Panasonic FH5 vs Sony NEX-5R

Here is a thorough review of the Panasonic FH5 vs Sony NEX-5R, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is pretty close but the FH5 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The FH5 was revealed 20 months earlier than the NEX-5R which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a in depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the FH5 grades versus the NEX-5R in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 & Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FH5 Gallery & Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera, you will want to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH5 has outside measurements 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 Sony NEX-5R has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FH5 vs Sony NEX-5R in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the FH5 and the NEX-5R.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH5 and NEX-5R is 96 and 89 respectively.

Normally, its hard to see the contrast in sensor sizing purely by researching specs. The graphic here will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FH5 and NEX-5R.

All in all, both the cameras posses the exact same megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizing. The FH5 features the smaller sensor which should make obtaining shallower DOF more challenging. The older FH5 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.