Panasonic FS42 vs Sony NEX-5

Let's look more closely at the Panasonic FS42 vs Sony NEX-5, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and NEX-5 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The FS42 was unveiled 13 months earlier than the NEX-5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the FS42 grades against the NEX-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera, you will want to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS42 has exterior dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FS42 vs Sony NEX-5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the FS42 vs the NEX-5.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and NEX-5 is 95 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizing purely by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FS42 and NEX-5.

Clearly, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FS42 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony NEX-5 will show extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older FS42 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.