Panasonic FH5 vs Sony W380

In this article, we are comparing the Panasonic FH5 and Sony W380, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Ultracompact by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the W380 (14MP) is very comparable and they feature the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The FH5 was announced 13 months after the W380 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Sony W380 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting straight into a full comparison, below is a short highlight of how the FH5 matches up against the W380 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W380. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FH5 Gallery and Sony W380 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FH5 features 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) and the Sony W380 has specifications of 91mm x 52mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.8") having a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FH5 and Sony W380 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the FH5 and the W380.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH5 and W380 is 96 and 96 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to see the gap in sensor dimensions only by seeing technical specs. The image below will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH5 and W380.

As you have seen, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Panasonic FH5 to provide extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The newer FH5 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.