Panasonic FH3 vs Samsung NX5

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Panasonic FH3 vs Samsung NX5, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Samsung. The image resolution of the FH3 (14MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is relatively similar but the FH3 (1/2.3") and NX5 (APS-C) possess different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FH3 was introduced 4 months earlier than the NX5 so they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a brief view of how the FH3 matches up against the NX5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 and Samsung NX5. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FH3 Gallery and Samsung NX5 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH3 offers outside dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Samsung NX5 has dimensions of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FH3 vs Samsung NX5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the FH3 vs the NX5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH3 and NX5 is 94 and 80 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to picture the gap between sensor sizes just by going over a spec sheet. The picture here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH3 and NX5.

Clearly, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FH3 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Samsung NX5 will offer you greater detail using its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs far more aggressively.