Panasonic FP1 vs Sony HX5: A Detailed Ultracompact Camera Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Choosing between compact cameras like the Panasonic Lumix FP1 and the Sony Cyber-shot HX5 demands a nuanced understanding of their specifications, capabilities, and real-world behavior. Though both emerged in the early 2010s as attractive options for enthusiasts prioritizing portability and ease of use, their technical underpinnings and feature sets diverge notably, affecting photographic versatility and image quality. Drawing from extensive hands-on testing of hundreds of compact cameras across various work scenarios, this comprehensive comparison penetrates beyond specs into performance, ergonomics, and suitability for different photographic disciplines, empowering you to select the model best aligned with your shooting style.

First Impressions: Design and Build Quality

When evaluating compact cameras, physical dimensions, grip ergonomics, and control layout often set the stage for how comfortably you can shoot over extended periods. The Panasonic FP1 sits firmly in the ultracompact category, measuring a slender 99 x 59 x 19 mm and weighing just 151 grams, making it one of the smallest cameras in its generation. On the other hand, Sony’s HX5 occupies the "small sensor compact" niche, slightly larger and heavier at 102 x 58 x 29 mm and 200 grams respectively, reflecting its broader feature set.

The FP1’s svelte profile lends itself to unobtrusive street photography and travel use where pocketability is paramount, but this comes at the cost of smaller physical buttons and a reduced grip surface, which can hamper handling stability. Conversely, the HX5's chunkier body, while less discreet, offers a more confident in-hand feel with roomier buttons. Both cameras lack environmental sealing - no dust, water, or shockproofing - placing clear limits on extreme outdoor use.

From the top, the FP1 simplifies operation with minimal dials and only basic exposure overrides (no aperture or shutter priority modes), principally appealing to casual shooters seeking straightforward automation. The HX5 offers more control sophistication with a manual exposure mode and exposure compensation, better serving photographers eager to grow creatively beyond point-and-shoot presets. Neither camera features an electronic viewfinder, relying instead on LCD framing only - a common trait but a drawback for bright outdoor composition.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Technical Dissection

The heart of any camera is its sensor, fundamentally impacting detail, dynamic range, noise performance, and color fidelity. Surprisingly, both cameras deploy sensors near-identical in physical dimensions - the FP1 incorporates a 1/2.3" CCD sensor sized 6.08 x 4.56 mm (27.72 mm²), while the HX5 opts for a 1/2.4" back-illuminated CMOS sensor measuring 6.1 x 4.58 mm (27.94 mm²). This comparable sensor area translates into similar light-gathering potentials but divergent sensor technologies yield different noise and dynamic range profiles.

The FP1’s CCD sensor, prevalent in early compact cameras, is known for pleasant color rendition and low light drawing but tends to generate more noise at higher ISOs. Critically, it lacks RAW output, limiting post-processing flexibility. The HX5’s BSI-CMOS sensor delivers a more modern architecture with higher quantum efficiency, resulting in cleaner high ISO shots and improved dynamic range, even if its resolution tops out at 10 megapixels compared to the FP1’s 12 MP.

Despite the similar megapixel counts, practical resolution differences arise: the FP1 maxes out at 4000 x 3000 pixels, whereas the HX5 provides 3456 x 2592 pixels. In testing, the FP1’s higher pixel density yields marginally sharper images under optimal lighting, but the HX5’s cleaner shadows and preserved highlight detail frequently produce more usable images in challenging conditions. Both cameras feature anti-aliasing filters to suppress moiré at the expense of slight softness.

The lack of professional sensor benchmarking data (e.g., DxOMark scores) for these models compels reliance on in-field assessments and image samples, which further reinforce the HX5’s advantage in dynamic range and noise control, crucial for landscape and night photography.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Performance Under Pressure

Autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy often separate the casual snapshot from the truly compelling image, especially in genres such as wildlife or sports photography.

The FP1 utilizes a contrast-detection system with nine focus points, a standard for its era, but autofocus holds no fancy tricks - no face detection, no tracking, and no continuous AF modes. Autofocus speed is moderate yet sometimes prone to hunting in low contrast or dim environments. Manual focus is not supported, a notable limitation for macro or manual creativity.

The HX5 improves upon this foundation with similarly nine-point contrast detection but adds center-weighted AF mode and selective multi-area focusing, granting the photographer more control over focus placement. Unfortunately, it too lacks phase detection AF or face/eye tracking - features that would significantly aid portrait or action shooting. Continuous AF remains unavailable on both, meaning neither excels at tracking moving subjects accurately.

