Panasonic FH1 vs Panasonic GM5

Below is a comprehensive overview of the Panasonic FH1 versus Panasonic GM5, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are manufactured by Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the FH1 (12MP) and GM5 (16MP) and the FH1 (1/2.3") and GM5 (Four Thirds) boast different sensor measurements.

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The FH1 was manufactured 5 years earlier than the GM5 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the FH1 scores vs the GM5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Panasonic GM5 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH1 offers outside dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Panasonic GM5 has dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FH1 versus Panasonic GM5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the FH1 and the GM5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FH1 and GM5 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Often, its hard to imagine the gap in sensor measurements simply by going through specs. The graphic underneath may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FH1 and GM5.

All in all, both cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FH1 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic GM5 will provide more detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older FH1 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.