Panasonic FH1 vs Sony HX5

Lets examine more closely at the Panasonic FH1 and Sony HX5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FH1 (12MP) and the HX5 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the FH1 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") enjoy different sensor sizing.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The FH1 was announced 5 months before the HX5 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the FH1 grades versus the HX5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH1 has outside 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) whilst the Sony HX5 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FH1 and Sony HX5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the FH1 against the HX5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the FH1 and HX5 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Often, it's tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing just by looking at technical specs. The visual below will help give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the FH1 and HX5.

As you can tell, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FH1 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic FH1 will resolve more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively.