Panasonic FH5 vs Sony RX100

In this article, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FH5 and Sony RX100, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the RX100 (20MP) is relatively comparable but the FH5 (1/2.3") and RX100 (1") feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FH5 was announced 20 months earlier than the RX100 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summary of how the FH5 scores vs the RX100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FH5 Gallery and Sony RX100 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera, you have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH5 has got outer measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") having a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Sony RX100 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FH5 and Sony RX100 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the FH5 against the RX100.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FH5 and RX100 is 96 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions purely by seeing technical specs. The pic below will help offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the FH5 and RX100.

As you can tell, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FH5 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony RX100 will produce extra detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged FH5 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.