Panasonic FH5 vs Sony RX10

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic FH5 versus Sony RX10, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the RX10 (20MP) is relatively well matched but the FH5 (1/2.3") and RX10 (1") posses different sensor sizing.

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The FH5 was released 4 years earlier than the RX10 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summation of how the FH5 matches up versus the RX10 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FH5 Gallery & Sony RX10 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FH5 enjoys outside measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Sony RX10 has specifications of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") with a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FH5 versus Sony RX10 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the FH5 compared to the RX10.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FH5 and RX10 is 96 and 58 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizing only by reading through technical specs. The graphic below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the FH5 and RX10.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FH5 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony RX10 will resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older FH5 is going to be behind in sensor tech.