Panasonic Lumix FH5 vs Sony Cyber-shot W560: The 2011 Compact Showdown

In the fast-evolving world of compact cameras, the early 2010s were marked by rapid innovation and increasingly capable point-and-shoots. Two models from that era, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560 (hereafter FH5 and W560), offer a fascinating slice of what was achievable in affordable consumer compacts around 2011. Having handled and tested both extensively, I’m excited to unpack their design, image quality, and performance across typical shooting scenarios to help you decide if either still merits a place in your kit - or at least informs your understanding of compact camera development.

Feeling the Difference: Size, Build, and Handling

At first glance, these two compacts are neck and neck in size: both slim, pocket-friendly cameras built for grab-and-go convenience. The Panasonic FH5 measures 94 x 54 x 19 mm and weighs approximately 121 grams, while the Sony W560 is just a hair thicker at 19 mm but weighs slightly less, tipping the scales around 110 grams.

When you hold them, the FH5 feels a touch more substantial in the hand - almost sturdier, despite both using compact plastic chassis without any weather sealing. The Panasonic offers a slightly better grip area, beneficial if your hands are on the larger side or you often shoot one-handed. The Sony’s ultracompact design aims for maximum pocketability, shaving off a couple millimeters in width and weight.

Controls-wise, both cameras follow the typical minimalist approach. The FH5’s top-deck houses a well-centered shutter release with zoom controls just behind, alongside a dedicated on/off switch. Meanwhile, the W560 places zoom toggle and shutter button close at hand, but the smaller body means buttons are a touch cramped - less comfortable for quick-access shooting when compared to the Panasonic. Neither camera supports manual focus or aperture/shutter priority modes, reflecting their “point and shoot” user orientation rather than enthusiast flexibility.

Both units completely lack viewfinders, which might feel limiting if you prefer composing with your eye to the viewfinder over LCD screens outdoors.

Screens and Interface: Your Live View Window

When it comes to the rear LCD, the Sony W560 edges ahead with its larger 3.0-inch Clear Photo LCD panel, offering a noticeably bigger viewport compared to the Panasonic’s 2.7-inch fixed screen. While both have the same modest resolution (230k dots), the Sony's LCD has more vibrant color reproduction, easier outdoor visibility, and better viewing angles - a bonus for casual shooting.

Neither has touch support, a sign of their vintage class, so interaction means menu diving with physical buttons. The FH5, however, includes simple touchscreen AF capability - a nice perk that the W560 forgoes. I found this helpful for quickly focusing on irregular subjects or slightly moving compositions, especially for macro or close-up shots where precise focus matters.

If you frequently compose with the LCD, the Sony’s larger, sharper screen will feel more comfortable over long sessions. But the Panasonic’s screen remains adequate for casual framing.

Inside the Box: Sensor and Image Quality

Here’s where things get interesting: both cameras feature a 1/2.3" CCD sensor - the compact sensor size typical in budget point-and-shoots - but with some nuanced differences.

• Panasonic FH5: 16 megapixels, sensor area 27.72 mm², max ISO 6400
• Sony W560: 14 megapixels, sensor area 28.07 mm², max ISO 3200

Despite similar sensor footprints, the Panasonic’s higher resolution may suggest potential for more detailed images. However, 16MP on a 1/2.3" CCD means smaller individual pixels, often leading to more noise at higher ISOs. Sony’s slightly lower resolution, paired with its “BIONZ” image processor, yielded marginally better noise control in my tests, especially in low-light scenarios.

Neither supports RAW output, limiting post-processing flexibility - something serious enthusiasts will want to consider, though common in cameras of this class and era.

Color reproduction from both cameras tends to lean toward accurate and pleasing hues under natural light, with Panasonic delivering slightly warmer skin tones, great for portraits, and Sony producing neutral palettes. Both apply an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly softens fine detail but helps reduce moiré artifacts.

Lens and Zoom: Reach and Aperture

• Panasonic FH5: 28–112mm equivalent, 4x optical zoom, f/3.1–6.5 aperture range
• Sony W560: 26–104mm equivalent, 4x optical zoom, f/2.7–5.7 aperture range

The Sony’s lens is marginally wider at the wide end (26mm vs 28mm) which gives a bit more breathing room for landscapes and group shots, and noticeably faster at maximum aperture (f/2.7 vs f/3.1), affording better performance in low light and allowing for shallower depth-of-field effects.

However, neither lens offers image stabilization beyond optical lens-shift or sensor-shift systems; both have optical image stabilization, which in practice provides decent shake reduction for everyday shooting but won’t replace a tripod in dim environments.

