Panasonic FP8 vs Sony NEX-5R

Its time to take a deeper look at the Panasonic FP8 versus Sony NEX-5R, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the FP8 (12MP) and NEX-5R (16MP) and the FP8 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FP8 was unveiled 4 years prior to the NEX-5R which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a thorough comparison, below is a simple overview of how the FP8 scores vs the NEX-5R in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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

If you're planning to carry around your camera often, you should factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FP8 offers external measurements of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5R has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FP8 versus Sony NEX-5R in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the FP8 compared to the NEX-5R.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FP8 and NEX-5R is 95 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to envision the difference between sensor sizes only by going over a spec sheet. The picture below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the FP8 and NEX-5R.

Clearly, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FP8 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony NEX-5R will offer greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged FP8 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.