Panasonic FH8 vs Sony NEX-5T

In this article, we are matching up the Panasonic FH8 versus Sony NEX-5T, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FH8 (16MP) and the NEX-5T (16MP) is fairly close but the FH8 (1/2.3") and NEX-5T (APS-C) possess different sensor size.

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The FH8 was unveiled 19 months earlier than the NEX-5T making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5T being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the FH8 grades versus the NEX-5T for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and Sony Alpha NEX-5T. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FH8 Gallery and Sony NEX-5T Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH8 has exterior measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5T has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

See the Panasonic FH8 versus Sony NEX-5T in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the FH8 versus the NEX-5T.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FH8 and NEX-5T is 96 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizing simply by looking through specifications. The photograph below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FH8 and NEX-5T.

To sum up, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels but different sensor sizing. The FH8 features the smaller sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF tougher. The older FH8 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.