Panasonic FH1 vs Sony NEX-F3

The following is a comprehensive assessment of the Panasonic FH1 and Sony NEX-F3, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the FH1 (12MP) and NEX-F3 (16MP) and the FH1 (1/2.3") and NEX-F3 (APS-C) have different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FH1 was manufactured 3 years prior to the NEX-F3 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-F3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the FH1 scores vs the NEX-F3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Sony Alpha NEX-F3. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Sony NEX-F3 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH1 has got physical measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Sony NEX-F3 has sizing of 117mm x 67mm x 42mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 314 grams (0.69 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH1 and Sony NEX-F3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the FH1 versus the NEX-F3.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the FH1 and NEX-F3 is 95 and 86 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions just by reviewing technical specs. The picture underneath should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FH1 and NEX-F3.

As you have seen, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FH1 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF harder and the Sony NEX-F3 will deliver more detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged FH1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.