Panasonic FH5 vs Sony A37

Below is a comprehensive assessment of the Panasonic FH5 vs Sony A37, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the A37 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the FH5 (1/2.3") and A37 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

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The FH5 was introduced 16 months earlier than the A37 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A37 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the FH5 scores versus the A37 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 & Sony SLT-A37. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FH5 Gallery & Sony A37 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera often, you have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FH5 features outer measurements 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 A37 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH5 vs Sony A37 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the FH5 against the A37.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH5 and A37 is 96 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to visualize the gap between sensor measurements merely by looking at specifications. The photograph below should give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FH5 and A37.

Plainly, both cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count but different sensor measurements. The FH5 uses the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving bokeh tougher. The older FH5 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.