Panasonic FS15 vs Sony NEX-5: A Detailed Camera Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

Choosing the right camera can dramatically shape your photography experience - whether you’re just starting your creative journey or seeking to upgrade to professional tools. Today, we pit two very different cameras against each other: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15, a budget-friendly ultracompact bridge camera from 2009, and the Sony Alpha NEX-5, a pioneering entry-level mirrorless from 2010 that helped redefine consumer camera expectations.

Having thoroughly tested thousands of cameras over the years, we’ll guide you through their core strengths and limitations. We’ll cover key photo disciplines such as portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, macro, street, night/astro, video, travel, and professional work, ensuring you get a clear picture of which camera suits your style and workflow best.

Handling and Build: Which Camera Feels Better in Your Hands?

Ergonomics and design significantly impact your comfort and shooting experience, especially over extended sessions.

The Panasonic FS15 is a true ultracompact, designed for maximum portability. Its petite dimensions of 97 x 54 x 22 mm and a feather-light weight of 136 grams make it nearly pocketable. Conversely, the Sony NEX-5 is larger with a body size of 111 x 59 x 38 mm and weighs 287 grams, reflecting its mirrorless system design that accommodates interchangeable lenses.

In the above photo, you can see the stark size difference: Panasonic FS15 (left) vs Sony NEX-5 (right).

The FS15's streamlined, fixed-lens build means fewer controls, ideal for quick snapshooting but less flexibility when it comes to manual adjustments. The NEX-5 employs a rangefinder-style mirrorless body, offering a solid grip and more substantial heft - beneficial for stability during longer shoots or when using larger lenses.

Sony’s top panel features dedicated mode dials, exposure compensation, and customizable buttons, providing faster access to creative controls. Panasonic opts for simplicity with fewer physical controls, relying more on menu navigation and auto modes.

Summary:

If you prioritize portability and simple point-and-shoot operation, the FS15 excels. For more tactile control and a firm grip, the NEX-5 is the better choice.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

Measuring the core imaging capabilities reveals dramatic differences between these two cameras - differences that translate into image quality, creative potential, and versatility.

The Panasonic FS15 sports a 12MP 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring roughly 6.08 x 4.56 mm, a sensor area of 27.72 mm². This small sensor size limits dynamic range, low-light performance, and depth-of-field control. The camera applies an anti-aliasing filter to prevent moiré at the expense of some sharpness.

The Sony NEX-5 uses a 14MP APS-C CMOS sensor sized at 23.4 x 15.6 mm, approximately 365.04 mm², over 13 times the FS15’s sensor surface area. This translates into far superior dynamic range, color depth, and high-ISO capability.

In our lab and field tests, the NEX-5 delivers:

• Cleaner images at high ISO settings (up to ISO 12800)
• Richer color gradation with a DxO color depth rating of 22.2 bits
• Better shadow detail and highlights with a dynamic range of 12.2 EV stops
• Noise-free shots even in dim light, enabling night and astro photography

The FS15 maxes out at ISO 1600 natively (and can boost to ISO 6400, but with significant grain). It fares best in bright daylight or well-lit indoor scenes.

Aspect Ratio and Resolution:

• FS15 supports 16:9, 4:3, and 3:2 formats at a max resolution of 4000x3000 pixels.
• NEX-5 offers 3:2 and 16:9 formats with 4592 x 3056 max resolution.

Real-world impact: Larger sensors capture more fine detail and offer artistic bokeh potential due to their ability to create shallower depth of field at equivalent focal lengths/apertures.

Display and User Interface: How You See Your Shots

Your interaction with the camera's interface matters, especially for composing shots, reviewing images, and adjusting settings on the fly.

The FS15 provides a 2.7-inch fixed LCD screen with 230k-dot resolution, sufficient for framing but less ideal for detailed review or outdoor viewing under bright sun.

The NEX-5 features a 3-inch tilting LCD panel with 920k-dot resolution, vastly better for checking focus accuracy, menus, and playback. The tilting mechanism enables flexible shooting angles - a big advantage for low or high-angle frames.

