Panasonic FH3 vs Sony NEX-5N

Lets take a closer look at the Panasonic FH3 vs Sony NEX-5N, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FH3 (14MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is relatively comparable but the FH3 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The FH3 was brought out 21 months earlier than the NEX-5N which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick view of how the FH3 matches up vs the NEX-5N in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FH3 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FH3 enjoys exterior measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5N has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FH3 vs Sony NEX-5N in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the FH3 compared to the NEX-5N.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the FH3 and NEX-5N is 94 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing only by checking out technical specs. The photograph here may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the FH3 and NEX-5N.

As you can tell, both the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FH3 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sony NEX-5N will provide extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The older FH3 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.