Panasonic FP3 vs Sony NEX-5

Let's look closer at the Panasonic FP3 versus Sony NEX-5, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FP3 (14MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the FP3 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) posses different sensor sizing.

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The FP3 was revealed 5 months prior to the NEX-5 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summary of how the FP3 matches up versus the NEX-5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FP3 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP3 has got physical measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FP3 versus Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the FP3 against the NEX-5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the FP3 and NEX-5 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph here will provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the FP3 and NEX-5.

As you can see, both cameras provide the same resolution albeit different sensor sizing. The FP3 uses the tinier sensor which will make getting bokeh more difficult.