Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 vs. Lumix DMC-GX850: A Hands-On Comparison for Real-World Photography

As a seasoned photographer and gear reviewer, I’ve encountered cameras of all shapes and sizes - from pocket-friendly compacts to feature-packed mirrorless workhorses. Today, I want to bring that deep experience to a practical, in-depth comparison of two Panasonic Lumix models that bookend entry-level photography: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5, a small sensor compact from 2011, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850, a mirrorless camera from 2017 designed with beginners and enthusiasts in mind.

In my 15+ years of camera testing and shooting across genres and environments, I've found that choosing a camera is often about balancing physical handling, image quality, features, and workflow fit. Below, I break down how the FH5 and GX850 stand up in these respects and where each fits best for different users. Let’s dive in.

At A Glance: Design and Ergonomics Through the Years

Handling and physical design are usually the first touchpoints for any camera buyer. The FH5 is a true compact: pocketable, lightweight, with simplicity as its hallmark. By contrast, the GX850 adopts the rangefinder-style mirrorless design that encouraged creativity and manual control among newcomers.

The FH5 measures a mere 94x54x19 mm and weighs 121 grams. It fits effortlessly in a jacket or small bag pocket. However, its diminutive size also results in limited physical controls - it's designed for point-and-shoot simplicity.

The GX850, at 107x65x33 mm and 269 grams, is notably larger and heavier. This extra bulk affords better grip comfort, more buttons, and dials, and compatibility with a vast interchangeable lens lineup thanks to its Micro Four Thirds mount. For photographers who prefer shooting with one hand or need quick access to manual exposure settings, the GX850 offers a much better experience.

The Crisp Details: Sensor and Image Quality Breakdown

Image quality often boils down to sensor size and technology. The FH5 sports a tiny 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD sensor at 16MP. Its sensor area is approximately 28 mm², which severely limits dynamic range and noise performance, especially in challenging light. The CCD sensor, common in early compacts, produces decent colors but is outpaced by modern CMOS sensors in speed and ISO latitude.

The GX850 sports a considerably larger Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor at 17.3 x 13 mm (225 mm²) with the same nominal 16MP resolution. This sensor real estate provides significantly improved image quality, superior noise control, and more robust dynamic range.

In my tests shooting landscapes and portraits side-by-side, the GX850 consistently delivered images with richer detail, smoother gradations, and cleaner shadow recovery. The FH5 is competent for casual snapshots but falls short for critical photo applications.

For anyone seriously invested in quality, especially for large prints or heavy cropping, the GX850 is the clear winner.

Seeing the Scene: Display and User Interface

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, a notable limitation for bright outdoor shooting. Instead, they rely on rear LCD panels.

The FH5’s fixed 2.7-inch screen at a mere 230k-dot resolution feels outdated and dimmer, with limited viewing angles. The GX850’s 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen boasts a sharp 1.04 million dots, making framing and menu navigation a breeze even under harsh sunlight. The touchscreen aspect on the GX850 also enables intuitive touch-to-focus and menu controls - missing on the FH5.

In street or travel photography where quick reaction is needed, the GX850 lets me compose with precision and respond quickly to settings changes. The FH5’s interface feels restrictive and old-school by comparison.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Moments with Confidence

Here’s where the differences in technology and era become stark.

The FH5 uses a contrast-detection AF system with 11 focus points and face detection. Its continuous shooting tops out at a modest 4 fps, enough for casual subjects but insufficient for action shooting. I noticed noticeable hunting in low light, and tracking moving subjects was unreliable.

The GX850 brings a modern contrast-detection autofocus system with 49 focus points, face detection, and improved subject tracking algorithms. It shoots bursts at 10 fps, which I found very useful capturing running children or street performers. Continuous AF during video and live view is smoother and more consistent.

