Panasonic FH5 vs Sony HX30V

Below, we will be analyzing the Panasonic FH5 vs Sony HX30V, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the HX30V (18MP) is pretty close and they use the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The FH5 was introduced 13 months earlier than the HX30V which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summation of how the FH5 matches up versus the HX30V in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FH5 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera often, you need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FH5 features outside measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") and a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Sony HX30V has specifications of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH5 vs Sony HX30V in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the FH5 versus the HX30V.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH5 and HX30V is 96 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizes only by researching specifications. The pic below will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FH5 and HX30V.

To sum up, each of these cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Sony HX30V to result in more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged FH5 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.