Panasonic FH10 vs Sony NEX-5

Lets look more in depth at the Panasonic FH10 vs Sony NEX-5, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FH10 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is very close but the FH10 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FH10 was announced 2 years after the NEX-5 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH10 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the FH10 grades vs the NEX-5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH10 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FH10 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH10 has exterior dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 18mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") and a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH10 vs Sony NEX-5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the FH10 vs the NEX-5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the FH10 and NEX-5 is 97 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizes simply by looking through specs. The picture underneath should offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH10 and NEX-5.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FH10 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Panasonic FH10 will provide you with greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The fresher FH10 should have an advantage in sensor technology.