Panasonic FH5 vs Sony A850

In this article, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FH5 and Sony A850, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the FH5 (16MP) and A850 (25MP) and the FH5 (1/2.3") and A850 (Full frame) possess totally different sensor size.

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The FH5 was unveiled 9 months later than the A850 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A850 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the FH5 grades vs the A850 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH5 Gallery and Sony A850 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera, you will want to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH5 features physical measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Sony A850 has measurements of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FH5 and Sony A850 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the FH5 compared to the A850.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the FH5 and A850 is 96 and 54 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing only by checking out technical specs. The photograph underneath may offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the FH5 and A850.

As you can tell, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FH5 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Sony A850 will show more detail having an extra 9 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The younger FH5 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.