Panasonic FP5 vs Sony NEX-3

Below is a complete review of the Panasonic FP5 and Sony NEX-3, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FP5 (14MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the FP5 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) have different sensor sizing.

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The FP5 was manufactured 8 months later than the NEX-3 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the FP5 grades vs the NEX-3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FP5 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP5 offers outside dimensions of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has sizing of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FP5 and Sony NEX-3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the FP5 vs the NEX-3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FP5 and NEX-3 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to imagine the difference between sensor measurements simply by reading through a spec sheet. The visual below may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FP5 and NEX-3.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide the same megapixels but different sensor measurements. The FP5 includes the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving bokeh harder. The fresher FP5 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.