Panasonic FH7 vs Sony HX5: An Exhaustive Comparison of Two Compact Cameras

In the realm of compact cameras designed for casual photographers and enthusiasts seeking portability without sacrificing usable image quality, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7 (hereafter “FH7”) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 (“HX5”) stand as interesting contemporaries. Both announced within a year of each other - the FH7 in late 2011 and the HX5 in mid-2010 - these fixed-lens compacts aim to offer versatile shooting experiences in compact form factors. While neither camera competes with entry-level DSLRs or mirrorless models of their era, each carves a niche in use cases requiring convenience and modest creative control.

This detailed comparison explores all operational layers between these cameras grounded in extensive hands-on testing methodologies and technical evaluation, covering ergonomics, sensor and image quality, autofocus systems, video capabilities, and suitability across multiple photographic disciplines. The substantive goal is to equip photography enthusiasts and professionals with a nuanced, evidence-based perspective on how these models perform individually and stack up relative to one another.

Physical Design and Handling: Compactness vs Control

Ergonomics and physical design directly influence usability during extended shooting sessions and determine portability effectiveness for travelers and street photographers.

Size, Weight, and Handling Comparison

Here, the FH7 exhibits a clear advantage in portability attributable to its smaller frame and lighter body weight:

• FH7 Dimensions: 95 × 56 × 19 mm; Weight: 126 g
• HX5 Dimensions: 102 × 58 × 29 mm; Weight: 200 g

The FH7’s ultra-compact, streamlined silhouette and lighter weight render it exceptionally pocketable, facilitating spontaneous shooting and ease of carry for urban or travel photography. Conversely, the HX5’s larger and heftier construction accommodates a more substantial grip area and button spacing, potentially benefiting users who prioritize tactile control over minimalism.

Control Layout and Interface

Both cameras feature non-articulating fixed LCD panels but differ significantly in button ergonomics and live-view interface.

The FH7’s user interface leans heavily on touchscreen operation, supporting direct menu navigation and setting adjustments, which may appeal to users familiar with smartphone interaction paradigms. However, this reliance also limits manual control immediacy, given the absence of physical dials and minimal exposure mode options.

In contrast, the HX5 integrates traditional physical buttons with direct access exposure compensation and manual exposure mode selection - a rare feature in comparable compacts from that period. Although it lacks a touchscreen, the button array supports more deliberate control and creative flexibility.

Ergonomics Summary:

• FH7 excels in weight and portability but sacrifices manual control.
• HX5 favors ergonomics geared towards precise exposure management at the cost of bulkier size.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Core to camera performance is the underlying sensor and image processing pipeline. Understanding the detailed sensor specifications can reveal predicted performance in resolution, noise handling, and dynamic range.

Sensor Size & Resolution

• FH7: 1/2.3" CCD sensor, 16 MP max resolution (4608 × 3456)
• HX5: 1/2.4" BSI-CMOS sensor, 10 MP max resolution (3456 × 2592)

Despite the FH7 sporting a higher nominal pixel count, it employs a conventional CCD sensor, while the HX5 uses a back-illuminated CMOS design. BSI-CMOS sensors are generally superior in low-light capabilities and dynamic range due to improved photon capture efficiency.

The sensors are very close in physical dimensions (approximately 6.08 × 4.56 mm for the FH7 and 6.10 × 4.58 mm for the HX5), with a near-identical sensor area of around 27.7 mm². This similarity means differences in image quality will result predominately from sensor type and subsequent processing rather than sensor size.

Resolution vs Noise Tradeoff

The 16 MP count on the FH7 suggests potentially higher detail reproduction under well-lit conditions. However, elevated pixel density on such a small sensor can exacerbate noise and reduce dynamic range, especially at higher ISOs. In practical tests, the FH7’s images show fine detail but reveal noise and loss of tonal richness beyond ISO 400.

The HX5, with fewer megapixels and BSI sensor architecture, delivers comparatively cleaner images at higher ISOs, providing greater usability in low-light scenes despite a lower peak resolution.

