Panasonic FH27 vs Sony NEX-5

On this page, we will be looking at the Panasonic FH27 and Sony NEX-5, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FH27 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the FH27 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The FH27 was brought out 8 months after the NEX-5 and they are of a similar age. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH27 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief view of how the FH27 matches up versus the NEX-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH27 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH27 provides physical measurements of 99mm x 57mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") and a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

See the Panasonic FH27 and Sony NEX-5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose during that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the FH27 against the NEX-5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the FH27 and NEX-5 is 94 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading through specifications. The picture here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the FH27 and NEX-5.

Plainly, each of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FH27 due to its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh harder and the Panasonic FH27 will give you greater detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The younger FH27 will have a benefit in sensor tech.