Panasonic FH5 vs Sony A500

Below, we are comparing the Panasonic FH5 versus Sony A500, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizable gap between the resolutions of the FH5 (16MP) and A500 (12MP) and the FH5 (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor size.

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The FH5 was introduced 17 months later than the A500 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short view of how the FH5 matches up versus the A500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FH5 Gallery & Sony A500 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH5 features exterior measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") having a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Sony A500 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FH5 versus Sony A500 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the FH5 and the A500.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH5 and A500 is 96 and 63 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizing just by reviewing specifications. The graphic below should give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the FH5 and A500.

Plainly, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FH5 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic FH5 will offer you more detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The fresher FH5 will have an edge in sensor innovation.