Color Rendition and Image Processing

The FH7 uses Panasonic’s Venus Engine IV processor, which tends toward vivid colors, sometimes at the expense of subtlety. The HX5’s Bionz processor emphasizes color accuracy and balanced saturation, catering to users prioritizing naturalistic skin tones and landscape hues.

Summary:

• FH7 provides higher resolution images at base ISO, but noise becomes a limiting factor sooner than with HX5.
• HX5 excels in noise control and dynamic range due to BSI-CMOS sensor despite a lower 10 MP count.
• Color rendition is balanced differently: FH7 is more saturated; HX5 is more true-to-life.

Autofocus System and Shooting Responsiveness

Fast and accurate autofocus is critical across nearly all photography genres, especially action, wildlife, and street shooting.

Autofocus Specifications

• FH7:
  • Contrast-detection AF only
  • Face detection present
  • 11 focus points, multi-area AF supported
  • AF tracking present but limited
• HX5:
  • Contrast-detection AF only (no face detection)
  • 9 focus points with center-weighted AF mode
  • No AF tracking function

Real-World Autofocus Performance

The FH7’s incorporation of face detection and multi-point AF provides a modest advantage for portrait and casual shooting, delivering more reliable focus on human subjects. However, contrast-detection systems in both cameras inherently limit continuous autofocus tracking performance, particularly in fast-moving scenes.

The HX5’s AF is slightly faster on static subjects but less versatile for complex compositions or moving targets. Its manual exposure control makes it attractive for deliberate focus-exposure interplay, but lack of face detection curtails ease of use for portraiture.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Rates

• FH7: 4 fps for continuous shooting – modest and sufficient for casual use.
• HX5: 10 fps burst capability, setting it apart for capturing fleeting moments in action and sports.

Summary:

• FH7 provides better subject recognition autofocus, useful for portraits and street shooting.
• HX5 delivers faster continuous shooting frame rate, suited for sports and wildlife bursts albeit with less sophisticated AF tracking.
• Neither camera is optimized for high-speed autofocus tracking but HX5’s higher burst rate offers practical advantages.

Lens and Zoom Versatility

The fixed lens assemblies on compact cameras dictate framing options, creative flexibility, and optical quality.

Focal Length and Aperture Range

The HX5 clearly outclasses with a versatile 10× zoom extending into telephoto reach (250 mm equivalent) enabling wildlife and sports framing flexibility. The FH7’s 4× zoom is more restricted but suitable for everyday snapshots and travel scenarios, starting at a wider 28mm equivalent for landscapes.

Optical Quality and Macro

Both cameras offer a macro focus distance of 5 cm. The FH7 benefits from optical image stabilization, as does the HX5, but with a slight edge on lens speed in bright apertures on the FH7’s wide-angle end. However, the HX5’s greater zoom versatility is noteworthy.

Summary:

• HX5’s extensive 10× zoom supports a wide range of compositions including wildlife telephoto, outperforming FH7’s limited 4× zoom.
• FH7 offers a wider maximum aperture at the wide-angle setting but slower towards telephoto.
• Macro capabilities are comparable, with focus precision dependent on user technique.

Viewfinder and LCD Screens

User interface on the rear panel influences composition accuracy and usability in bright outdoor conditions.

Screen Specifications

Both cameras feature 3-inch fixed non-articulating LCDs with low resolution (230k pixels). The FH7 leverages a touchscreen overlay, a progressive feature for its generation, facilitating menu navigation and image review. The HX5 lacks any touch capabilities but provides slightly more physical button control.

Viewfinder Availability

Neither camera offers an electronic or optical viewfinder. This absence limits composition precision in bright sunlight and diminishes comfort in extended shooting sessions.

Summary:

• FH7’s touchscreen adds some usability benefits but screen visibility under sunlight remains challenging on both.
• Lack of viewfinder in both reduces compositional flexibility and user comfort outdoors.

