Panasonic FH5 vs Sony RX100 III

Here is a complete comparison of the Panasonic FH5 and Sony RX100 III, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the RX100 III (20MP) is pretty similar but the FH5 (1/2.3") and RX100 III (1") posses different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FH5 was manufactured 4 years prior to the RX100 III and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 III being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summary of how the FH5 grades versus the RX100 III with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH5 Gallery and Sony RX100 III Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH5 comes with outer measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") and a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Sony RX100 III has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") and a weight of 290 grams (0.64 lbs).

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

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the FH5 vs the RX100 III.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FH5 and RX100 III is 96 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing merely by reading technical specs. The visual below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the FH5 and RX100 III.

As you have seen, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FH5 because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh harder and the Sony RX100 III will offer you greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older FH5 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.