Panasonic FH3 vs Sony NEX-5R

Here is a complete assessment of the Panasonic FH3 versus Sony NEX-5R, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FH3 (14MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is pretty well matched but the FH3 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The FH3 was manufactured 3 years before the NEX-5R and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

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

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH3 Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH3 provides physical 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-5R has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FH3 versus Sony NEX-5R in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the FH3 compared to the NEX-5R.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH3 and NEX-5R is 94 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading through technical specs. The photograph here will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FH3 and NEX-5R.

As you have seen, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FH3 because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh tougher and the Sony NEX-5R will resolve more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older FH3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.