In wildlife or sports settings, the GX850's autofocus speed and accuracy are marginal but still adequate for entry-level mirrorless cameras, while the FH5 is simply inadequate.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Fixed Lens Compact Vs. Micro Four Thirds System

The FH5 features a fixed 28-112mm equivalent zoom lens (4x), aperture f/3.1-6.5. It’s reasonably sharp in the center but suffers softness and chromatic aberrations at wider apertures and longer focal lengths. Macro focusing is possible down to 5cm, good for casual close-ups.

The GX850’s Micro Four Thirds mount unlocks access to over 100 native lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party manufacturers. This versatility includes wide-angle primes, telephoto zooms, macro lenses, and fast apertures. You can dial in smooth bokeh, reach distant wildlife, or ultra-macro capture - not possible with the FH5.

This vast lens ecosystem transforms the GX850 into a serious creative platform worthy of long-term investment. The FH5’s fixed lens limits its use to general snapshots.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Shooting Anywhere, Anytime?

Neither camera offers official weather sealing or ruggedness features like shock or freezeproofing. However, the FH5’s plastic compact body feels slightly less robust, reflecting its budget design and era. The GX850’s body is better constructed with metal chassis elements, lending a more solid and reassuring feel in hand.

Neither is designed for professional extreme weather conditions. For landscape or travel photography in unpredictable environments, I recommend additional weather protection accessories regardless.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations for Real-World Shooting

The FH5’s battery life is rated for 260 shots, while the GX850 manages about 210 shots per charge. These figures aren’t optimistic but typical for small compacts versus mirrorless cameras, which are more power-hungry due to larger sensors and electronic viewfinders.

In practice, I found the FH5 good for a day of casual walking around, while the GX850’s shorter battery life meant carrying spares for longer shoots or travel days. The GX850’s ability to shoot in RAW and requiring extensive screen use also contributed to battery drain.

Both cameras support SD cards, but note the GX850 requires microSD cards, which some users might find less convenient or more expensive.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Touches vs. Basic Functionality

The FH5 offers no wireless connectivity or HDMI out - reflecting its 2011 release date and budget segment. Transferring images involves USB 2.0 cable tethering.

The GX850 shines with built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and image transfer, HDMI output for external monitors, a tilting touchscreen, and more advanced video options including 4K recording at 30p. These features substantially improve usability for videographers, vloggers, and social media shooters.

Video: Just For Fun Or Semi-Professional?

Video capability is one area the GX850 clearly outclasses the FH5.

The FH5 can only shoot 720p HD video at 30fps in Motion JPEG format. While nifty in 2011, this is obsolete by today’s standards, delivering large files with limited dynamic range or quality.

The GX850 offers UHD 4K video at 30p and 24p, along with Full HD 1080p at various frame rates, supporting MP4 and AVCHD codecs. Internal 5-axis in-body stabilization is absent, so pairing with stabilized lenses or gimbals is recommended.

For hobbyist video work or occasional travel clips, the GX850 provides flexible, modern features. The FH5’s video is only suitable for casual snapshots.

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres

Let me now share my personal experiences shooting these two cameras in real settings, comparing how they handle popular photography genres.

Portraiture: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The GX850, with its larger sensor and bigger aperture lenses, significantly outperforms the FH5 in skin tone rendition and subject separation. Face detection autofocus was reliable on both, but the GX850’s ability to focus selectively and use fast primes gave images with creamy backgrounds and natural skin gradations.

The FH5’s 28-112mm with small aperture struggles for shallow depth of field, resulting in more clinical and flat portrait images.

Landscape: Dynamic Range and Detail

Shooting landscapes on overcast days showed the GX850 preserving highlight and shadow detail much better. Its sensor captured nuanced tonal information crucial for post-processing.

The FH5’s compressed JPEG outputs showed clipped skies and muddy shadows, limiting creative latitude.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Speed

The GX850’s 10 fps burst and more advanced autofocus tracking allowed me to capture fleeting wildlife moments and quick sports actions that the FH5’s sluggish 4 fps could not approach.

However, the GX850’s smaller sensor and telephoto reach (with lenses) limit its reach compared to APS-C or full-frame cameras.

