Panasonic FH5 vs Sigma SD15

Following is a extensive review of the Panasonic FH5 vs Sigma SD15, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sigma. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the FH5 (16MP) and SD15 (5MP) and the FH5 (1/2.3") and SD15 (APS-C) possess different sensor dimensions.

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The FH5 was announced 11 months after the SD15 which means that they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Sigma SD15 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the FH5 scores against the SD15 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 & Sigma SD15. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FH5 Gallery & Sigma SD15 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH5 comes with outer dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) whilst the Sigma SD15 has sizing of 144mm x 107mm x 81mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.2") and a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FH5 vs Sigma SD15 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the FH5 against the SD15.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the FH5 and SD15 is 96 and 59 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reading through a spec sheet. The image here will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH5 and SD15.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FH5 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic FH5 will resolve more detail with its extra 11MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The fresher FH5 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.