Panasonic FS12 vs Sony NEX-5

Here is a complete overview of the Panasonic FS12 vs Sony NEX-5, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FS12 (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively similar but the FS12 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The FS12 was unveiled 13 months earlier than the NEX-5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the FS12 grades vs the NEX-5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS12 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera often, you need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic FS12 features exterior measurements of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FS12 vs Sony NEX-5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the FS12 versus the NEX-5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the FS12 and NEX-5 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reviewing specs. The graphic here will offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the FS12 and NEX-5.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FS12 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh trickier and the Sony NEX-5 will offer you extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older FS12 is going to be behind in sensor tech.