Street Photography: Discretion and Responsiveness

The FH5’s compact, lightweight body was less intimidating for candid shots and street environments. However, its slower AF, fixed lens, and small screen limited responsiveness.

The GX850, while bulkier, offered faster shooting speeds and a more intuitive interface but might draw more attention.

Macro: Focusing Precision and Magnification

The FH5’s macro mode allows for close focusing, but image sharpness suffers. The GX850’s ability to use dedicated macro lenses with precise manual focus tools and focus peaking empower detailed close-up work.

Night & Astro: ISO Performance and Exposure Control

The GX850’s exceptional high ISO performance (native up to 25600) and manual exposure modes allow for crisp night and astrophotography shots. The FH5’s ISO max of 6400 is more limited, with pronounced noise at higher ISOs.

Travel and Everyday Versatility

For grab-and-go travel, the FH5 offers pocketability but compromises image quality and creative control. The GX850 strikes a balance with manageable size, interchangeable lenses, and better output quality - perfect for enthusiasts prioritizing flexibility.

Professional Workflows

The GX850 supports RAW capture and in-camera focus stacking, plus exposure bracketing - features appreciated by professionals. The FH5’s JPEG-only capture and limited manual controls restrict its utility in professional settings.

Scoring Their Strengths and Weaknesses

To synthesize performance objectively, I rely on both my hands-on impressions and database ratings like DxOMark and professional reviews.

Which Camera Excels in Which Photography Types?

Here’s a breakdown of how these two cameras stack up in popular genres and user needs.

• Casual Travel and Everyday Snaps: FH5 wins on portability, but compromises image quality.
• Portraits and Street Photography: GX850’s creative control and AF accuracy give it the edge.
• Landscape & Nature: GX850 offers superior image quality and dynamic range.
• Wildlife and Sports: GX850’s AF speed and burst rate beat FH5 easily.
• Macro Work: GX850’s compatibility with macro lenses makes it significantly better.
• Low-Light/Night/Astro: GX850’s sensor and ISO range excel.
• Video & Vlogging: GX850’s 4K and touchscreen definitively superior.
• Professional Use: GX850 supports more serious workflows.

Final Thoughts: Tailoring the Choice to Your Photography Life

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and GX850 serve two very different audiences and eras - one being a budget compact from 2011 aimed at casual shooters, the other a 2017 entry-level mirrorless camera with modern creative features.

If you’re starting out, want a camera you can just pocket and point, and your budget is under $200, the FH5 is a decent choice. But be aware of its limitations, especially if you want better image quality or more creative control.

For enthusiasts, hobbyists, or professionals on a tighter budget, the GX850 delivers a compelling package: excellent image quality, extensive lenses, advanced autofocus, superior video, and flexible shooting styles, all at around $550 used or discounted new. It rewards investment with years of creative growth and versatility.

Practical Tips Based on My Experience

• If you buy the FH5, shoot in good daylight to mitigate high ISO noise and small sensor limits.
• Use manual or aperture priority modes and tap-to-focus on the GX850 to get sharper portraits.
• Carry spare batteries for the GX850 on travel or long shoots.
• Consider pairing the GX850 with a fast prime like the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 for low-light and bokeh-rich images.
• Don't underestimate the fun of the FH5’s easy interface for beginner family snapshots.

Illustrative Images from Both Cameras

Here are some examples illustrating their output differences.

Panasonic FH5 front Panasonic FH5 screen back Panasonic GX850 front Panasonic GX850 screen back

You’ll notice the GX850 photos showcase cleaner details, richer colors, and finer textures, while the FH5 images look softer and noisier in challenging conditions.

In conclusion, upgrading from the FH5 to the GX850 (or a similar mirrorless system) represents a significant step in capability. My personal journey with both underlines that bigger sensors, improved controls, and a rich lens ecosystem translate into images that communicate your vision with greater clarity and impact.

If you have questions or want sample RAW files to test for yourself, feel free to reach out. My approach is rooted in hands-on experience and helping photographers of all levels find the best gear for their creative passion.

Happy shooting!