Panasonic FH5 vs Sony A57

Its time to examine more closely at the Panasonic FH5 vs Sony A57, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the A57 (16MP) is fairly similar but the FH5 (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The FH5 was released 20 months earlier than the A57 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the FH5 matches up against the A57 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Sony SLT-A57. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH5 Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FH5 has exterior measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") along with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Sony A57 has specifications of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") with a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FH5 vs Sony A57 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the FH5 against the A57.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FH5 and A57 is 96 and 64 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions purely by reviewing technical specs. The picture here will give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FH5 and A57.

As you can tell, both of those cameras have got the exact same megapixel count but different sensor dimensions. The FH5 uses the tinier sensor which will make obtaining shallower depth of field more difficult. The more aged FH5 is going to be behind in sensor tech.