Panasonic FH5 vs Sony HX100V

Comparing the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V: An Expert Evaluation for Informed Camera Buyers

In the evolving realm of digital photography, selecting the right compact camera entails a nuanced understanding of sensor technology, lens versatility, operational ergonomics, and performance across photographic genres. This comprehensive comparison between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 (hereafter FH5) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V (hereafter HX100V) aims to equip photography enthusiasts and professionals with an authoritative, hands-on analysis to navigate this decision effectively. Both cameras debuted in 2011, targeting the compact segment but diverging substantially in design philosophy, features, and intended applications.

A Tale of Two Designs: Form Factor and Handling Dynamics

The FH5 epitomizes compactness with its minimal dimensions (94x54x19 mm) and ultralight construction at 121 grams. It is engineered for portability and discretion, typically favoring casual shooters or those prioritizing pocketability. Conversely, the HX100V adopts the unmistakable “bridge” or SLR-like body style, measuring a substantial 122x87x93 mm and weighing 577 grams. This configuration affords enhanced grip comfort, abundant external controls, and balances well with its superzoom lens.

Ergonomics & Control Layout

The FH5’s minimalist approach limits tactile control; it offers no manual exposure modes, lacks manual focus rings, and depends predominantly on automated operation. Its control interface is straightforward but barebones, relying on fixed function buttons without illumination, which can be a challenge in low light. The HX100V, in contrast, features a more robust control suite: manual exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, full manual), a manual focus ring, and a well-laid-out top plate providing intuitive dials and buttons, congruent with enthusiast expectations.

For professional or serious enthusiasts, the HX100V’s ergonomics deliver versatility and faster operational adjustments, whereas the FH5 leans more towards casual usage with minimal learning curves.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Under the Hood

Both cameras incorporate 1/2.3-inch sensors of similar physical dimensions; the FH5 uses a CCD sensor, while the HX100V embraces a back-illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) sensor architecture. Though nominally close in resolution at approximately 16 megapixels and comparable in sensor area (around 28 mm²), the sensor technology difference significantly impacts image quality and low-light capability.

Panasonic FH5 – CCD Sensor Insights

The FH5’s CCD sensor provides respectable image sharpness at base ISO but suffers from limited dynamic range and higher noise at elevated sensitivities. Its maximum ISO of 6400 is practically unusable beyond ISO 800 due to noise degradation. The CCD’s readout speed constraints also restrict video resolution and frame rates.

Sony HX100V – BSI-CMOS Advantages

Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor facilitates superior light-gathering efficiency, delivering cleaner high ISO performance and improved dynamic range. Native ISO tops out at 3200, but gain performance surpasses the FH5 significantly at comparable levels. The CMOS design also underpins advanced video capabilities and faster readout rates that support burst shooting modes.

Display and Viewfinder Examination: Composing the Frame

The FH5 offers a modest 2.7-inch fixed LCD with an extraordinarily low resolution of 230k pixels - by contemporary and even 2011 standards, this is suboptimal for detailed composition and image review. Lack of touchscreen or articulating capabilities further restricts usability for certain shooting angles.

By contrast, the HX100V boasts a 3-inch tilting screen with 921k-dot resolution featuring Sony’s XtraFine TruBlack technology - a superior LCD delivering crisp, contrast-rich previews even in bright conditions. Supplementing this is the inclusion of an electronic viewfinder (EVF), absent from the FH5, critical for shooting in bright light or maintaining stability in telephoto or macro scenarios.

Lens Systems and Optical Performance: Reach and Flexibility

Both cameras employ integrated fixed lenses, adhering to compact convenience but with notably different focal ranges and apertures.

• FH5 Lens: 28-112 mm (4x zoom) with max aperture F3.1–6.5
• HX100V Lens: 27-810 mm (30x zoom) with max aperture F2.8–5.6

The HX100V’s remarkable 30x zoom range dwarfs the FH5’s 4x reach, enabling a vast variety of compositions from wide landscapes to distant wildlife/telephoto applications without additional optics. Although the lens’s maximum aperture narrows significantly at the telephoto end, the overall wider aperture range at the wide end (F2.8 versus F3.1) allows improved low-light performance and depth-of-field control.

Additionally, Panasonic’s FH5 is limited in macro capability with a minimum focusing distance of 5 cm but without specific macro modes or focus stacking, whereas the HX100V does not explicitly state macro focusing range but benefits from manual focus control to help precise close-up applications.

Autofocus System and Shooting Performance

The FH5 implements contrast-detection autofocus with 11 focus points, and includes face detection autofocus, but lacks phase detection or advanced tracking. The autofocus system is adequate for static subjects but is plagued by hunting in low light or dynamic scenes. Continuous shooting is capped at 4 FPS, limiting its suitability for fast action.

The HX100V offers a 9-point contrast-detection system with multi-area AF and center-weighted metering, but no face detection or eye tracking, making it less adaptive for portraits but more reliable under diverse conditions. Crucially, continuous shooting speeds of 10 FPS enable better tracking of sports or wildlife actions. Manual focus further enhances control for macro and selective focus needs.

Photography Genre Suitability: Practical Use Cases Comparison

Portrait Photography:

• FH5: Reliant on face detection AF; limited bokeh due to small sensor and narrow aperture range at telephoto end; lower resolution screen and lack of EVF hamper precise framing.
• HX100V: No face or eye tracking autofocus, but manual focus availability benefits controlling focus; wider aperture at wide zoom helps in subject isolation; EVF aids in composing under various light conditions.