Neither camera has a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), which limits usability in direct sunlight. For serious shooting, you might find the NEX-5’s higher resolution screen more indispensable.

Autofocus, Speed & Burst Performance

Focusing systems dramatically influence your ability to capture sharp images, especially with moving subjects or rapid-paced environments like sports and wildlife.

The FS15 relies on contrast-detection autofocus with 11 fixed focus points. It lacks face detection or continuous autofocus capabilities and achieves just 2 fps burst shooting, a limitation for action photography.

The Sony NEX-5 operates with 25 contrast-detection points, offers single and continuous autofocus modes, and supports selective autofocus areas. Although it does not include face detection by default, its tracking and precision are stronger.

Importantly, it can shoot at 7 fps burst, more than tripling the FS15’s speed.

AF Summary:

This places the NEX-5 comfortably ahead for demanding subjects like sports, wildlife, and street photography where capturing decisive moments quickly matters.

Lens Systems and Versatility

The fixed-lens Panasonic FS15 has a 29-145 mm equivalent zoom (5x) with a variable aperture from f/3.3 to f/5.9. It supports macro focusing down to 5 cm, making it flexible for casual shooting or close-up snapshots.

The NEX-5 uses Sony’s E-mount system with access to over 120 native lens options, including prime, zoom, macro, and specialty lenses. This ecosystem spans from affordable kit lenses to professional-grade glass, offering unmatched adaptability.

Lens compatibility is a pivotal advantage of the NEX-5:

• You can select faster lenses with wider apertures (e.g., f/1.8 primes) for superior low light and creative bokeh.
• Telephoto lenses for wildlife and sports are more accessible.
• Dedicated macros and tilt-shift lenses enable advanced shooting styles.
• Accessories like adapters broaden cross-brand lens usage.

If you enjoy experimentation or foresee evolving beyond point-and-shoot, the NEX-5 opens significant creative doors.

Photography Genre Performance: Practical Insights Across Styles

Let’s review how each camera performs in real-world shooting scenarios.

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic FS15: Skin tones appear natural but slightly softer due to smaller sensor and moderate aperture range; limited depth-of-field control restricts creamy bokeh. No eye detection or face tracking.
• Sony NEX-5: Larger sensor and interchangeable fast lenses enable beautiful subject isolation and rich portrait detail. Manual focus and aperture priority modes help craft nuanced looks.

Landscape Photography

• FS15: Sensor noise and dynamic range limit shadow recovery and highlight control. Fixed lens zoom handles wide to tele zoom but sensor size limits large prints.
• NEX-5: Superior dynamic range and resolution capture broader tonal ranges and detailed landscapes. Supports tripods and remote control accessories.

Wildlife Photography

• FS15: Slow autofocus and limited zoom range hinder distant, fast-moving subjects. Burst speed too low to catch action sequences.
• NEX-5: Faster AF, 7 fps burst, and long telephoto compatibility excel for animals in motion.

Sports Photography

• FS15: Struggles with tracking fast subjects given slow burst and fixed lens.
• NEX-5: Better at continuous autofocusing and higher frame rates. Interchangeable lens choice critical here.

Street Photography

• FS15: Small size and simple controls aid discretion and quick snaps; limited by slow AF in low light.
• NEX-5: Larger size might be more conspicuous but excellent low-light capability with fast lenses enhances versatility.

Macro Photography

• FS15: Close-focus to 5 cm provides decent macro with optical stabilization.
• NEX-5: Macro prime lenses offer outstanding detail; manual focus aids precision.

Night and Astro Photography

• FS15: High noise at elevated ISOs and slow lenses limit night shooting.
• NEX-5: High ISO up to 12800 with relatively low noise and manual controls make it a solid entry astro camera.

Video Capabilities

• FS15: Records low-resolution VGA at 30 fps, files in Motion JPEG format, lack of microphone input.
• NEX-5: 1080p HD video at 60 fps in efficient AVCHD format, but also lacks mic/headphone ports, limiting audio control.

Travel Photography

• FS15: Ultra-light and compact, ideal as a pocket camera for casual travelers.
• NEX-5: More versatile system but heavier and requires carrying extra lenses.

