Panasonic FH5 vs Sony RX10 IV

From Compact to Superzoom: A Deep-Dive Comparison of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV

When you embark on the journey of selecting a camera, the choices can often seem wildly divergent - from basic point-and-shoot compacts to powerhouse superzooms equipped with professional features. Today, I’ll unpack two very different models that nonetheless inhabit the same broad category of all-in-one convenience: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5, an entry-level small-sensor compact, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV, a high-end large-sensor superzoom bridge camera. Although these sit at opposite ends of the spectrum of price, capability, and complexity, exploring their differences through hands-on testing and thorough technical analysis will illuminate what kind of photographer each might serve best.

Let’s navigate their specifications, real-world performances, and how these cameras handle the diverse challenges of modern photography.

First Look: Size, Build, and Handling

When you pick up these cameras, the physical onslaught of features and design philosophy become immediately evident. The Panasonic FH5 weighs a featherlight 121 grams with supercompact dimensions (94x54x19mm), perfect for those who want something pocketable and fuss-free.

By contrast, the Sony RX10 IV is a beast of a camera, tipping the scales at 1095 grams and measuring a bulky 133x94x145mm. This bridge-style SLR-like body offers extensive controls, weather sealing, and ruggedness that signal serious intent.

I spent several days carrying both in tandem. The FH5 is effortless for street photography or casual travel snapshots. It slips into any bag, easily pulled out for spontaneous captures. The RX10 IV demands a dedicated camera bag or a sturdy neck strap but rewards with professional grip, button placement, and external dials - for those who value manual control and customization.

The Panasonic’s compact fixed grip is minimalist with no optical or electronic viewfinder, relying solely on its rear LCD. Meanwhile, the Sony offers a high-resolution (2359k dots) electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 0.7x magnification and 100% coverage, vital for composing accurately in bright daylight or sports settings.

Control Layout and Interface: Fast Access or Basic?

The control philosophy sets these two apart cleanly.

The FH5 sports a straightforward fixed 2.7-inch, low-resolution LCD (230k dots). It has no touchscreen or tilting mechanism. All shooting modes are automated or limited, with focus and exposure controlled by the camera itself. As a user, you navigate menus with a simplistic physical button layout, providing ease but limited creative flexibility.

The RX10 IV’s 3-inch 1440k-dot LCD supports tilting and touchscreen input, hugely enhancing live view operation and AF point selection. It also features a top status LCD and an extensive array of buttons, dials, and customizables, tailored for photographers who want manual aperture priority, shutter priority, manual exposure modes, and more.

Both include Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), but the RX10 IV’s system is optimized for significant telephoto reach, essential at 600mm equivalent focal length.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small CCD versus Large BSI-CMOS

One of the most defining differences lies under the hood - the sensor.

The Panasonic FH5 features a 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring 6.08x4.56mm with a resolution of 16 megapixels. CCD sensors - long popular in compact cameras - generally produce pleasing colors with low noise at base ISO but struggle in low light and dynamic range. Without RAW support and limited ISO range (100-6400 native), flexibility in post-processing is constrained.

Conversely, the Sony RX10 IV wields a much larger 1” BSI-CMOS sensor sized 13.2x8.8mm with 20 megapixels resolution and cutting-edge backside illumination technology. This sensor type excels in gathering more light, reducing noise at higher ISO settings (125-12800 native, expandable to 64-25600), and achieving superior dynamic range - crucial for landscape and low-light photography.

In my testing, the RX10 IV delivered punchier, cleaner images with richer detail, especially in shadows and highlights. The FH5’s files were clean under bright conditions but quickly showed noise and lack of detail when pushing low light or shadow recovery.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility vs. Simplicity

The Panasonic FH5 has a fixed 28-112mm equivalent zoom lens, which is moderate and sufficient for everyday scenarios but with a somewhat narrow max aperture range of f/3.1-6.5. Macro focus distance is 5cm, allowing decent close-ups but without intricate detail.

The RX10 IV's 24-600mm equivalent zoom lens with a bright f/2.4-4.0 aperture is astounding. This 25x zoom range covers everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife or sports action, all without changing lenses. Its minimum focus distance shrinks to 3cm, enabling impressive macro shots with sharp detail. The lens's optical design ensures excellent sharpness throughout the zoom range, a rarity in superzoom cameras.

From my experience, this lens’s versatility and speed empower one-camera travel setups, while the FH5’s lens suits casual snapshots but won’t satisfy enthusiasts keen on telephoto work or shallow depth-of-field effects.

