Panasonic FP3 vs Sony NEX-5N

The following is a thorough overview of the Panasonic FP3 vs Sony NEX-5N, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FP3 (14MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is pretty well matched but the FP3 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FP3 was released 21 months earlier than the NEX-5N which makes them a generation away from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a thorough comparison, here is a quick overview of how the FP3 grades versus the NEX-5N when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 & Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FP3 Gallery & Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP3 features external dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5N has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FP3 vs Sony NEX-5N in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you use at that moment. The following is a front view size comparison of the FP3 against the NEX-5N.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the FP3 and NEX-5N is 95 and 89 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by checking specs. The pic below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP3 and NEX-5N.

All in all, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FP3 featuring a tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Sony NEX-5N will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged FP3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.