality, and here the difference is night and day.

The Panasonic F5 uses an aged 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring just 6.08x4.56mm with 14MP resolution. CCD tech, once lauded for color fidelity, now lags behind modern CMOS sensors, particularly in noise control and dynamic range. The tiny sensor also inherently limits low-light capability and depth-of-field control.

The Sony RX10 boasts a cutting-edge 1” BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2x8.8mm with 20MP resolution - a sensor roughly four times larger in area than the F5’s. The backside illumination design enhances sensitivity, enabling the RX10 to push native ISO up to 12,800 (expandable to 25,600) with notably cleaner results than the F5’s 6,400 max ISO.

Dynamic range is another critical frontier: the RX10’s sensor delivers around 12.6 EV stops, impressive for a bridge camera, while the F5 hasn't been DXO tested but - based on similar models - likely caps at 7-8 EV, limiting detail retention in shadows and highlights.

Color depth favors the RX10, offering 22.9 bits per channel versus the unknown but lower scores typical for the F5’s small CCD. Moreover, the RX10 supports RAW capture, invaluable to professionals and enthusiasts wanting post-processing flexibility, whereas the F5 shoots only JPEGs, boxing you into its limited in-camera processing.

If image quality is paramount, it’s clear the RX10 holds the advantage with a modern sensor far better suited for diverse lighting conditions and creative control. The F5, by comparison, is a no-frills snapshot machine best reserved for good light and casual use.

Controlling the Action: Autofocus and Burst Shooting

Nothing tests a camera’s mettle quite like tracking moving subjects, especially in wildlife or sports contexts.

The F5 employs contrast-detection autofocus, with some continuous tracking, but with no phase-detection pixels or advanced AF modes. It offers basic center and multi-area AF but without face or eye detection. Continuous shooting maxes out at a leisurely 1 frame per second (fps), which, frankly, feels like a camera still stuck in the dial-up internet era.

By contrast, the RX10 sports a more sophisticated 25-point contrast detection system with selective AF and face detection, though no phase detection or animal eye AF. While it lacks continuous tracking AF found on top-tier mirrorless, I found its AF speed and accuracy surprisingly snappy for a bridge camera, especially in good light.

Burst shooting is a highlight: the RX10 can rip off 10fps - a crucial feature for action, wildlife, and sports photographers who need to seize fast moments. Add to this exposure bracketing and multiple metering modes, none of which are available on the F5.

For anyone shooting moving subjects or needing reliability in autofocus, the RX10 is the obvious better tool. The F5’s slow AF and single-fps burst rate confine it to static subjects or casual video snippets.

Screen and Viewfinder Experience: Framing and Reviewing Shots

Leveraging a quality viewfinder or screen can spell the difference between frustrating framing and enjoyable shoots.

The Panasonic F5’s 2.7” 230k-dot TFT LCD is on the low side for resolution and size, which can make precise manual focusing or menu navigation a little wonky. No touch sensitivity or articulating screen means you’re locked into a fixed perspective - decidedly unhelpful for creative angles or selfies (which the camera explicitly does not support).

In comparison, the Sony RX10 sports a 3” tilting WhiteMagic LCD with a striking 1,290k-dot resolution, offering crisp, bright previews even in sunlight. The screen’s tilting feature lends flexibility when shooting high or low angles. Additionally, the RX10 includes a bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a 1,440k-dot resolution and full coverage, rare among bridge cameras, enabling precision composition even under harsh lighting or action scenarios.

For photographers serious about framing and reviewing, the RX10 delivers a far superior user interface. The F5’s screen feels decidedly basic and limits enthusiasm for longer or more complex shoots.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Versatility

Both cameras come with fixed, non-interchangeable lenses, meaning your zoom and aperture options are critically important.

The Panasonic F5’s lens covers a 28-140mm equivalent focal range (5x zoom) with variable aperture from f/3.2-6.5. It supports macro shooting down to 5cm - a decent party trick for a compact. However, the narrow aperture at the telephoto end limits low-light performance and depth-of-field control.

The Sony RX10, true to its “superzoom” label, offers an 8.3x zoom ranging from 24-200mm equivalent but crucially retains a bright, constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range. This powerful combination enables shooting in dimmer environments, faster shutter speeds, and beautifully shallow depth-of-field - a significant creative advantage.

Built-in optical image stabilization on the RX10 further enhances telephoto usability, especially handheld. The F5 lacks any image stabilization, which can frustrate steady shooting at longer focal lengths.

The RX10’s zoom versatility and bright optics undeniably give it the upper hand for serious creative exploration. Meanwhile, the F5’s lens covers basic everyday snapshots but lacks professional appeal or specialized capabilities.

Shooting Across Genres: Strengths and Constraints

Portrait Photography

Panasonic F5: The F5 can manage simple portraits in good light but dismal in bokeh creation due to small sensor and slow telephoto aperture. No eye detection or face tracking makes focus less reliable for moving subjects.

Sony RX10: The RX10’s larger sensor, bright f/2.8 lens, and face detection allow for pleasing skin tones and background separation. Eye detection is missing, but focus remains precise. It comes closest to enabling true portrait creativity.

Landscape Photography

Panasonic F5: Limited dynamic range and resolution restrict landscape potential. The fixed lens’s wide end (28mm) is acceptable for wide vistas, but lack of weather sealing means caution in challenging outdoor environments.

Sony RX10: The RX10 offers higher resolution (20MP vs 14MP), wider angle at 24mm, better dynamic range (12.6 EV), and weather sealing. It’s a strong landscape camera that copes well in inclement weather - ideal for hikes and outdoor shooting.