The Panasonic’s lens, with the longer 112mm tele-end and smaller aperture at that focal length, is less adept at low light telephoto shooting. The Sony’s faster aperture throughout the zoom range gives it a slight edge for available light, despite its slightly shorter zoom reach.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Fill the Frame, Fast and Accurate?

Both cameras come equipped with contrast-detection autofocus systems - typical for compact compacts without dedicated phase detection AF.

• Panasonic FH5: 11 focus points, face detection, touch-to-focus supported
• Sony W560: 9 focus points, no face detection

Panasonic’s face detection and touch-to-focus features enhance subject acquisition speed in casual portraiture. I found the FH5’s AF system more reliable when tracking faces, especially in bright daylight. The Sony’s contrast detection picks focus well for static subjects but can struggle with moving targets.

Continuous shooting rates are another factor:

• FH5: 4 frames per second
• W560: 1 frame per second

Though neither camera is aimed at fast-action sports, the FH5’s faster burst mode can capture fleeting moments more effectively, albeit in lower resolution JPEG frames. For wildlife or sports, however, the lack of continuous AF and AF tracking severely limits their utility.

Image Stabilization and Flash: Helping Your Shots Stay Sharp

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization - Panasonic calls it “MEGA O.I.S.,” while Sony brands it more simply. Both systems effectively minimize handheld shake blur under normal conditions.

Built-in flashes are present on both:

• Panasonic FH5: effective range ~3.3 meters, modes include Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye Reduction
• Sony W560: effective range ~3.8 meters, modes include Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync

Sony’s inclusion of Slow Sync flash allows for more creative fill lighting with ambient exposure; a feature missing on Panasonic. Neither supports external flash units, so you’re limited to built-in light, which can be harsh and flat.

Video Features: Basic but Serviceable

Neither camera is a video powerhouse, but both can record HD video at 720p/30fps:

• FH5 records in Motion JPEG format
• W560 outputs MPEG-4 files

While MJPEG tends to create larger files with less efficient compression, MPEG-4 is more standard and widely compatible, making Sony’s videos easier to manage and share.

Neither has external microphone inputs, headphone jacks, nor advanced video stabilization, so videographers will find the capabilities rudimentary at best. I recommend these cameras primarily as still shooters.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

• Panasonic FH5: Battery Life approx. 260 shots, proprietary lithium-ion battery pack, supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, USB 2.0 interface
• Sony W560: Battery life manufacturer specs unavailable, uses NP-BN1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, supports SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo cards, USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs, also Eye-Fi wireless memory card compatibility

Sony’s inclusion of HDMI out for direct playback on TVs is a clear advantage for casual users who want to show images without transferring. Plus, Eye-Fi card support is a nice bonus for wireless image transfer, though it requires purchasing separate cards.

The Panasonic’s proprietary battery and closed ecosystem may limit field recharging options, but you’ll find standard SD card compatibility on both cameras.

Which Camera Excels at Various Photography Genres?

Let’s zoom in on how each camera handles real-world photographic situations important for different users.

Panasonic FH5 front Panasonic FH5 screen back Sony W560 front Sony W560 screen back

Portrait Photography: Faces and Skin Tones

Both cameras produce decent portraits indoors and out, aided by face detection in Panasonic’s case - a plus for novice users who want reliable focus on eyes and faces.

The Panasonic’s warmer color rendering gives a flattering skin tone, but its narrower aperture limits background blur potential. Sony’s lens opening at f/2.7 lets you achieve more pleasing bokeh, although the sensor size limits shallow depth effects regardless.

Eye autofocus is absent on both, so sharp focus depends on careful composition.

Landscape Photography: Detail and Dynamic Range

With their small sensors and modest dynamic range, neither camera will rival larger-sensor compacts or mirrorless options. However, Panasonic’s slightly higher resolution 16MP sensor offers an edge in resolution - good for cropping or large prints.

Sony’s wider 26mm lens start is better for sweeping vistas, and its lower minimum ISO (80 vs 100) helps maximize image quality in brighter conditions.

Neither offers weather sealing - so caution is advised in challenging conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Speed and Reach

Neither camera fits the mold for serious wildlife or sports photography due to slow autofocus and lack of advanced tracking.

Panasonic’s faster continuous shooting may capture sequences better but with a limited buffer and no continuous AF.

Sony’s slightly faster lens aperture helps low-light action but the 1 fps burst rate undermines fast action capture. Telephoto zoom ranges are modest, so distant subjects will remain small in the frame.

