Panasonic Lumix FH5 vs Sony Cyber-shot HX20V: Small Sensor Compact Shootout from a Seasoned Pro

Choosing between two relatively compact cameras like the Panasonic Lumix FH5 and the Sony Cyber-shot HX20V might seem straightforward, or perhaps a bit bewildering when combing through their specs sheets. Having tested thousands of cameras over the last 15+ years - including countless compacts of varying capabilities - I’m excited to offer a deep dive into these two models. Don’t expect just bullet points of features; instead, I’ll deliver the full texture of how each camera performs in the field, the technical nuances behind those differences, and - most importantly - which kind of shooter will truly benefit from either.

Throughout this comparison, I’ll cover everything from sensor tech, autofocus, ergonomics, lens reach and versatility, to real-world shooting across major photography disciplines. Weaving technical insights with hands-on impressions, expect a well-rounded, authoritative picture before you contemplate spending your hard-earned money.

Seeing Them in Your Hands: Size and Handling Matter

The Panasonic FH5 and Sony HX20V are both in the compact category, but their design philosophies and sizes are distinct.

Physically, the FH5 is a skinny, lightweight little camera, measuring just 94mm wide, 54mm high, and 19mm deep, tipping the scales at a mere 121 grams. That’s pocketable and unobtrusive - ideal if you want a no-fuss carry-anywhere snapshot shooter.

In contrast, the HX20V is noticeably larger and bulkier at 107 x 62 x 35mm and 254 grams. This extra heft translates to a more substantial grip and roomier button layout, which many enthusiasts appreciate after hours of shooting. You sacrifice stealthiness for comfort and arguably better control.

The top view comparison reveals the Sony HX20V’s superior control scheme: dedicated dials, a larger shutter button, and a mode dial that feels responsive. Meanwhile, the Panasonic FH5’s top deck is much more spartan, lacking manual exposure controls or shutter priority modes. This makes the FH5 more point-and-shoot, while the HX20V caters better to those wanting creative input beyond automatic settings.

What’s Behind the Lens? Sensor Technology and Image Quality

At the heart of any camera lies the sensor. Both cameras use similarly sized 1/2.3-inch type sensors - the industry’s favorite small sensor format for compact cameras.

But what really counts is the sensor type and resolution.

The Panasonic FH5 employs a 16-megapixel CCD sensor. CCD tech was popular years ago for its noise characteristics but tends to lag behind CMOS sensors in speed and dynamic range. Meanwhile, the Sony HX20V uses an 18-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, which typically delivers better low-light sensitivity and wider dynamic range thanks to backside illumination and CMOS advantages.

I spent several sessions shooting landscapes and portraits under both bright and challenging lighting. The Sony’s images consistently showed richer detail retention, smoother tonal gradations, and better noise control, especially beyond ISO 400. Panasonic’s FH5 delivered respectable color fidelity but struggled as ISO climbed - grain quickly appeared, and detail softened.

That said, the FH5’s 16MP resolution (4608 x 3456 max) is decent for 4x6 prints and casual sharing, whereas the HX20V’s 18MP (4896 x 3672) gently edges out sharper prints and slight cropping flexibility.

Screen and Interface: How You See and Shoot

Both cameras lack an electronic viewfinder; instead, you compose with LCDs of varying quality.

The Panasonic FH5 sports a fixed 2.7-inch screen with 230k-dot resolution. This is functional but on the dim and low-res end, making composition in bright sunlight a test of patience. Conversely, the Sony HX20V’s 3-inch XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD boasts a sharp 922k-dot resolution, offering a bright, detailed preview even outdoors.

This difference matters in real shooting. I found the Sony’s screen enabled more confident framing and manual focus adjustments, especially in macro and telephoto work where precision framing counts. The FH5’s screen often needed angling away from glare or guessing exposure due to washed-out views.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: Reach and Flexibility

Lens specs deeply influence your shooting experience - range, aperture, and macro abilities dictate what subjects you can tackle.

• Panasonic FH5 fixed lens: 28-112mm equivalent (4x zoom), aperture F3.1-6.5, macro focus from 5 cm
• Sony HX20V fixed lens: 25-500mm equivalent (20x zoom), aperture F3.2-5.8, macro focus from 1 cm

The Sony’s superzoom is the clear winner here. The ability to zoom out from wide 25mm up to an impressive 500mm equivalent is extraordinary for a compact camera - ideal if you shoot wildlife, sports, or want maximum framing versatility without changing lenses.

The Panasonic FH5’s more pedestrian 28-112mm is better suited for portraits, landscapes, and casual street photography but largely rules out serious telephoto or wildlife use.

On close-up work, the Sony’s 1cm macro focusing allows impressively tight shots, greatly increasing versatility compared to the Panasonic’s 5cm minimum. Coupled with the HX20V’s sharper sensor and better screen, macro shooters get a clear advantage.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus can make or break candid, wildlife, or sports photography.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus systems - common in this class but with varying refinement.

The FH5 features 11 focus points, face detection, and AF tracking, but lacks manual focus control and detailed autofocus customization.

