Panasonic FH5 vs Sony RX100 VA

Here, we will be matching up the Panasonic FH5 and Sony RX100 VA, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the RX100 VA (20MP) is pretty well matched but the FH5 (1/2.3") and RX100 VA (1") boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The FH5 was launched 8 years prior to the RX100 VA and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a brief view of how the FH5 grades vs the RX100 VA in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A). The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FH5 Gallery and Sony RX100 VA Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH5 has outer dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") and a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Sony RX100 VA has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") along with a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FH5 and Sony RX100 VA in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the FH5 and the RX100 VA.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH5 and RX100 VA is 96 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing only by looking at a spec sheet. The visual below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH5 and RX100 VA.

As you can see, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FH5 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Sony RX100 VA will resolve more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The older FH5 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.