Landscape Photography:

• FH5: CCD sensor dynamic range is limited; small zoom range constrains framing; compact size and low weight favorable for travel hiking.
• HX100V: Superior dynamic range, extensive focal zoom for flexibility; tilting screen and EVF facilitate composition; larger size is less convenient outdoors.

Wildlife Photography:

• FH5: Insufficient zoom and AF performance; low FPS and slow shutter speeds limit action capture.
• HX100V: Extensive 810 mm reach and 10 FPS burst support distant animal photography; manual focus can fine-tune shots; lack of animal-eye autofocus is a drawback.

Sports Photography:

• FH5: 4 FPS and contrast AF not optimized for fast-paced sports action.
• HX100V: Equipped for 10 FPS capture, better shutter range (max 1/4000s) for freezing motion.

Street Photography:

• FH5: Compact and discreet, lightweight, suitable for candid shooting though LCD quality can hinder framing.
• HX100V: Larger profile could be obtrusive; tilting LCD helps hidden shooting angles.

Macro Photography:

• FH5: 5 cm closest focus enables tight shots but lack of focus stacking limits technical macro capabilities.
• HX100V: Manual focus enables precision; sensor advantages improve detail capture.

Night and Astro Photography:

• FH5: CCD sensor struggles at high ISO; fixed aperture and slower shutter limit astrophotography.
• HX100V: CMOS sensor and max shutter 30s allow longer exposures; better noise control.

Video Capabilities:

• FH5: HD 720p at 30 fps using MJPEG, no external mic, no HDMI; basic video use only.
• HX100V: Full HD 1080p at 60 fps in AVCHD, HDMI out for external monitoring; no mic jack limits audio quality.

Travel Photography:

• FH5: Ultralight and pocketable; battery life modest (260 shots); limited zoom reduces versatility.
• HX100V: Versatile zoom range meets varied needs; heavier, less pocketable; GPS geotagging valuable; battery details unspecified but proprietary NP-FH50 likely affords longer usage.

Professional Workflow Integration:

Neither model supports RAW capture, which may be restrictive for professional post-processing. Both offer common storage media (SD) but only the Sony supports Memory Stick variants.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, shock resistance, or freeze-proof characteristics. The HX100V’s bulkier SLR-style body likely offers better physical robustness in hand, but both are vulnerable to adverse environments.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

• FH5 lacks wireless or GPS features.
• HX100V integrates built-in GPS for location data on images and supports Eye-Fi cards enabling rudimentary wireless transfer. HDMI output substantially expands professional video workflows.

Battery and Storage Practicality

The FH5’s battery life rates at 260 shots, typical for compact point-and-shoots, but limited for extended sessions or travel without spares. It uses a proprietary Battery Pack type.

The HX100V uses the NP-FH50 rechargeable Li-ion battery, which generally offers higher capacity but exact life is unspecified. Both utilize SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; the HX100V uniquely supports Sony’s Memory Stick format, increasing media options.

Price-to-Performance and Value Assessment

At launch prices ($169 for FH5, $429 for HX100V), the FH5 principally appeals as an affordable travel or entry-level compact with minimal manual controls but fair image quality for daylight general photography.

The HX100V commands a premium for its substantially larger zoom, manual control options, enhanced sensor technology, and video specs, catering to enthusiasts requiring more creative freedom and range.

Summary of Performance Ratings Across Photography Genres

Visual Sample Comparison

Panasonic FH5 front Panasonic FH5 screen back Sony HX100V front Sony HX100V screen back

Real-world image samples show the Sony HX100V produces noticeably cleaner low light images with better dynamic range retention and less chromatic aberration across the zoom range. The Panasonic FH5 holds a respectable performance for daylight casual shooting but lacks sharpness and detail in indoor or dim environments.

Overall Performance Scores

Aggregate scoring, based on technical testing and real-world usage, favors the HX100V substantially, reflecting its versatility and enthusiast-oriented feature set. The FH5’s compact form and simplicity provide value in specific contexts but limit creative control and image quality.

Who Should Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5?

• Photographers prioritizing ultra-portable, pocket-sized convenience
• Casual users wanting an uncomplicated point-and-shoot camera
• Travelers desiring a lightweight, easy-to-use camera with decent daylight performance
• Budget-conscious buyers seeking entry-level imaging without manual complexity

Who Is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V Designed For?

• Enthusiast photographers requiring broad focal length coverage without interchangeable lenses
• Users wanting manual exposure and focus control for greater creative expression
• Videographers seeking Full HD 60p recording and HDMI connectivity
• Outdoor and wildlife photographers needing longer reach and faster burst shooting
• Professionals needing an all-in-one compact bridge camera with GPS tagging

Concluding Perspective: Navigating Between Convenience and Capability

The Panasonic Lumix FH5 and Sony HX100V represent two distinct philosophies within the small sensor compact category. The FH5 maximizes simplicity and portability, sacrificing advanced features and photographic control. The HX100V commands a higher price and heft but delivers a substantially more capable imaging platform with enhanced zoom reach, manual shooting modes, and improved sensor technology.

From hands-on usage and extensive comparative testing, the HX100V stands as the superior choice for those seeking versatility, performance, and creative control in a single package. The FH5 remains acceptable for genuinely casual or travel-only use cases where compactness and ease trump feature depth.

Prospective buyers must weigh their priorities between portability, control, zoom range, and video capabilities to select the camera best aligned with their photographic ambitions.

This exhaustive comparison is compiled from rigorous field evaluations, detailed specification analyses, and direct image quality assessments across diverse photographic disciplines, aiming to ensure you make an optimized, evidence-based camera purchase decision.