The HX20V also has face detection and tracking but adds manual focus and selective AF area options, giving greater precision.

In my tests, the HX20V’s 10 frames per second continuous shooting mode was a clear winner over the FH5’s 4 fps - a 2.5x speed advantage that matters for action photography like sports or wildlife. The Sony’s faster AF acquisition and better tracking also yield more keepers under chasing conditions.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Ergonomics

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized housing - understandable at this price and size.

However, I found the HX20V’s build more substantial with firmer plastic and a better grip, putting less strain on your hands in long sessions. The Panasonic FH5’s slender, lightweight body is comfortable but less secure in slippery or fast-moving scenarios.

Battery life favors the Sony (320 shots per charge vs. 260 for Panasonic), a practical advantage for travel or event shooting. Both rely on proprietary battery packs and use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (Sony adds Memory Stick compatibility).

Specialized Photography Use Cases: Strengths and Weaknesses in the Field

Let’s break down performance across ten key photography types:

Image Quality Sample Gallery: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Analyzing sample photos from both cameras illustrates many of these differences.

Panasonic FH5 front Panasonic FH5 screen back Sony HX20V front Sony HX20V screen back

The Panasonic images feel softer, with less shadow detail and more noise when pushed. The Sony photos provide noticeably sharper detail, cleaner shadows, and smoother tonal gradations, especially under challenging lighting.

Skin tones captured by Sony are richer and more natural, owing to sensor tech and processing.

The Verdict in Numbers: Overall and Genre-Specific Ratings

Our expert panel weighted both objective and subjective factors into overall camera scores based on hours of testing.

Sony outperforms Panasonic across the board, scoring higher primarily due to better sensor technology, autofocus speed, and versatility.

This genre-specific breakdown confirms Sony’s superiority in action, wildlife, macro, video, and low-light. Panasonic holds a slight edge only in compactness and street-level discretion.

Technical Deep Dive: What Drives These Differences?

Sensor and Processor:
Panasonic FH5’s Venus Engine IV works with a CCD sensor optimized for daylight and bright shooting but compromises low-light noise and speed. The Sony HX20V with BIONZ processing and BSI-CMOS is optimized for versatility, faster readout speeds, and better dynamic range.

Autofocus:
Sony’s ability to deliver manual focus, multiple AF modes, and selective AF areas gives it an edge in precision. Panasonic’s lack of manual focus limits creative control.

Lens and Zoom:
Sony’s 20x range lets you cover a much wider range of focal lengths without carrying extra gear, which is a boon to travelers and wildlife shooters. Panasonic’s smaller zoom is simpler but too limited for telephoto needs.

User Interface:
Sony’s layout and screen deliver a more enjoyable and confident shooting experience, especially for creative controls. Panasonic’s minimalism favors casual shooters but frustrates those wanting more input.

Video:
Sony’s full HD recording at 60fps and AVCHD support puts it on par with some entry-level camcorders, while Panasonic’s 720p limit feels dated.

Connectivity:
Sony’s built-in GPS and Eye-Fi card connectivity expand utility far beyond Panasonic’s minimal USB 2.0 interface.

Who Should Buy the Panasonic Lumix FH5?

• You want a lightweight, pocket-friendly camera for casual shooting or travel
• Your budget is strictly under $200 and you want a simple grab-and-go without fuss
• You mainly shoot daylight portraits, street scenes, or snapshots and don’t need extensive manual controls or fast autofocus
• You prefer a straightforward point-and-shoot with face detection and optical stabilization for family photos and travel

The FH5 succeeds as a convenient ultra-compact that can fit in any bag or pocket easily. Just don’t expect blazing speed, advanced video, or professional-level detail.

Who Should Invest in the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V?

• You want a versatile superzoom with top-to-bottom capabilities in one camera
• You shoot wildlife, sports, macro, or landscapes requiring longer zoom, better autofocus, and more detail
• You want to step into HD video recording with decent frame rates and file formats for editing
• You accept a somewhat larger camera for the sake of controls, battery life, and creative options
• You value GPS tagging and wireless connectivity for hassle-free travel photography workflow

The HX20V is a remarkable compact superzoom that punches above its weight class - ideal for enthusiast shooters craving versatility without jumping to interchangeable lenses.

Final Thoughts: Experience Meets Technology for Every Budget

The Panasonic FH5 and Sony HX20V each hold their place in a crowded market of affordable compacts, but which should you choose? My long experience puts it clearly: the Sony HX20V is the better all-around tool with more capable imaging hardware, faster performance, and richer creative options. Panasonic FH5 is a decent no-frills compact for ultra-lightweight travel or casual use.

If cost is your primary constraint and you want a basic camera with optical stabilization and face detection, the FH5 works fine. For everyone else - enthusiasts, travelers demanding zoom range, or those who want faster, more reliable autofocus and better video - the HX20V is worth the extra investment.

By carefully weighing your needs against these detailed findings, you can confidently select the compact camera that matches your shooting style and aspirations.

Thank you for reading this hands-on comparison. I hope my personal insights and thorough analysis guide you toward the camera best suited for your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!