Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5
93 Imaging
36 Features
21 Overall
30


95 Imaging
37 Features
34 Overall
35
Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5 Key Specs
(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
(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

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").

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.

Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FH20 Gallery & Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Panasonic FH20 over the Panasonic SZ5
FH20 | SZ5 |
---|
Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ5 over the Panasonic FH20
SZ5 | FH20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | July 2012 | ![]() | January 2010 | More modern by 30 months |
Screen dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Common features in the Panasonic FH20 and Panasonic SZ5
FH20 | SZ5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | No manual focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Same 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.
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.

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

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 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic SZ5 Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 | Panasonic 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 |