Panasonic F5 vs Sony W320

Following is a extended assessment of the Panasonic F5 and Sony W320, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the F5 (14MP) and the W320 (14MP) is very close and they feature the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The F5 was announced 3 years after the W320 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic F5 being a Compact camera and the Sony W320 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go through a in depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the F5 grades against the W320 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W320. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic F5 Gallery & Sony W320 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic F5 has outer dimensions of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Sony W320 has proportions of 93mm x 52mm x 17mm (3.7" x 2.0" x 0.7") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic F5 and Sony W320 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the F5 vs the W320.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the F5 and W320 is 96 and 97 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes simply by researching a spec sheet. The picture below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the F5 and W320.

Clearly, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the exact same megapixels so you can expect comparable quality of files but you really should factor the launch date of the cameras into account. The fresher F5 will have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.