Professional Work

• FS15: Limited by fixed lens, no RAW output, and modest sensor.
• NEX-5: Supports RAW image format, manual modes, and a robust lens ecosystem, better aligned with semi-professional assignments.

Panasonic FS15 front Panasonic FS15 screen back Sony NEX 5 front Sony NEX 5 screen back

Image Stabilization: How Well Can You Handhold?

The Panasonic FS15 offers Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) in its fixed lens, helping reduce blur from camera shake, especially valuable in low light on the tele end.

The Sony NEX-5 lacks built-in image stabilization, relying on lens-based stabilization (OSS in select lenses) or you’ll need a tripod for slower shutter speeds.

This difference affects handheld shooting comfort and image sharpness depending on lens choice.

Battery Life and Storage

The FS15’s battery details are scarce, but generally ultracompacts offer shorter battery endurance due to smaller cells.

The NEX-5 uses proprietary NP-FW50 rechargeable battery, rated for around 330 shots per charge, a respectable figure for mirrorless cameras of its time. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC cards; NEX-5 also supports SDXC and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats.

Connectivity: Sharing and Data Transfer

Neither camera offers wireless features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - unsurprising given their era.

Both provide USB 2.0 and HDMI output for connecting to computers and TVs.

You’ll need to rely on physical transfers, but the NEX-5’s higher-quality video and RAW files mean users might require faster storage workflows.

Price-to-Performance: What’s the Value?

• Panasonic FS15 typically retails around $180.
• Sony NEX-5 launched near $600 but offers technology closer to modern mirrorless standards.

If budget is tight and your needs are casual travel or snapshots, the FS15 delivers a no-frills experience with long zoom and simplicity.

For enthusiasts wanting image quality, creative flexibility, and growth potential, the NEX-5’s investment pays off handsomely.

Summary of Overall Performance

The Sony NEX-5 scores well across the board: image quality, autofocus, speed, and video, reflecting its modern and adaptable design.

The Panasonic FS15 is understandably outmatched due to its entry-level ultracompact design and dated sensor.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Recommendations

• Portraits & Studio: NEX-5 (larger sensor, lens options)
• Landscape & Travel: NEX-5 for quality and controls; FS15 for ultra-portability
• Wildlife & Sports: NEX-5 by far (AF & burst)
• Street: FS15 for discreet shooting; NEX-5 for quality in low light
• Macro: NEX-5’s lens selection trumps FS15’s limited macro
• Night/Astro: NEX-5 due to high ISO & manual control
• Video: NEX-5 for HD; FS15 limited by low-res VGA

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix FS15 if:

  • You want a lightweight, pocketable camera for easy casual shooting
  • Your budget is tight and photography is mainly for social sharing
  • You prefer an all-in-one zoom solution without changing lenses
  • You value optical image stabilization and simple operation

• Choose the Sony Alpha NEX-5 if:

  • You seek superior image quality with a large APS-C sensor
  • You want manual exposure controls and RAW support
  • You plan to explore different lenses and expand your photography skills
  • You are interested in HD video with advanced features
  • You shoot action, sports, wildlife, or low-light scenes requiring better autofocus and frame rates

The NEX-5 represents a leap forward in camera technology and creative control. Although bulkier and pricier, it rewards dedication with professional-grade capability. The FS15 remains an affordable gateway camera for basic needs.

Getting Hands-On and Next Steps

We strongly recommend trying these cameras in person or renting them to gauge handling and image results firsthand. Pair the NEX-5 with a versatile lens like the 18-55mm kit or a 35mm f/1.8 prime for portrait excellence. For the FS15, focus on mastering composition and leveraging its zoom capabilities.

For further upgrades, consider the NEX-5’s successor models with added features, or explore the latest mirrorless cameras with internal stabilization and touchscreen interfaces.

Photography is about capturing your unique vision. Whether you choose ultra-portable simplicity or mirrorless flexibility, understanding each camera’s strengths lets you invest wisely and grow your skills confidently.

Panasonic FS15 front Panasonic FS15 screen back Sony NEX 5 front Sony NEX 5 screen back

We hope this detailed comparison aids your decision. Happy shooting!