Panasonic FH1 vs Panasonic G5

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic FH1 versus Panasonic G5, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are sold by Panasonic. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the FH1 (12MP) and G5 (16MP) and the FH1 (1/2.3") and G5 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FH1 was introduced 3 years earlier than the G5 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the FH1 grades against the G5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Panasonic G5 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic FH1 features outer measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Panasonic G5 has specifications of 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") with a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FH1 versus Panasonic G5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the FH1 and the G5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH1 and G5 is 95 and 74 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizes purely by looking through specifications. The pic underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the FH1 and G5.

To sum up, both of those cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FH1 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic G5 will result in more detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The more aged FH1 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.