Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V: A Practical, In-Depth Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera isn't just about specs on paper; it's about how those specs translate into real-world performance across different photography genres. Having personally put dozens of compact cameras through hands-on tests over nearly two decades, I understand how subtle design choices and technical trade-offs affect your shooting experience and image quality. Today, I’ll walk you through a comprehensive comparison between two compact cameras from Panasonic and Sony, each representing very different segments and philosophies - the budget-friendly Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 and the premium Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V.

This isn’t just an exercise in reading numbers; I’ll dive into sensor performance, autofocus, build quality, usability, video capabilities, and genre-specific usability - giving you practical insights from my testing bench. By the end, you’ll have a nuanced understanding of which camera suits your shooting style and budget.

Getting Acquainted: Panasonic F5 and Sony RX100 V At a Glance

Before digging into details, here’s a quick overview of these cameras:

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 (F5): Launched in early 2013, this is a compact point-and-shoot with a small 1/2.3" CCD sensor, fixed 28-140mm equivalent lens, and a budget price tag below $100. Aimed at casual users wanting simple operation.
• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V (RX100 V): Released in 2016, this flagship compact features a larger 1" 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor, faster 24fps continuous shooting, and a premium build with extensive manual controls. Targeted at enthusiasts and pros desiring pocketable high image quality.

Looking at physical size and ergonomics, the RX100 V is noticeably bigger and heavier (~3x the weight), reflecting its more advanced hardware and controls. The F5's ultra-compact body with 121g weight feels nimble and slips into almost any pocket. Ergonomically, the RX100 presents a more substantial grip and physical dials that better support extended shooting sessions and manual adjustments.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The sensor is where the most substantial performance gap lies, and I’ve tested countless units to truly understand the impact.

The Panasonic F5 carries a tiny 1/2.3" CCD sensor, measuring about 6.08 x 4.56 mm, with 14 megapixels. This sensor size is common in budget compacts but limits light-gathering ability and dynamic range. In practice, images look decent under good lighting but quickly lose detail and exhibit noise as ISO climbs beyond 400. Color depth and tonal gradation are modest at best, reflecting the older CCD technology.

Meanwhile, the Sony RX100 V sports a much larger 1" BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8 mm), almost 4x the surface area, with 20MP resolution. This sensor offers vastly superior dynamic range, color fidelity, and low-light performance. In my tests, the RX100 V showed clean images all the way up to ISO 3200 with usable detail even at boosted ISO 6400. The back-illuminated design improves light capture, giving you more flexibility shooting in dim environments or capturing fine textures.

For photographers prioritizing image quality - think landscapes, portraits with natural skin tones, or anything needing crop flexibility - the RX100 V is a clear winner.

Lens Quality and Versatility: Zoom Range, Aperture, and Macro

Lens design significantly impacts sharpness, bokeh quality, and low-light capability.

• Panasonic F5 lens: Fixed 28-140mm equivalent zoom, f/3.2-6.5 aperture, macro focusing at 5cm.
• Sony RX100 V lens: 24-70mm equivalent zoom, faster f/1.8-2.8 aperture, with 5cm macro focusing distance.

The F5’s 5x zoom covers useful focal lengths but the narrow aperture at telephoto end (f/6.5) results in slower shutter speeds and weaker background separation. The lens sharpness across the zoom range is reasonable for casual snapshots, but edge softness is noticeable, particularly at max zoom.

The RX100 V’s lens, while a shorter 2.9x zoom, is much faster and optically superior. The f/1.8 aperture at wide end excels in low light and creates creamy background blur, perfect for portraits and artistic shots. Tack sharpness is evident from center to corners even wide open, and the 70mm telephoto end is versatile enough for portraits and medium telephoto work.

Its closer minimum focus distance enables more detailed macro shots, though neither camera is a dedicated macro specialist.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus performance can make or break your ability to capture fleeting moments.

The Panasonic F5 uses contrast-detection autofocus with a limited number of unspecified focus points and no face or eye detection. I found autofocus to be sluggish, prone to hunting in low light or on low-contrast subjects. Continuous AF mode is present but limited to very slow 1 fps burst rate. Suffice to say, motion photography or wildlife are not an F5’s forte.

In contrast, the Sony RX100 V provides a state-of-the-art Hybrid AF system combining phase detection and contrast detection with 315 focus points covering much of the frame. This allows extremely fast (sub-0.05 second) and precise focusing, with reliable tracking of moving subjects, including face and eye detection. Burst shooting can reach an astounding 24fps with continuous focusing, a massive advantage for sports or wildlife shooters needing to capture split-second action.

Sony’s sophisticated control layout supports this performance with quick access AF modes, customizable buttons, and a comfortable grip, while the F5 sticks to minimal controls - good for beginners but limiting if you want creative control.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Ergonomics

Neither camera offers significant weather sealing, so neither is ideal for harsh environments. The RX100 V boasts a sturdy metal alloy body, while the F5 uses lightweight plastic construction.

Ergonomics again favor the RX100 V, with a tilting 3-inch, 1229k-dot LCD aiding composition from various angles and an integrated electronic viewfinder with eye sensor that boosts versatility in bright daylight. The F5’s fixed 2.7-inch, 230k-dot TFT LCD without touch limits compositional freedom and handling comfort, especially for prolonged use.

For travelers or street photographers who want to blend portability with usability, this represents a key consideration - do you want the barebones simplicity of the F5 or a more robust tool for precise control?

Video Capabilities: From Casual to Pro-Am Standards

Video demands a different set of hardware and software capabilities.

