Panasonic FS15 vs Sony a5100

In this write-up, we are matching up the Panasonic FS15 versus Sony a5100, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the image resolutions of the FS15 (12MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the FS15 (1/2.3") and a5100 (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

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The FS15 was introduced 6 years prior to the a5100 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the FS15 matches up versus the a5100 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 and Sony Alpha a5100. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS15 Gallery and Sony a5100 Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FS15 has got exterior measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Sony a5100 has specifications of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") with a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

See the Panasonic FS15 versus Sony a5100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the FS15 compared to the a5100.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FS15 and a5100 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to envision the gap between sensor dimensions just by reviewing specifications. The image below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FS15 and a5100.

To sum up, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FS15 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony a5100 will deliver extra detail using its extra 12MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more aged FS15 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.