Panasonic FH3 vs Panasonic LX5

The following is a detailed review of the Panasonic FH3 versus Panasonic LX5, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and both are created by Panasonic. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the FH3 (14MP) and LX5 (10MP) and the FH3 (1/2.3") and LX5 (1/1.63") possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FH3 was unveiled 23 months before the LX5 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a concise summation of how the FH3 grades vs the LX5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FH3 Gallery and Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH3 offers exterior measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Panasonic LX5 has dimensions of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH3 versus Panasonic LX5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the FH3 versus the LX5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the FH3 and LX5 is 94 and 88 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions purely by researching technical specs. The pic below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FH3 and LX5.

As you can tell, both of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FH3 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FH3 will provide you with extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos much more aggressively. The more aged FH3 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.