Panasonic FH1 vs Sony WX500

The following is a in-depth analysis of the Panasonic FH1 versus Sony WX500, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the FH1 (12MP) and WX500 (18MP) but they come with the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The FH1 was announced 6 years before the WX500 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the FH1 scores vs the WX500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Sony WX500 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH1 has got physical measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Sony WX500 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FH1 versus Sony WX500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the FH1 compared to the WX500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the FH1 and WX500 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to see the difference between sensor dimensions just by reading specs. The image below may give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FH1 and WX500.

All in all, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Sony WX500 to deliver more detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged FH1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.