Panasonic FH8 vs Sony NEX-5

Here, we are reviewing the Panasonic FH8 and Sony NEX-5, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FH8 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is fairly similar but the FH8 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The FH8 was announced 20 months later than the NEX-5 making them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a complete comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the FH8 matches up versus the NEX-5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FH8 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH8 features outside measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH8 and Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the FH8 compared to the NEX-5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH8 and NEX-5 is 96 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to envision the gap between sensor measurements simply by going over technical specs. The photograph here may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FH8 and NEX-5.

As you can tell, both of those cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FH8 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FH8 will offer more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The fresher FH8 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.