Panasonic FH5 vs Sony HX80: The Ultimate Compact Camera Showdown for Every Photographer’s Journey

When it comes to compact cameras, finding the right balance between portability, image quality, and versatility can be a challenge. Today, we’re diving deep into two small sensor compacts that have earned attention among enthusiast photographers and casual shooters alike: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 (FH5) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 (HX80). Both promise easy handling and a broad focal range, but they target different photographers on different creative paths.

Having extensively tested hundreds of compact cameras with varied sensor tech, autofocus systems, and ergonomics, we’ll break down these two models by every critical dimension - from portrait to wildlife, video capabilities to sensor tech - so you can find the perfect fit for your unique shooting style.

Let’s get started!

Design and Ergonomics: Handling That Connects You to Your Vision

The Panasonic FH5 and Sony HX80 look similar at first glance but offer distinct ergonomics and size profiles that impact their real-world use.

• Panasonic FH5: At a featherweight 121g and compact 94x54x19mm form factor, it’s highly pocketable and unobtrusive - perfect for street photography and casual travel days. However, it sacrifices a bit of grip and handling presence due to its slim profile.
• Sony HX80: Almost double the weight at 245g and physically larger (102x58x36mm), the HX80 has a more robust feel, benefiting complex zoom handling and stability for long focal reaches.

Looking at the top view layout also reveals key differences:

• Sony HX80 provides dedicated manual exposure controls (shutter/aperture priority and manual mode), giving you creative control on the fly, especially in challenging lighting.
• Panasonic FH5 opts for full auto and limited exposure adjustment with no manual focus or shutter priority, aligning it with beginners or those wanting minimal fuss.

Bottom line: If you prefer a camera that disappears in your hand and pocket, the FH5 is your choice. If you want more physical control and a firm grip for telephoto reach, the HX80 wins here.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Beyond Megapixels

Both cameras feature a 1/2.3” sensor size, common in small compacts, but sensor technology and processing algorithms shape image quality dramatically.

Why does this matter?

• The BSI-CMOS sensor in Sony HX80 offers better low-light sensitivity and dynamic range, thanks to its backside illumination design, which improves light-gathering at pixel level. This gives HX80 an edge for night, indoor, and shadow detail preservation.
• The CCD sensor in Panasonic FH5 is older technology, more susceptible to noise at high ISO and generally less effective for capturing fine tonal gradations in shadows and highlights.

While neither camera supports RAW shooting - limiting post-processing flexibility - the HX80’s superior sensor and latest-generation Bionz X processor yield better JPEG quality with richer colors and lower noise.

Photographers seeking stronger image quality in varied lighting should favor the Sony HX80, while the more basic FH5 suits those shooting mostly in daylight and requiring straightforward point-and-shoot simplicity.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Composing with Confidence

Screen technology deeply impacts your shooting experience, particularly in bright outdoor scenarios.

• Panasonic FH5 has a modest 2.7-inch fixed LCD with only 230k dots resolution - dim and low-res by today’s standards.
• Sony HX80 offers a larger, sharper, and versatile 3-inch tilting screen with 921k dots - facilitating composing from creative angles or vlogging-style shots.

Additionally, Sony HX80 includes a bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage, invaluable for framing in sunny outdoor conditions or action photography demanding eye-level stability. The FH5 has no viewfinder, which for some users makes composition under harsh light tricky.

In sum:

• For travel, street, and landscape photography requiring flexible viewing angles and precise framing, HX80’s screen and EVF add significant value.
• Users looking for a pocketable setup and casual snaps may find FH5’s screen adequate, if a bit limiting.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break your ability to seize fleeting moments - in sports, wildlife, or candid street shots.

The Sony HX80’s 10fps burst rate and continuous autofocus set it apart as the compact ready for action, sports, and wildlife shooters who need rapid frame capture and focus tracking.

The FH5’s slower 4 fps and limited AF modes mean it's best for static subjects or planned shots, rather than fast-moving action.

Moreover, HX80 offers manual exposure modes with shutter/aperture priority and exposure compensation, enabling precise control for motion photography, while FH5 is limited to auto modes, restricting creative flexibility.

Lens and Zoom Range: Reach and Creativity from Wide to Telephoto

A camera’s built-in lens defines versatility.

Here, the HX80 delivers a staggering 30x zoom, covering ultra-wide 24mm to a whopping 720mm focal length (equivalent on 35mm format). This makes it highly adaptable for landscapes, wildlife, travel, and distant action shots.

Conversely, the Panasonic FH5’s 4x zoom is much more modest but still practical for casual portraits and snapshots.

Both offer a 5 cm macro focus range, suitable for close-up shooting, but do not provide focus stacking or bracketing features.

Performance in Different Photography Genres

Now that we’ve reviewed core specs, let's explore each camera’s practical merits across photography genres you might care about:

Portraits: Capturing Skin Tones and Expressions

• Panasonic FH5: Skin tone rendering is smooth but slightly prone to softness due to lower resolution and CCD sensor traits. Minimal bokeh separation with a max aperture f/3.1-6.5 and fixed zoom lens. Eye detection autofocus helps but limited AF modes restrict complex subject tracking.
• Sony HX80: Better image sharpness aids detailed facial features, and more dynamic autofocus options assist in locking focus on eyes or faces. The longer focal length at 720mm allows compression for tighter, flattering portraits. Bokeh is muted, typical for small sensor compacts.

