Panasonic FS42 vs Sony HX5

Lets look more in depth at the Panasonic FS42 versus Sony HX5, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FS42 (10MP) and the HX5 (10MP) is pretty close but the FS42 (1/2.5") and HX5 (1/2.4") have totally different sensor measurements.

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The FS42 was revealed 14 months earlier than the HX5 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the FS42 scores vs the HX5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS42 provides physical measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

See the Panasonic FS42 versus Sony HX5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the FS42 compared to the HX5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FS42 and HX5 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Generally, its tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements purely by looking through specs. The graphic below will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the FS42 and HX5.

All in all, both the cameras feature the identical resolution albeit not the same sensor measurements. The FS42 features the smaller sensor which is going to make getting shallower DOF trickier. The older FS42 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.