Autofocus System: The Difference Between Hit and Miss

Autofocus is where professional capability truly distinguishes itself.

The FH5 offers a contrast-detection AF system with 11 focus points and face detection. There is no phase-detection autofocus or eye/animal eye autofocus. The continuous shooting speed is a modest 4 fps, which suffices for basic photography but struggles with fast action.

Sony’s RX10 IV integrates a hybrid AF system combining contrast and phase detection, boasting 315 focus points spread across the frame, real-time Eye AF for humans and animals, and excellent subject tracking capabilities. Continuous shooting reaches an impressive 24 fps with continuous AF and AE tracking, rare for a bridge camera.

This makes a tangible difference: In wildlife and sports settings I tested, the RX10 IV locked focus crisply on unpredictable subjects even in challenging lighting, whereas the FH5 was often hunting and lagging behind the action.

Image Stabilization and Shutter Capabilities: Steady Shots Across the Board

Both cameras include optical image stabilization (OIS), crucial to counteract shake during handheld shooting. The FH5’s stabilization is basic but effective at short focal lengths.

The RX10 IV boasts an advanced lens-shift stabilization integrated with sensor-shift mechanics, indispensable when shooting at 600mm or recording smooth handheld video at 4K.

Shutter speeds are markedly different: FH5 maxes at 1/1600s (no electronic shutter), limiting the ability to freeze fast motion or shoot in bright conditions at wide apertures. The RX10 IV’s mechanical shutter goes up to 1/2000s, complemented by an electronic shutter reaching 1/32000s - opening creative possibilities for high-speed captures and silent shooting modes.

Video Capabilities: Basic HD Versus Pro-Grade 4K

For casual video enthusiasts, the FH5 delivers standard 720p HD at 30 fps using Motion JPEG encoding, with no external mic input or HDMI output. The fixed LCD size and lack of touchscreen make framing and manual video controls cumbersome.

Conversely, the RX10 IV offers professional-grade video specs, including 4K UHD (3840x2160) recording at 30/25/24fps and Full HD 1080p at 60fps with multiple codec options (MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S). It supports external microphones and headphones via dedicated ports, HDMI output, and touchscreen controls that allow focus peaking and zebra patterns.

I found the RX10 IV’s video quality and workflow integration superior for content creators or hybrid shooters who want stills and video in one package.

User Interface and Workflow: Simple or Sophisticated?

The FH5’s interface targets users wanting an automated approach with minimal complexity, suitable for casual snapshots or family photography. It lacks RAW capture, manual exposure modes, and advanced bracketing, limiting post-processing options and creative control.

In contrast, the RX10 IV supports full manual control including aperture priority, shutter priority, exposure compensation, and custom white balances. With RAW shooting capability, well-designed menus, and wireless connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC), it caters to professionals integrating the camera into robust workflows.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery life on the FH5 is rated around 260 shots per charge, adequate given its size and simplicity, but less than ideal for extensive outings. Sony’s RX10 IV pushes this further with around 400 shots per charge despite its larger sensor and expansive zoom, a testament to efficient power management.

Both cameras accept SD cards; the RX10 IV also supports Memory Stick Pro Duo formats - as is typical for Sony.

The lack of any wireless connectivity on the FH5 is a stark drawback for those wanting to share or offload images on the go. The RX10 IV, on the other hand, provides built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, useful for remote control, quick transfers, or geotagging with a smartphone app.

Durability and Weather Resistance

If you shoot outdoors often, this aspect cannot be ignored.

The Panasonic FH5 has no environmental sealing nor rugged features, making it sensitive to dust, moisture, or bumps - fine for casual indoor or controlled environment use.

Sony designed the RX10 IV with professional reliability in mind, incorporating weather sealing against dust and light rain, making it more dependable for landscape, wildlife, or travel photographers facing unpredictable conditions.

Pricing and Value: What Does Your Budget Buy?

With a street price around $169, the Panasonic FH5 is an ultra-affordable point-and-shoot designed for beginners or as a simple travel companion when you want to travel light.

The Sony RX10 IV commands over $1698, placing it firmly in the premium bridge camera segment, competing with entry-level mirrorless and DSLR systems in price but offering a unique all-in-one zoom and professional feature set.

Real-World Photography Use Cases: Who Benefits Most?

Let’s break down how these two cameras perform across various photography disciplines based on my extensive field testing.

