Panasonic FH7 vs Sony NEX-5

The following is a in-depth analysis of the Panasonic FH7 and Sony NEX-5, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FH7 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is pretty close but the FH7 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The FH7 was launched 16 months after the NEX-5 which makes them a generation away from one another. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH7 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a short introduction of how the FH7 matches up against the NEX-5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FH7 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera, you will want to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH7 enjoys exterior dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH7 and Sony NEX-5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the FH7 against the NEX-5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH7 and NEX-5 is 96 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by researching technical specs. The pic below will give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH7 and NEX-5.

As you have seen, both of those cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FH7 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic FH7 will result in greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The younger FH7 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.