Panasonic FP1 vs Sony NEX-5N

Let's look a little more in depth at the Panasonic FP1 vs Sony NEX-5N, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Sony. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the FP1 (12MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the FP1 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The FP1 was manufactured 21 months earlier than the NEX-5N making them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the FP1 grades versus the NEX-5N with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 & Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FP1 Gallery & Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP1 provides outside dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5N has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FP1 vs Sony NEX-5N in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the FP1 compared to the NEX-5N.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the FP1 and NEX-5N is 95 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing just by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic here will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the FP1 and NEX-5N.

As you can see, both of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FP1 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Sony NEX-5N will show extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older FP1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.