Panasonic FP8 vs Sony NEX-5N

Below, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FP8 vs Sony NEX-5N, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a crucial difference among the resolutions of the FP8 (12MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the FP8 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The FP8 was revealed 3 years before the NEX-5N which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the FP8 matches up vs the NEX-5N in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FP8 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP8 comes with exterior measurements of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") having a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5N has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FP8 vs Sony NEX-5N in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the FP8 versus the NEX-5N.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the FP8 and NEX-5N is 95 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizes only by looking through a spec sheet. The picture underneath will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the FP8 and NEX-5N.

As you can see, each of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FP8 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Sony NEX-5N will provide you with extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged FP8 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.