Panasonic FH6 vs Samsung NX5

The following is a extensive comparison of the Panasonic FH6 versus Samsung NX5, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Samsung. The resolution of the FH6 (14MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is pretty close but the FH6 (1/2.3") and NX5 (APS-C) have different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FH6 was unveiled 20 months after the NX5 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH6 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the FH6 grades vs the NX5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6 & Samsung NX5. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FH6 Gallery & Samsung NX5 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera, you should consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH6 has outside dimensions of 96mm x 56mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 119 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX5 has sizing of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FH6 versus Samsung NX5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the FH6 versus the NX5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH6 and NX5 is 96 and 80 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions purely by looking through a spec sheet. The image below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FH6 and NX5.

Clearly, each of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FH6 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Samsung NX5 will render greater detail having an extra 1MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The more recent FH6 should have an edge in sensor tech.