Panasonic FH5 vs Canon G15 Comparison

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Panasonic FH5

16 MP | 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD Sensor

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Canon G15

12 MP | 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) CMOS Sensor

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Panasonic FH5 vs Canon G15 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing FH5 and G15, two Small Sensor Compact cameras from Panasonic and Canon. Panasonic FH5 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor whereas Canon G15 has a 12.0MP 1/1.7-inch sensor. Panasonic FH5 was introduced to market in January 2011 and Canon G15 was launched in September 2012. There is 20 months difference between FH5 and G15 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger G15, especially in sensor tech.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Panasonic FH5 and Canon G15 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Panasonic FH5 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2011-01-05

16MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 100 - 6400

28-112 mm F3.1-6.5 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

2.7" Fixed Type Screen

4 fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

121g. 94 x 54 x 19 mm

Also known as Lumix DMC-FS18

Canon G15 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2012-09-17

12MP - 1/1.7-inch CMOS Sensor

ISO 80 - 12800

28-140 mm F1.8-2.8 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

Optical (tunnel) viewfinder

2 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

240fps High-Speed Video

352g. 107 x 76 x 40 mm

Replaced Canon PowerShot G12 Compare

Canon G15 was replaced by Canon PowerShot G16. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Canon PowerShot G16 vs Canon PowerShot G15
Canon PowerShot G16 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 (Lumix DMC-FS18)

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Panasonic FH5 and Canon G15 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 over Canon PowerShot G15

Max Sensor Resolution	16 MP vs 12 MP	33% more pixels
Number of Focus Points	11 vs 9	2 more focus points
Continuous Shooting	4.0fps vs 2.0fps	2 fps faster
Weight	121 g vs 352 g	231 g lighter

Reasons to choose Canon PowerShot G15 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5

External Flash Shoe	Yes vs No	Better for flash photography
Viewfinder	Optical vs None	Better framing and control
RAW Support	Yes vs No	Better image quality
Max ISO	12.800 vs 6.400	100% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Size	3" vs 2.7"	0.3 inches larger display
LCD Screen Resolution	922k dots vs 230k dots	300% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter	1/4000s vs 1/1600s	faster mechanical shutter
Battery Life	350 shots vs 260 shots	90 more frames with a single charge
Manual Exposure	Yes vs No	better exposure control
Focal Length - Tele	140mm vs 112mm	28 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	5× vs 4×	more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide	1.80 vs 3.10	faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele	2.80 vs 6.50	faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage	7.0m vs 3.3m	3.7m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area	3.46µm² vs 1.74µm²	98% larger pixel area
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720	Higher Resolution Video
AE Bracketing	Yes vs No	Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Built-in ND Filter	Yes vs No	Use larger aperture under strong light

Common Strengths of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Canon PowerShot G15

Image Stabilization	Optical vs Optical	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs Yes	very handy for portraits

Common Weaknesses of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Canon PowerShot G15

Fixed Screen	Fixed Type vs No	No flexible viewing angles
Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions

Panasonic FH5 vs Canon G15: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Panasonic FH5 and Canon G15 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Panasonic FH5 has external dimensions of 94 x 54 x 19 mm (3.7 x 2.13 x 0.75″) and weighs 121 g (0.27 lb / 4.27 oz) (including batteries). Canon G15 has external dimensions of 107 x 76 x 40 mm (4.21 x 2.99 x 1.57″) and weighs 352 g (0.78 lb / 12.42 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic FH5 and Canon G15. Panasonic FH5 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 13mm narrower, 22mm shorter and 21mm thinner than Canon G15.

Comparison image of Panasonic FH5 and Canon G15 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic FH5 and Canon G15.

Comparison image of Panasonic FH5 and Canon G15 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Panasonic FH5 and Canon G15.

Top View Comparison image of Panasonic FH5 and Canon G15 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Panasonic FH5 is significantly lighter (231g ) than the Canon G15 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

FH5

G15

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

FH5

G15

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 (Lumix DMC-FS18) nor Canon PowerShot G15 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Canon G15's 3" LCD screen is slightly larger than Panasonic FH5's 2.7" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.

Panasonic FH5 vs Canon G15: Sensor Comparison

Panasonic FH5 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Venus Engine IV processor. On the other hand, Canon G15 has a 12.0MP 1/1.7-inch (7.44 x 5.58 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Digic 5 processor.

Below you can see the FH5 and G15 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic FH5 and Canon G15 Cameras

As seen above, Canon G15 has a 1.5x Larger sensor area than Panasonic FH5. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.

Panasonic FH5 vs Canon G15 Lens Specs Comparison

Panasonic FH5 features a 28-112 mm F3.1-6.5 4× zoom lens whereas Canon G15 features a 28-140 mm F1.8-2.8 5× zoom lens.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 28mm. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f1.80, Canon G15 is faster than Panasonic FH5 at this focal length. On the tele end, Canon G15 has 28mm longer reach than the Panasonic FH5. At f2.80, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

FH5

G15

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

FH5

G15

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

FH5

G15

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

FH5

G15

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Panasonic FH5 and Canon G15 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Panasonic FH5 and Canon G15 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Panasonic FH5 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Canon G15 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Panasonic FH5 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Canon G15 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT

Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f1.80
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
Read the details

Panasonic FH5 for Sports Photography

POOR

Canon G15 for Sports Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
11 Focus Points
Average Continuous Shooting: 4.0fps
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1600s
Poor Battery Life: 260 shots
112 mm Tele Lens
Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
Fast Lens at Tele: f2.80
140 mm Tele Lens
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
Read the details

Panasonic FH5 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Canon G15 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Compact Body
121g
Body Thickness 19mm
4.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
352g
Body Thickness 40mm
Read the details

Panasonic FH5 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Canon G15 for Landscape Photography

POOR

28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Panasonic FH5 vs Canon G15: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Panasonic FH5 and Canon G15, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Panasonic FH5 and Canon G15 scores compare:

Panasonic FH5

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #293 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #922 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Canon G15

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #23 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #384 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Canon G15 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Panasonic FH5 in all criteria except one: Portability.
If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Panasonic FH5. Otherwise, Canon G15 is the better camera overall.

Canon G15 vs Panasonic FH5 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5	Canon PowerShot G15
Brand	Panasonic	Canon
Announced	2011-01-05	2012-09-17
Body Type	Compact	Compact
Sensor
Type	CCD	CMOS
Size	1/2.3-inch	1/1.7-inch
Dimensions	6.08 x 4.56 mm	7.44 x 5.58 mm
Area	27.72mm²	41.52mm²
Megapixels	16 megapixels	12 megapixels
Max Resolution	4608 x 3456	4000 x 3000
Max Native Light sensitivity	6,400 ISO	12,800 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	100 ISO	80 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	11	9
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	28-112 mm (4×)	28-140 mm (5×)
Max Aperture	F3.1-6.5	F1.8-2.8
Macro Focus Range	5cm	1cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	2.7"	3"
Resolution	230k dots	922k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	Optical (tunnel)
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/1600s	1/4000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Optical	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	3.30 m	7.00 m
Max Flash Sync	n/a	1/2000s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	4.0 fps	2.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	1280 x 720	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	Motion JPEG	H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	121g	352g
Dimensions	94 x 54 x 19mm	107 x 76 x 40mm
Battery Life	260 shots	350 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested	46
DxO Color Depth	not tested	19.9
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested	11.5
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested	165
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