Panasonic FS15 vs Sony HX5

Following is a complete comparison of the Panasonic FS15 versus Sony HX5, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FS15 (12MP) and the HX5 (10MP) is fairly comparable but the FS15 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") posses different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FS15 was unveiled 17 months before the HX5 making them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief overview of how the FS15 matches up versus the HX5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FS15 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera often, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS15 has physical dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FS15 versus Sony HX5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the FS15 against the HX5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the FS15 and HX5 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizes merely by going through specs. The picture underneath might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS15 and HX5.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FS15 using its larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh simpler and the Panasonic FS15 will show greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images more aggressively. The more aged FS15 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.