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Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5

Portability
93
Imaging
37
Features
21
Overall
30
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 front
Portability
95
Imaging
38
Features
34
Overall
36

Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5 Key Specs

Panasonic FH20
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-224mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 178g - 100 x 56 x 28mm
  • Launched January 2010
  • Alternate Name is Lumix DMC-FS30
Panasonic SZ5
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 1600 (Bump to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 25-250mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
  • 136g - 104 x 58 x 21mm
  • Launched July 2012
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Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5 Overview

Following is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and they are both designed by Panasonic. The resolution of the FH20 (14MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is relatively close and both cameras offer the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The FH20 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the SZ5 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the FH20 grades against the SZ5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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Reasons to pick Panasonic FH20 over the Panasonic SZ5

 FH20 SZ5 

Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ5 over the Panasonic FH20

 SZ5 FH20 
LaunchedJuly 2012January 2010More modern by 30 months
Screen dimensions3"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.3")

Common features in the Panasonic FH20 and Panasonic SZ5

 FH20 SZ5 
Focus manually No manual focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen resolution230k230kSame screen resolution
Selfie screen Absent selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Neither comes with Touch friendly screen

Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5 Physical Comparison

In case you're intending to carry around your camera, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH20 comes with exterior dimensions of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ5 has dimensions of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the FH20 and the SZ5.

Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5 size comparison

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH20 and SZ5 is 93 and 95 respectively.

Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5 top view buttons comparison

Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5 Sensor Comparison

Sometimes, it can be difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizes merely by researching specs. The image below should provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH20 and SZ5.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the same megapixels and you can expect comparable quality of photos although you should always consider the age of the cameras into account. The more aged FH20 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.

Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5 sensor size comparison

Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5 Screen and ViewFinder

Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Panasonic FH20 Portrait photography information
Panasonic SZ5 Portrait photography information
28
decent sensor resolution (14MP)
lack of manual focus
no manual exposure
external flash not possible
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
34
resolution is good (14MP)
has face detection focus
no manual focus
manual mode not available
no external flash support
very small sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files
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Street Comparison

Panasonic FH20 Street photography info
Panasonic SZ5 Street photography info
56
built in image stabilization (Optical)
screen does not articulate
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
63
built in image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competition in class (136g)
screen does not articulate
very small sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files
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Sports Comparison

Panasonic FH20 Sports photography details
Panasonic SZ5 Sports photography details
35
built in image stabilization (Optical)
decent sensor resolution (14 megapixels)
max frames per second low (5.0 fps)
lack of shutter priority mode
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
has no phase detect AF
40
built in image stabilization (Optical)
resolution is good (14MP)
has tracking autofocus
max frames per second low (2.0 frames/s)
no shutter priority mode
very small sensor (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect auto focus
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Travel Comparison

Panasonic FH20 Travel photography info
Panasonic SZ5 Travel photography info
64
decent sensor resolution (14 megapixels)
flash built-in
really wide (28mm)
doesn't have Timelapse function
screen isn't selfie friendly
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
70
lighter than competition in class (136 grams)
resolution is good (14 megapixels)
built-in flash
relatively wide (25mm)
great reach (250mm)
lack of Timelapse recording
display is not selfie friendly
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.1)
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Landscape Comparison

Panasonic FH20 Landscape photography features
Panasonic SZ5 Landscape photography features
37
really wide (28mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
decent sensor resolution (14MP)
lack of manual focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
small screen (2.7")
no manual exposure
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
doesn't have Timelapse function
42
relatively wide (25mm)
screen size is good (3")
built in image stabilization (Optical)
resolution is good (14 megapixels)
no manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.1)
manual mode not available
very small sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files
lack of Timelapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic FH20 Vlogging features
Panasonic SZ5 Vlogging features
28
really wide (28mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
screen isn't selfie friendly
video resolution low (1280 x 720 pixels)
doesn't have microphone socket
32
relatively wide (25mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
has face detection focus
lighter than competition in class (136 grams)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.1)
display is not selfie friendly
low quality video (1280 x 720 resolution)
lack of external microphone support
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Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic FH20 and Panasonic SZ5
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5
General Information
Make Panasonic Panasonic
Model type Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5
Otherwise known as Lumix DMC-FS30 -
Category Small Sensor Compact Small Sensor Compact
Launched 2010-01-06 2012-07-18
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.08 x 4.56mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor surface area 27.7mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 14 megapixel 14 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Full resolution 4320 x 3240 4320 x 3240
Max native ISO 6400 1600
Max boosted ISO - 6400
Min native ISO 80 100
RAW files
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch to focus
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Total focus points 9 23
Lens
Lens support fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 28-224mm (8.0x) 25-250mm (10.0x)
Largest aperture f/3.3-5.9 f/3.1-5.9
Macro focusing range 5cm 5cm
Focal length multiplier 5.9 5.9
Screen
Type of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 2.7" 3"
Resolution of display 230k dots 230k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Display tech - TFT Screen LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Lowest shutter speed 60s 8s
Highest shutter speed 1/1600s 1/1600s
Continuous shooting rate 5.0fps 2.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 5.80 m (Auto ISO) 5.60 m
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 1280 x 720p ( 30,25 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25 fps)
Max video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Video format Motion JPEG MPEG-4
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 178g (0.39 pounds) 136g (0.30 pounds)
Physical dimensions 100 x 56 x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") 104 x 58 x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life - 250 images
Battery style - Battery Pack
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes (2 or 10 secs)
Time lapse feature
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots Single Single
Retail cost $179 $195