Street and Travel: Discretion and Portability

Here, the Sony W560’s smaller size and lighter weight offer an edge for travelers and street shooters who prize minimalism. Its 3-inch bright screen helps compose quickly in varied light, and HDMI eases instant sharing.

Panasonic’s grip and touch AF lend usability for those who like tactile control, but at a slight cost in bulk.

Battery life on both is limited, so carrying spares or chargers is essential for travel.

Macro Photography: Focus Precision and Stabilization

Both cameras support close focusing down to approximately 5 cm, typical of compacts, allowing for casual macro without extensions.

Panasonic’s touch-focus aids manual fine-tuning, while Sony’s center-weighted AF is less precise for selective focusing.

Optical stabilization helps avoid blur in hand-held closeups for both units.

Night and Astro: High ISO and Long Exposure Low-Light Capability

Small sensors and modest maximum ISO (6400 Panasonic, 3200 Sony) mean significant noise at higher sensitivities.

Panasonic’s higher max ISO seems better on paper, but noise suppression leaves file softness; Sony’s lower max ISO yields cleaner, albeit darker, images.

Neither supports long-exposure or bulb modes; minimum shutter speeds max out at 60 seconds (Panasonic) and only 2 seconds (Sony), limiting night photography capability.

Video: Casual Clips Only

Both satisfy casual HD video needs with 720p at 30fps, but no advanced stabilization or manual control.

The Sony’s MPEG-4 codec and HDMI output ease sharing, while Panasonic’s MJPEG files are larger and less convenient.

No mic or headphone jacks restrict external audio options; video enthusiasts should look elsewhere.

Professional Work: Reliability and Integration

Neither camera was designed for professional use or workflow integration. No RAW files, limited manual controls, and lack of tethering facilities put these cameras firmly in the casual-use bracket.

However, their simple interfaces and auto modes are forgiving for beginners.

A Balanced Scorecard: Performance in Key Areas

When we assign weighted scores based on image quality, ergonomics, autofocus, handling, features, and value, the two cameras score close battles with different strengths:

• Panasonic FH5 scores higher for: Autofocus versatility (face detection, touch AF), continuous shooting speed, image resolution, and slightly better low-light ISO ceiling.
• Sony W560 scores higher for: Lens aperture and range starting point, larger and better LCD, video codec advantages, and portability.

Neither model breaks new ground, but their complementary feature sets serve slightly different casual users.

Who Should Consider the Panasonic Lumix FH5?

If you value a solid grip, touch-to-focus capability, faster burst shooting, and a warmer color signature for portraits, the FH5 remains a sensible budget choice for straightforward day-to-day photography. Its 16MP sensor delivers sharp images in good light, and its optical stabilization aids handheld shooting.

The lack of wireless connectivity, modest screen, and fixed zoom might feel limiting, but if you prioritize quicker autofocus and better close-focus control, Panasonic edges ahead.

Who Should Lean Toward Sony Cyber-shot W560?

The W560 appeals to those who prize ultra-portability without sacrificing key features - especially street shooters and travelers looking for a bright lens and a more vivid LCD screen. Its slightly wider lens start and improved video codec streamlines casual multimedia sharing.

Those who want wireless transfer via Eye-Fi cards and HDMI output will appreciate Sony’s connectivity advantages. However, slower burst rates and no face detection autofocus might frustrate more active shooting styles.

Conclusion: Which Compact Fits Your Photography Lifestyle?

In comparing the Panasonic Lumix FH5 and Sony Cyber-shot W560, each camera reveals thoughtful features tailored for casual photography enthusiasts circa 2011.

The FH5 is your pick if you want slightly stronger autofocus, faster operation speed, and a larger megapixel count - great for portraits and everyday snaps where face detection and quick shooting matter.

The Sony W560 wins for those who demand an ultracompact form, superior screen experience, wider lens start, and better video sharing, ideal for travel and casual street photography.

Neither camera will satisfy the thirst of demanding enthusiasts or pros - lack of RAW, manual controls, and advanced AF systems limit them significantly. But for beginners or second carry-around options on tighter budgets, each still provides reliable image capture with decent quality and intuitive operation.

Thank you for joining me on this detailed walkthrough. I hope the insights based on hands-on testing and technical examination help you find the right vintage compact - or simply deepen your appreciation of these early 2010s gems!

If you want to dive deeper into how these cameras perform side by side in certain lighting or shooting modes, check out my featured sample galleries and detailed testing videos referenced here.

Happy shooting!

Panasonic FH5 front Panasonic FH5 screen back Sony W560 front Sony W560 screen back