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, Panasonic LF1 has a
12.0MP 1/1.7-inch (7.44 x 5.58 mm ) sized CMOS sensor .
Below you can see the FH5 and LF1 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic FH5 and Panasonic LF1 Cameras
As seen above, Panasonic LF1 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.
Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each
of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the
Panasonic FH5
or the
Panasonic LF1 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
One thing to watch when comparing these two: they have different sensor sizes
(1/2.3-inch versus 1/1.7-inch),
so compare them at the same framing rather than the same focal length.
Put the same focal length on the smaller sensor and it will show less depth of
field, not more, because it also crops tighter. The calculator shows the
full frame equivalent focal length for each body so you can match the framing.
