Panasonic F5 vs Sony A55

Here is a extended analysis of the Panasonic F5 and Sony A55, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the F5 (14MP) and the A55 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the F5 (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The F5 was brought out 2 years later than the A55 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic F5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief overview of how the F5 scores against the A55 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 and Sony SLT-A55. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic F5 Gallery and Sony A55 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic F5 provides outer dimensions of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") having a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Sony A55 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

See the Panasonic F5 and Sony A55 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the F5 and the A55.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the F5 and A55 is 96 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing simply by looking at specs. The photograph below should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the F5 and A55.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The F5 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony A55 will give more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs far more aggressively. The more recent F5 will have an advantage in sensor tech.