Panasonic FH5 vs Sony HX5

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FH5 and Sony HX5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the FH5 (16MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the FH5 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") use totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FH5 was brought out 7 months later than the HX5 so they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a short summary of how the FH5 matches up vs the HX5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FH5 Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH5 comes with external dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") having a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FH5 and Sony HX5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the FH5 vs the HX5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the FH5 and HX5 is 96 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizing simply by looking at specs. The visual below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH5 and HX5.

All in all, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FH5 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic FH5 will give extra detail having its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The newer FH5 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.