Panasonic FP5 vs Panasonic GH3

Let's take a more detailed look at the Panasonic FP5 vs Panasonic GH3, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless and both are created by Panasonic. The resolution of the FP5 (14MP) and the GH3 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the FP5 (1/2.3") and GH3 (Four Thirds) boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The FP5 was brought out 20 months before the GH3 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the FP5 grades against the GH3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FP5 Gallery and Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FP5 enjoys external dimensions of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GH3 has specifications of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FP5 vs Panasonic GH3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is a front view scale comparison of the FP5 against the GH3.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the FP5 and GH3 is 95 and 66 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizing only by going through specifications. The graphic below will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP5 and GH3.

To sum up, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FP5 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic GH3 will show greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older FP5 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.