Panasonic FH5 vs Sony W230

Following is a extended comparison of the Panasonic FH5 versus Sony W230, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the FH5 (16MP) and W230 (12MP) but both cameras have the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The FH5 was announced 23 months after the W230 making them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the FH5 scores vs the W230 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH5 Gallery and Sony W230 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH5 features external 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 W230 has dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

See the Panasonic FH5 versus Sony W230 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the FH5 compared to the W230.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the FH5 and W230 is 96 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to see the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reviewing technical specs. The picture here will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FH5 and W230.

As you have seen, both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Panasonic FH5 to deliver greater detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images more aggressively. The newer FH5 will have an advantage in sensor tech.