Panasonic FH5 vs Sony A290

Below is a in depth review of the Panasonic FH5 versus Sony A290, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the A290 (14MP) is very similar but the FH5 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FH5 was released 7 months later than the A290 so they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving through a complete comparison, below is a brief overview of how the FH5 scores against the A290 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FH5 Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH5 offers outer measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") along with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) whilst the Sony A290 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") having a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH5 versus Sony A290 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the FH5 compared to the A290.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH5 and A290 is 96 and 66 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to envision the difference between sensor measurements merely by reading technical specs. The visual underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FH5 and A290.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FH5 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic FH5 will offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more recent FH5 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.