Panasonic FH2 vs Sony NEX-5N

Its time to take a closer look at the Panasonic FH2 and Sony NEX-5N, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FH2 (14MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is very well matched but the FH2 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

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The FH2 was announced 9 months earlier than the NEX-5N and they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH2 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the FH2 scores versus the NEX-5N in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 & Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FH2 Gallery & Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FH2 features external dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") and a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5N has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FH2 and Sony NEX-5N in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the FH2 compared to the NEX-5N.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the FH2 and NEX-5N is 96 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by checking specs. The image underneath will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH2 and NEX-5N.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FH2 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Sony NEX-5N will give you more detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged FH2 is going to be behind in sensor tech.