Panasonic FH1 vs Panasonic GF5

Below, we are reviewing the Panasonic FH1 and Panasonic GF5, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are created by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FH1 (12MP) and the GF5 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the FH1 (1/2.3") and GF5 (Four Thirds) use different sensor sizes.

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The FH1 was unveiled 3 years prior to the GF5 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summation of how the FH1 grades versus the GF5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FH1 Gallery & Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH1 offers physical dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Panasonic GF5 has dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FH1 and Panasonic GF5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the FH1 vs the GF5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH1 and GF5 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizing merely by reading through specifications. The graphic underneath may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FH1 and GF5.

Plainly, both of these cameras posses the exact same megapixels but different sensor sizing. The FH1 includes the tinier sensor which will make obtaining shallow DOF trickier. The older FH1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.