Panasonic FP8 vs Sony HX5

In this article, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FP8 and Sony HX5, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FP8 (12MP) and the HX5 (10MP) is pretty close but the FP8 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FP8 was launched 10 months prior to the HX5 and they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the FP8 scores versus the HX5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FP8 Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic FP8 features outer dimensions of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FP8 and Sony HX5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use at that moment. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the FP8 and the HX5.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the FP8 and HX5 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizing only by looking through technical specs. The visual underneath will provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP8 and HX5.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FP8 due to its bigger sensor will make getting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic FP8 will result in greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older FP8 will be behind in sensor innovation.