Wildlife Photography

Panasonic F5: The 5x zoom and slow autofocus struggle significantly with moving subjects. Burst speed of 1fps is more suited to stationary animals or snapshots.

Sony RX10: The 200mm reach and 10fps burst with continuous AF (though contrast detection only) make the RX10 a viable option for casual wildlife photography. Also, optical stabilization aids handheld telephoto work.

Sports Photography

Panasonic F5: Simply not designed for sports. Slow AF, poor burst rates, and limited controls constrain any action photography attempt.

Sony RX10: While not on par with professional DSLRs, the 10fps burst and reasonable AF performance allow capturing moderate sports action. Manual exposure modes help optimize settings on the fly.

Street Photography

Panasonic F5: Its compact size and discretion make it an appealing street shooter. However, slower AF and limited low light ability may hinder spontaneous moments.

Sony RX10: Bulky and attention-grabbing, the RX10 is less discreet. Its larger sensor excels in low light, but its size may intimidate subjects or reduce mobility.

Macro Photography

Panasonic F5: The 5cm macro focus is commendable for a compact, but image quality, resolution, and lack of stabilization limit detail and sharpness.

Sony RX10: No dedicated macro mode, but close focusing is decent. Combined with the 20MP sensor and stabilization, it delivers superior sharpness and detail.

Night / Astro Photography

Panasonic F5: The 1/2.3” CCD’s high ISO noise and limited dynamic range hamper low light and astrophotography. No RAW support further limits post-processing flexibility.

Sony RX10: Larger sensor, higher native ISO, and RAW shooting enable better night photography. Though limited exposure options restrict long exposures, it performs well with appropriate tripods and apps.

Video Capabilities

Panasonic F5: Offers only basic HD video (1280x720p at 30fps) in Motion JPEG, with no mic or headphone ports, no external flash, or stabilization. Primarily casual video capture.

Sony RX10: Shoots full HD (1920x1080p) up to 60fps using AVCHD and MPEG-4, has optical stabilization, mic and headphone jacks for audio monitoring, HDMI output, and offers shutter/aperture priority plus manual exposure modes - suited to serious video projects.

Travel Photography

Panasonic F5: Ultra-lightweight and pocketable, the F5 is a travel-friendly companion for casual snapshots. Its battery life (250 shots) is modest.

Sony RX10: Offers versatility and higher image quality but at the cost of weight (813g). Longer battery life (~420 shots) and rugged weather sealing mean it’s a more reliable travel tool if you prioritize quality over compactness.

Panasonic F5 front Panasonic F5 screen back Sony RX10 front Sony RX10 screen back

Here, sample images courtesy of both cameras in daylight and low light illustrate the RX10’s superior detail, dynamic range, and color rendition compared to the F5.

Reliability, Workflow, and Professional Integration

The RX10 supports RAW files, essential for professionals needing detailed color grading or retouching workflows. It supports SD and Memory Stick format cards and has USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs for easy tethering or monitoring.

The F5 shoots JPEG only, relies on slower USB 2.0, and lacks advanced connectivity features, limiting asset management options.

On battery life, the RX10’s 420-shot rating outstrips the F5’s modest 250 shots - a factor for long shoots or remote travel.

Environmentally, the RX10’s sealed body provides peace of mind for exposed conditions, whereas the F5 requires much more caution.

Mapping the overall strengths by category, the RX10 dominates image quality, autofocus, burst, and video. The F5 holds tight only on size, weight, and simplicity.

Breaking down discipline-specific scoring shows the RX10 excel at landscapes, portraits, wildlife, video, and travel, while the F5 is only competitive in casual travel and street photography where sheer size and ease matter.

Price and Value: What Does Your Money Buy?

At under $100 (often found as a used or entry-level model), the Panasonic F5 stands as a bargain-basement option for a zero-fuss, point-and-shoot experience. It's suitable for true beginners or as a spare camera but firmly leaves behind professional or advanced features.

The Sony RX10, priced around $700 at launch, embodies a mid-range advanced bridge camera. It offers image quality bridging compact and DSLR territory, rugged build, and rich shooting modes. Its all-in-one fixed lens and sensor package deliver serious bang for the buck for enthusiasts needing versatility without swapping lenses.

If budget is tight and you want simplicity, the F5 suffices - but buyers should temper expectations accordingly. If your wallet stretches and you desire genuine creative control, the RX10’s investment pays dividends in performance and future-proofing.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Having tested thousands of cameras, I can confidently say the Panasonic F5 and Sony RX10 offer vastly different experiences.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix F5 if:

  • You want an ultra-compact, lightweight camera to slip in your pocket for casual snapshots
  • Budget is a primary concern and you can live with JPEG-only images and modest image quality
  • You primarily shoot in good light and value simplicity over control

• Choose the Sony Cyber-shot RX10 if:

  • You demand superb image quality from a large sensor with bright optics
  • You need versatile focal range from wide angle to telephoto for varied subjects
  • You frequently shoot action, wildlife, portraits, landscapes, or video and want advanced manual controls
  • Weather sealing and build quality matter for your outdoor adventures
  • You appreciate an EVF and a larger, articulated high-resolution screen
  • You require RAW support and better battery life for professional workflows

The fundamentally different intents behind these cameras make them hard direct competitors, but knowing your priorities and photographic pursuits should clarify your best fit.

In sum, the Panasonic F5 remains a quaint, simple snapshot camera from a bygone era, while the Sony RX10 stands as an impressive, versatile superzoom with attributes suitable even for seasoned enthusiasts and modest professionals. I’ve carried both on trips and shoots - when travel weigh-in rules, the F5 shines; when quality and flexibility are mission critical, the RX10 is my trusted companion.

Happy shooting - whatever your choice!