Panasonic FP5 vs Sony HX1

Let's look much closer at the Panasonic FP5 versus Sony HX1, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the FP5 (14MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the FP5 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The FP5 was revealed 21 months after the HX1 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summary of how the FP5 scores against the HX1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FP5 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP5 has got external dimensions of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) and the Sony HX1 has sizing of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FP5 versus Sony HX1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the FP5 versus the HX1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FP5 and HX1 is 95 and 67 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to see the difference in sensor sizes simply by viewing specs. The pic below might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the FP5 and HX1.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FP5 with its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FP5 will provide you with more detail because of its extra 5 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The fresher FP5 will have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.