Panasonic FH3 vs Sony NEX-5

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Panasonic FH3 vs Sony NEX-5, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FH3 (14MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is very similar but the FH3 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) possess different sensor size.

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The FH3 was manufactured 5 months before the NEX-5 and they are of a similar age. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the FH3 matches up against the NEX-5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FH3 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FH3 features outer dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FH3 vs Sony NEX-5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is the front view size comparison of the FH3 against the NEX-5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the FH3 and NEX-5 is 94 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to picture the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing technical specs. The picture underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH3 and NEX-5.

As you have seen, the two cameras offer the same exact resolution but different sensor dimensions. The FH3 contains the tinier sensor which should make getting shallow depth of field more challenging.