Panasonic FH5 vs Sony W800

Below, we are reviewing the Panasonic FH5 versus Sony W800, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the W800 (20MP) is fairly well matched and they come with the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The FH5 was announced 4 years before the W800 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the FH5 scores vs the W800 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH5 Gallery & Sony W800 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH5 offers external 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 W800 has measurements of 97mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH5 versus Sony W800 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the FH5 vs the W800.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the FH5 and W800 is 96 and 96 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizing merely by looking at specifications. The graphic underneath should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH5 and W800.

To sum up, the two cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same MP. You can anticipate the Sony W800 to give you greater detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older FH5 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.