However, due to its more responsive processor and optimized algorithms enabled by the newer Bionz engine, the HX5 achieves noticeably quicker focus lock times and faster continuous shooting rates (10 fps versus FP1’s 6 fps), beneficial for capturing fleeting moments.

Display and User Interface: Framing and Viewing Comfort

Both cameras sacrifice viewfinders, leaning on their LCD screens for live framing and image review.

The FP1 sports a 2.7-inch, 230k-dot fixed LCD, adequate but small by modern standards. The absence of touch capabilities limits quick menu navigation and focus selection. The HX5 offers a slightly larger 3.0-inch, 230k-dot fixed LCD, providing a more comfortable viewing experience; again, no touchscreen means interaction remains button-driven. Neither model employs articulated or tilting screens, capsulating composition angles to a rigid holding posture.

The back-screen interface on the HX5 was found to be more intuitive with comprehensive manual exposure feedback, while the FP1 confines users to more automated shooting, presenting limited exposure data - not ideal for photographers wishing to refine settings on the fly.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: Framing Your Vision

The lenses are fixed, non-interchangeable units, making optical range and aperture even more critical.

The FP1’s 35-140 mm equivalent zoom (4x optical) with an aperture range of f/3.5 to f/5.9 offers a modest reach, sufficiently covering mid-telephoto needs such as casual portraiture and walking landscapes but not wildlife or sports where longer reach is preferred. Its macro focusing distance stands at 10 cm, allowing some close-up shooting, though not exceptionally close.

In contrast, the HX5 boasts a broader 25-250 mm equivalent zoom (10x optical) with a similar aperture range of f/3.5-5.5, enabling much more telephoto reach. This makes it markedly better suited for birding, wildlife, and distant street subjects. The 5 cm macro focus distance further enhances its close-up capabilities, though both cameras lack focus stacking or bracketing for advanced macro work.

Image stabilization is present and optical on both, a critical feature to reduce blur under zoom or slower shutter speeds - the HX5’s newer stabilization system is observed to be slightly more effective in practical use.

Video Capabilities: Recording Quality and Usability

Although primarily a still camera comparison, in-camera video is an increasingly common photographic tool. The FP1 captures HD video at 1280x720 pixels at 30fps in Motion JPEG format, which is simple but results in larger file sizes and potentially more compression artifacts. No microphone or headphone ports limit audio quality and monitoring possibilities.

The HX5 moves ahead with Full HD 1920x1080p recording at 60 fps in AVCHD format, offering smoother motion and more efficient compression. The addition of an HDMI port enables easy playback and integration with external monitors or TVs, a feature missing on the FP1. Audio capture is still built-in only, but the video quality leap is clear.

Neither camera offers 4K or advanced video tools such as focus peaking or flat picture profiles, keeping them within the entry-level video domain.

Performance in Different Photography Genres

A key differentiator for any camera is how well it supports the diverse demands of various photography styles. Here we outline the performance differences based on my hands-on testing in each genre:

Portrait Photography

• FP1: The 35 mm wide-angle to 140 mm telephoto range suffices for headshots and environmental portraits, but the slower aperture limits shallow depth-of-field, resulting in less creamy bokeh. Lack of face or eye detection autofocus means focusing on portraits requires patience. Skin tones render naturally due to CCD sensor characteristics, though detail is less forgiving at higher ISOs.
• HX5: With a longer zoom and slightly faster lens, HX5 lets you isolate subjects more effectively. Manual exposure controls and exposure compensation allow for better skin tone renditions under challenging light. Still, focusing lacks face-detection, which means acquiring sharp eyes relies on compositional discipline.

Landscape Photography

• FP1: The CCD sensor with 12MP resolution captures detailed images with good color reproduction. Limited manual control hinders exposure bracketing or filters for dynamic range expansion.
• HX5: The CMOS sensor excels with better dynamic range and cleaner shadows, important for sunrise or sunset scenes. The wider 25 mm focal length suits broad perspectives but resolution is slightly lower. Exposure compensation aids in fine-tuning.

Wildlife Photography

• FP1: Reach of 140 mm (35 mm equiv.) and AF speed limit utility for wildlife. Continuous AF absence impairs tracking moving subjects.
• HX5: 250 mm reach enhances composition options for animals at a distance; faster AF and 10 fps continuous burst improve capture odds, though lacking tracking can hinder success with fast-moving wildlife.

Sports Photography

• Both cameras fall short due to limited AF tracking and slow max shutter speeds. However, HX5’s 10 fps burst naturally outpaces FP1’s 6 fps.

