Panasonic FP5 vs Sony NEX-F3

The following is a in-depth review of the Panasonic FP5 vs Sony NEX-F3, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FP5 (14MP) and the NEX-F3 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the FP5 (1/2.3") and NEX-F3 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The FP5 was unveiled 19 months earlier than the NEX-F3 making the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-F3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick overview of how the FP5 grades vs the NEX-F3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 and Sony Alpha NEX-F3. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FP5 Gallery and Sony NEX-F3 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FP5 enjoys exterior dimensions of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Sony NEX-F3 has dimensions of 117mm x 67mm x 42mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 314 grams (0.69 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FP5 vs Sony NEX-F3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the FP5 against the NEX-F3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FP5 and NEX-F3 is 95 and 86 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by going through specifications. The pic below will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP5 and NEX-F3.

Plainly, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FP5 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Sony NEX-F3 will provide extra detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The more aged FP5 will be behind in sensor innovation.