Portrait Photography

• FH5: Basic face detection autofocus helps nail focus on faces but lacks eye-detection AF and shallow depth of field capabilities due to small sensor and slow lens. Skin tones are decent in good light but prone to noise in shadow detail.
• RX10 IV: Excellent eye and animal eye AF plus superior background blur from the larger sensor and f/2.4 aperture enable professional-grade portraits with beautiful bokeh and pin-sharp focus.

Landscape Photography

• FH5: Limited dynamic range and lower res affect detail and highlight retention, challenging for HDR or dramatic lighting.
• RX10 IV: Superior dynamic range plus large sensor resolution produce crisp, detailed wide-angle shots. Weather sealing allows rugged outdoor use.

Wildlife and Sports

• FH5: Modest zoom and sluggish AF make fast-moving subjects difficult to capture sharply.
• RX10 IV: Class-leading autofocus, 24fps continuous shooting, and 600mm reach combine to excel in wildlife and sports.

Street Photography

• FH5: Ultra-portable and discreet, easily slipped into a pocket. Great for casual street shooting.
• RX10 IV: Larger and heavier but excellent for those willing to bear the weight for manual controls and zoom flexibility.

Macro Photography

• FH5: Macro mode to 5cm lets you shoot small subjects but limited detail capture.
• RX10 IV: Superior close focusing ability at 3cm, fast AF, and image stabilization allow crisp macro images handheld.

Night & Astrophotography

• FH5: Limited ISO and noise control hamper use in dark scenes.
• RX10 IV: Larger sensor and higher ISO range plus manual options offer better low-light performance.

Video Recording

• FH5: Basic HD suitable for casual clips.
• RX10 IV: Professional 4K video with advanced controls, making it a versatile hybrid tool.

Travel Photography

• FH5: Lightweight and simple, ideal when convenience trumps versatility.
• RX10 IV: Heavier but covers almost all focal lengths without lens changes - perfect for serious travelers needing quality and range.

Professional Workflow

• FH5: Lacks RAW shooting and advanced controls, better as a backup or casual camera.
• RX10 IV: Robust RAW support, wireless transfer, and manual modes integrate well into professional imaging workflows.

Summary of Strengths and Limitations

Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

If you are a casual photographer, a beginner, or someone who needs an inexpensive, ultra-portable camera for everyday use and snapshots on the go, the Panasonic FH5 works well. It’s not designed to compete in professional image quality or complex shooting scenarios, but it fulfills the simple point-and-shoot promise reliably and affordably.

For enthusiasts and professionals who demand high image quality, fast and accurate autofocus, extensive zoom reach, weather resistance, 4K video, and comprehensive manual control, the Sony RX10 IV stands far above. It is a flagship superzoom that synthesizes the best features of mirrorless and DSLR systems into one highly versatile package.

Final Thoughts: Hands-On Testing Insights

Having tested both cameras extensively, I found the Panasonic FH5 charming in its simplicity but fundamentally behind the times technologically. Its small sensor and dated processing limit you, especially under difficult lighting conditions or when creative control is desired.

The Sony RX10 IV’s advanced sensor, lens, and AF technology translate into swift, reliable results across nearly all photography genres. Its size, weight, and cost may deter casual users, but serious photographers and content creators will appreciate the investment for one camera that can do it all.

Panasonic FH5 front Panasonic FH5 screen back Sony RX10 IV front Sony RX10 IV screen back

If budget allows, and you prioritize image quality and versatility, the RX10 IV is absolutely worth considering. If minimalism and convenience are paramount and you only want snapshots, the FH5 will suffice.

Why You Can Trust This Review

Drawing from over 15 years of hands-on camera evaluations, I rigorously tested these cameras in real-world environments - from bustling streets and rugged wildlife preserves to studio portraits and nighttime astro shoots. My insights reflect both technical metrics and practical usability, catering to photographers at all skill levels to help you make an informed choice.

Recommended For:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5:

• Beginners on a tight budget
• Casual travel and family snapshot photography
• Ultra-portable point-and-shoot convenience

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV:

• Advanced enthusiasts and professionals
• Wildlife and sports photographers
• Content creators requiring 4K video and fast autofocus
• Travelers wanting all-in-one zoom versatility

Making the right camera decision boils down to balancing your needs, your budget, and your expectations from image quality and camera features. Armed with this extensive comparison, I hope you feel empowered to pick the perfect tool for your photographic journey.

If you’re interested in detailed sample images or further technical readings, feel free to reach out - I’m happy to help guide your next steps with personalized advice.

Happy shooting!