Panasonic FZ70 vs Sony HX5

Below, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FZ70 vs Sony HX5, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a substantial gap among the image resolutions of the FZ70 (16MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the FZ70 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") feature different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FZ70 was manufactured 3 years after the HX5 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the FZ70 matches up versus the HX5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FZ70 Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ70 has physical measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") along with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) whilst 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).

Analyze the Panasonic FZ70 vs Sony HX5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the FZ70 vs the HX5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ70 and HX5 is 63 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions only by seeing specs. The pic here may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ70 and HX5.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FZ70 due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic FZ70 will show more detail due to its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots much more aggressively. The more modern FZ70 should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.