If portraits are your main goal on a budget, consider HX80 for mildly better quality and focusing; FH5 is okay for casual portraiture.

Landscapes: Wide Angles and Dynamic Range

• The HX80’s 24mm equivalent wide angle surpasses FH5’s 28mm, giving you more expansive framing without added distortion.
• The Sony’s superior BSI-CMOS sensor captures better dynamic range - preserving scenes from deep shadows to bright skies.
• Neither camera has weather sealing, limiting durability in harsh environments.
• Higher resolution on the HX80 (18 MP vs 16 MP) gives a bit tighter detail rendering for large prints or cropping.

Wildlife and Sports: Tracking Fast Action

• With 10fps continuous shooting and advanced AF tracking, the Sony HX80 is clearly designed with action shooters in mind.
• The 30x zoom is invaluable for distant subjects.
• FH5’s 4 fps and 4x zoom significantly limit its usability for wildlife or sports.

Street and Travel: Portability Meets Versatility

• The FH5’s featherweight design favors portability and stealth - essential for street photography and travel itineraries where minimal bulk is critical.
• However, the HX80’s tilting screen, EVF, and versatile zoom range make it a better one-camera travel kit despite the weight penalty.
• HX80 battery life outperforms (390 vs 260 shots), meaning fewer power worries on trips.

Macro and Close-ups: Size and Precision

• Both cameras allow focusing down to 5cm.
• Neither supports focus bracketing or stacking.
• The HX80’s better image processing enhances texture detail for close-up flower or object shots, but neither is a macro specialist.

Night and Astro: High ISO and Long Exposures

• The Sony HX80’s BSI-CMOS sensor with a native max ISO of 3200, expandable to 12800, and longer shutter speed range (up to 1/30s minimum shutter, extending with long exposure modes via software) outperforms the FH5.
• In low light, FH5’s noise and lower ISO cap (6400) paired with CCD sensor limits performance.
• Neither camera targets astrophotography explicitly, but HX80 is your better pick for night street or event shooting.

Video Capabilities: Recording Quality and Controls

Sony’s Full HD at 60p with multiple formats and much higher resolution video gives it a clear lead for hobby videographers and vloggers, despite lacking microphone input.

Professional Use: Workflow and Reliability

• Neither camera supports RAW files, which may deter professional photographers who require extensive post-processing.
• Sony HX80’s manual exposure modes and richer shooting flexibility broaden creative control.
• Both are consumer compacts lacking weather sealing and extensive ruggedness needed for demanding professional fieldwork.
• Sony’s wide compatibility with SD cards and additional wireless features supports better file management workflows on the go.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Convenience

• Panasonic FH5 relies on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, no wireless connectivity.
• Sony HX80 offers SD/SDHC/SDXC plus Memory Stick PRO Duo compatibility and built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control via smartphone.
• Neither has Bluetooth but HX80 includes NFC to simplify device pairing.
• HDMI out on HX80 allows external monitor connection – a plus for video review.

Battery Life and Portability Comparison

The HX80’s stronger battery life, though heavier, better supports longer shooting days - a significant factor for travel and event photographers.

Panasonic FH5 front Panasonic FH5 screen back Sony HX80 front Sony HX80 screen back

Here you can see sample images from both cameras showing the Sony’s richer detail fidelity and dynamic range, especially in shadows and highlights. The Panasonic offers decent color but appears softer in comparison.

In our overall performance grading:

• Sony HX80 scores higher on image quality, autofocus, video, and versatility.
• Panasonic FH5 shines in compactness and simplicity, winning for pure portability on a tight budget.

This breakdown makes recommendations clearer across disciplines:

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Camera Fits Your Creative Journey?

Choose Panasonic FH5 if you:

• Want a truly pocketable, lightweight point-and-shoot with simple controls.
• Need a budget-friendly camera for casual snapshots and travel.
• Prioritize stealth and ease over advanced features or speed.
• Mostly shoot in daylight conditions.

Choose Sony HX80 if you:

• Require a highly versatile compact with a superzoom for landscapes, wildlife, and travel.
• Want faster autofocus, manual exposure modes, and richer imaging.
• Shoot video regularly at Full HD.
• Need better battery life and wireless connectivity.
• Desire a tilting touchscreen and EVF for flexible composition.

Expert Advice: Try Before You Buy, and Build Your Kit Thoughtfully

At the end of the day, the best camera is the one you enjoy using - and that fits your budget and style. Both these cameras present accessible pathways into photography:

• The FH5 is a great entry to point-and-shoot simplicity.
• The HX80 pushes forward into enthusiast territory with advanced features at a reasonable price.

Consider your shooting priorities, think about lens reach, and whether manual controls and video are important. Then, if possible, handle both models in person and explore sample images to gauge which really connects with you.

Finally, invest in good SD cards, spare batteries, and a protective case to get started smoothly.

We hope this detailed comparison empowers your next camera decision! Check out your favorite retailers or photography stores to test these models hands-on, and capture your unique vision with confidence. Happy shooting!