• Pan F5 shoots HD 720p at 30fps, Motion JPEG format - very basic quality.
• Sony RX100 V outputs UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 30fps, offers slow-motion, and uses efficient XAVC S codec with good bitrate for crisp footage.

Neither have microphone or headphone jacks, so serious audiophiles might look elsewhere, but the RX100 V's optical image stabilization helps smooth handheld video, an edge the F5 lacks entirely.

If you want casual video clips, the F5 does fine - but for cinematic quality, lightweight vlogging, or video blogging, the RX100 V is the clear pick.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

The Panasonic F5 touts a 250-shot battery life, the Sony RX100 V around 220 shots per charge, which matches my experience. Neither camera excels in battery longevity, so extra batteries are recommended for intensive use.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards for storage, though the RX100 V also supports Memory Stick format, which isn’t particularly relevant today but might influence existing accessory investments.

Connectivity-wise, the F5 has none - no wifi, Bluetooth, or NFC. The RX100 V includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy image transfer and remote control - a boon for modern workflows and mobile sharing.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Let me walk you through specific use cases to show where each model shines or falls short.

Panasonic F5 front Panasonic F5 screen back Sony RX100 V front Sony RX100 V screen back

Portrait Photography

Panasonic F5: Modest sensor and slower lens limit bokeh and skin tone rendition, resulting in flatter, less dynamic portraits. Without face or eye detection, focusing requires more user input and patience.

Sony RX100 V: Fast lens and sophisticated autofocus with face/eye detection deliver sharp, beautifully rendered portraits with creamy background blurs. Skin tones appear natural and detailed due to wider dynamic range.

Landscape Photography

F5: Sensor size limits dynamic range, causing clipped highlights in bright skies and muddy shadows. Lower resolution restricts cropping options for fine detail.

RX100 V: Superior dynamic range and higher megapixels allow for rich tonal gradation and detail retention, essential for landscapes. However, absence of weather sealing tempers enthusiasm for tough outdoor conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

F5: Slow AF, low frame rate, and shutter lag hamper capturing fast-moving subjects.

RX100 V: Lightning-fast AF, 24fps burst, and excellent tracking make it surprisingly effective for wildlife and sports in a compact package - though lens reach maxes at 70mm equivalent, limiting long-distance shots.

Street Photography

F5: Ultra-compact and unassuming, it’s excellent for candid shots, though its slow AF and fixed LCD may occasionally frustrate timing.

RX100 V: Still pocketable but more conspicuous. Its rapid AF and viewfinder help capture quick moments even in low light, making it a versatile street shooter for enthusiasts.

Macro Photography

Both offer minimum focusing distances around 5cm, adequate for casual close-ups but not for extreme macro. RX100 V’s higher resolution sensor produces more detailed close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

F5: Limited high ISO capability and CCD sensor noise make night shots challenging.

RX100 V: Better ISO performance and faster lens improve night shooting, though limited exposure times and small sensor size restrict advanced astro photography.

Travel Photography

F5: Lightweight and affordable, good for casual snapshots.

RX100 V: More versatile and higher quality but at the cost of increased size and price. Wi-Fi connectivity aids on-the-go workflows.

Professional Work

The RX100 V supports raw image capture improving post-processing flexibility, while F5 forgoes raw files entirely. Its robust build, superior controls, and faster performance also make the RX100 V better suited for professional backup or a secondary camera.

Technical Deep Dive: What’s Under the Hood?

• Image Processors: RX100 V’s Bionz X enhances noise reduction and image detail. The F5 lacks a dedicated image processor specification, reflective of its budget tier.
• Shutter Speeds: Both max at 1/2000s mechanically, but RX100 V offers an electronic shutter up to 1/32000s for shooting wide apertures in bright light.
• Stabilization: RX100 V’s optical image stabilization aids hand-held shooting; the F5 has none.
• ISO Ranges: F5 native range 100-6400, RX100 V 125-12800 native, extended to 80-25600.
• File Formats: RX100 V supports raw and multiple aspect ratios; F5 limited to JPEGs.

Final Performance Ratings at a Glance

According to multiple testing criteria, the RX100 V scores significantly higher in image quality, autofocus, and video, while the F5 remains a no-frills entry-level option.

So, Which Should You Choose?

• Budget-conscious casual shooters: Panasonic F5 offers a pocket-friendly, no-fuss experience ideal for snapshots and vacations where convenience over quality is acceptable.
• Photography enthusiasts and professionals: The Sony RX100 V is a compact powerhouse providing exceptional image quality, fast AF, superior low-light ability, and expandability into manual controls and video. It justifies its price for serious users wanting a pocketable all-in-one.

To Wrap Up: Practical Realities and Recommendations

If you’re stepping from smartphone photography towards something genuinely versatile without breaking the bank, the Panasonic DMC-F5 fulfills basic needs but lacks the sophistication many users aspire to after a few months.

In my personal experience testing the RX100 series over the years, the RX100 V remains one of the finest compact cameras ever made, rivaling many interchangeable lens systems in output quality and usability. It's a reliable companion for everything from street candids to sports and portraits, not to mention the upgraded video specs. I keep recommended it to clients and colleagues alike as a workhorse.

Ultimately, think about where you want your photography to go. If you need a lightweight, highly capable compact, prioritize the RX100 V. But if you just want an ultra-cheap compact for snapshots with good zoom reach, the F5 will serve you adequately.

For visual reference and more hands-on impressions, see my accompanying image gallery and ergonomic layout snapshots throughout this article.

Happy shooting - and drop me a note if you want more detailed workflow or lens selection advice for either model!