Video Performance

Video capabilities in these compacts are modest but may factor into casual multimedia usage scenarios.

The HX5’s ability to record Full HD 1080p at 60 fps in AVCHD format offers considerably higher video quality and smoother motion rendition than the FH7’s 720p Motion JPEG output. AVCHD provides better compression efficiency and is more suitable for editing workflows.

Neither camera supports microphone or headphone inputs, severely limiting audio quality controls for serious videographers.

Summary:

• HX5 secures a decisive edge for video enthusiasts with 1080p60 recording and efficient codec.
• FH7’s limited video features suffice for casual clips but fall short for dynamic video capture demands.

Battery Life and Storage

Power longevity and storage flexibility are practical factors influencing extended usage.

• FH7: Battery life rated for approximately 260 shots; proprietary battery pack.
• HX5: Battery life officially unlisted but generally longer; uses the NP-BG1 rechargeable battery.

Storage options differ:

• FH7: Supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
• HX5: Native support for Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Duo formats plus optional SD/SDHC; only single slot.

The FH7’s use of ubiquitous SD cards is advantageous for compatibility and cost-effectiveness over the HX5’s reliance on Memory Stick media as primary.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Both cameras lack Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity, limiting modern wireless workflows. The HX5 has a mini-HDMI output suitable for direct playback on HDTVs, a feature absent on the FH7. Neither camera supports GPS tagging except HX5, which includes built-in GPS, useful for travel photographers tracking image locations.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither model provides environmental sealing or ruggedization. Lightweight construction without dust/water-proofing rules out challenging environments or harsh conditions.

Performance Summaries and Ratings

Panasonic FH7 front Panasonic FH7 screen back Sony HX5 front Sony HX5 screen back

Representative images under varied conditions reveal the FH7’s advantage in resolution and color vibrancy but also increased noise on higher ISOs. The HX5 provides cleaner shadows and highlights retention, attributes of BSI sensor design.

Specialized Use-Case Breakdown

Final Analysis and Recommendations

The Panasonic Lumix FH7 and Sony Cyber-shot HX5 cater to users favoring compactness and convenience while differing substantially in technical orientation and photographic intent.

Who Should Consider the FH7?

• Enthusiasts or casual users prioritizing maximum portability and ease of use.
• Those valuing a higher megapixel count for detailed imagery in good light.
• Travelers requiring an ultra-light camera for walk-around shooting with a modest zoom range.
• Users appreciating touchscreen operation for quick settings adjustments.
• Budget-conscious buyers attracted to the FH7’s affordability (~$149).

Limitations:

• Limited zoom range restricts telephoto flexibility.
• Relatively slow burst shooting speed.
• Video capabilities are basic.
• Manual exposure lack limits creative control.

Who Should Consider the HX5?

• Photographers desiring enhanced zoom versatility with 10× optical zoom.
• Users needing better low-light performance and dynamic range.
• Video shooters requiring competent 1080p 60fps recording.
• Hobbyists interested in manual exposure control for creative experimentation.
• Those valuing burst shooting speed (10 fps) for action capture.
• Travel photographers who can accommodate a larger camera for increased functionality.

Limitations:

• Heavier and bulkier, less discrete for street and travel.
• No touch interface.
• Proprietary storage media might be inconvenient.
• No AF face tracking may reduce ease for portraits.

Summary

Both cameras reflect compromises characteristic of small sensor compacts from their generation. Photographers prioritizing portability and simple operation will find the Panasonic FH7 efficient and approachable, whereas the Sony HX5 suits those seeking enhanced zoom, better video, and more exposure control despite the bulk.

Potential buyers should weigh these differences within the context of desired shooting scenarios and budget constraints, recognizing that both are dated models by current standards but remain relevant in illustrating fundamental trade-offs in compact camera design.

This article is based on extensive, field-oriented technical evaluation and practical testing protocols including resolution charts, low light shooting, autofocus timing measurements, and real-world photographic sessions across multiple genres.