Street Photography

• FP1: Compact, minimalistic handling supports street discretion and portability. Silent shutter options are missing.
• HX5: Slightly larger size may reduce stealth, but extra zoom offers creative framing; slightly slower shutter ceiling hampers freezing fast action.

Macro Photography

• FP1: 10 cm macro minimum focus is acceptable but limited.
• HX5: Closer 5 cm focusing plus improved stabilization edges out the FP1 for close-up details.

Night/Astro Photography

• ISO ceilings differ markedly - FP1 max ISO 6400 vs HX5 max 3200, but higher ISO on FP1 incurs heavy noise. HX5’s cleaner CMOS at ISO 1600-3200 yields more usable low-light images. Neither camera supports manual bulb exposures or long exposure noise reduction, capping astrophotography potential.

Video Work

• HX5’s Full HD 60p AVCHD offers significantly better video options compared to FP1’s 720p Motion JPEG, enhancing its value for casual videographers.

Travel Photography

• FP1’s ultracompact size wins portability contests, favoring users prioritizing pocketability.
• HX5 balances portability with versatility via wider zoom and manual exposure.

Professional Usage

• Neither model supports RAW files or have rugged build quality. Both are best suited as backup cameras or casual use devices rather than professional primary tools.

Panasonic FP1 front Panasonic FP1 screen back Sony HX5 front Sony HX5 screen back

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life data is scarce for both, but field tests indicate moderate endurance - typically under 250 shots per charge, fitting for short excursions but requiring spares for longer trips. FP1 uses proprietary Panasonic batteries, HX5 employs Sony NP-BG1 cells, which tend to be easier to find on the secondary market. Both cameras rely on a single card slot - SD/SDHC/SDXC for FP1, Sony proprietary Memory Stick Duo by default but also SD/SDHC optional on HX5.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Modern wireless features are absent in both models - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS for FP1, while HX5 only adds built-in GPS, an advantage for travelers who value geotagging.

USB 2.0 ports enable tethered data transfer but are relatively slow by modern standards. The HX5’s HDMI output is unique and expands video viewing convenience.

Neither camera supports external flash units or advanced bracketing modes.

Summarized Strengths and Weaknesses

Recommendations: Which Camera Suits Your Needs?

For Street and Travel Photographers Seeking Maximum Portability:
The Panasonic FP1’s diminutive size, light weight, and simple interface make it a discreet yet competent choice for casual candid shooting and everyday use where packing light is critical. However, be prepared for limited manual control and slower AF.

For Enthusiasts Wanting More Creative Control and Zoom Flexibility:
The Sony HX5’s broader zoom range, manual exposure modes, and vastly improved video capabilities deliver more versatility for users wishing to experiment with framing and lighting conditions. Its larger size is a worthwhile tradeoff if you don’t prioritize compactness above all.

For Wildlife and Sports Beginners:
Neither camera excels here, but the HX5’s 10 fps burst and longer telephoto reach offer an edge, though for serious work, dedicated cameras with phase-detection AF and continuous autofocus are recommended.

For Landscape and Night Photography Aficionados:
The HX5 benefits from better dynamic range and low-light noise handling. Fresh colors and detail quality lend themselves well to scenic captures, while the FP1’s higher resolution and natural tonal rendering can please under ideal conditions.

Concluding Thoughts: A Balanced Choice Between Compact Simplicity and Versatile Function

While both the Panasonic FP1 and Sony HX5 are relics in today’s fast-evolving camera market, their strengths and limitations still serve as valuable lessons in camera design trade-offs. The FP1 stands as a triumph of miniaturization suited for snapshots and travel stealth, whereas the HX5 brings a more all-around small-sensor camera experience with significantly enhanced manual controls, zoom capabilities, and multimedia features.

Your choice hinges on what you value more - absolute portability and effortless operation, or functional versatility and expanded creative options. For enthusiasts who want the best out of a traditionally limited compact, the Sony HX5 remains the more capable tool today; yet, for those chasing the smallest travel companion or occasional use camera under $200, the FP1 offers remarkable convenience.

Appendix: Detailed Specification Table and Testing Notes

In sum, the Panasonic FP1 provides an impressively compact and affordable entry point into point-and-shoot photography featuring decent image quality for casual users, while the Sony HX5 caters to enthusiasts requiring greater zoom versatility, manual controls, and enhanced video performance. Depending on your photographic priorities - whether those lie predominantly in portability or creative flexibility - either camera could serve as a worthy under-$300 compact companion, yet bear in mind their generational limitations in today’s high-performance camera landscape.