Panasonic FH5 vs Samsung HZ15W

In this article, we are reviewing the Panasonic FH5 versus Samsung HZ15W, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Samsung. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the FH5 (16MP) and HZ15W (12MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The FH5 was manufactured 23 months later than the HZ15W making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a short summation of how the FH5 matches up versus the HZ15W when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 & Samsung HZ15W. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH5 Gallery & Samsung HZ15W Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH5 comes with outer measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Samsung HZ15W has dimensions of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") having a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

See the Panasonic FH5 versus Samsung HZ15W in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the FH5 compared to the HZ15W.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the FH5 and HZ15W is 96 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizing just by researching specs. The graphic here will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FH5 and HZ15W.

All in all, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You can expect to see the Panasonic FH5 to render extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics far more aggressively. The more recent FH5 should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.