Panasonic FH8 vs Samsung NX500

Its time to look closer at the Panasonic FH8 and Samsung NX500, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Samsung. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the FH8 (16MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the FH8 (1/2.3") and NX500 (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

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The FH8 was released 4 years earlier than the NX500 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a full comparison, below is a concise overview of how the FH8 matches up versus the NX500 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and Samsung NX500. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FH8 Gallery and Samsung NX500 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FH8 provides exterior dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Samsung NX500 has specifications of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH8 and Samsung NX500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that moment. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the FH8 against the NX500.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FH8 and NX500 is 96 and 87 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions just by seeing specs. The pic below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH8 and NX500.

All in all, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FH8 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Samsung NX500 will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged FH8 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.