CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
  • LENSES
  • TOOLS
    • Smart Find
    • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Size Comparison
  • BRANDS
    • Sony Cameras
    • Canon Cameras
    • Nikon Cameras
    • Pentax Cameras
    • Fujifilm Cameras
    • Olympus Cameras
    • Panasonic Cameras
    • Leica Cameras
    • Samsung Cameras
  • BODY TYPE
    • Mirrorless Cameras
    • DSLR Cameras
    • Compact Cameras
    • Bridge Cameras
    • Waterproof Cameras

Panasonic FH5 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Panasonic FH5

    Select a Camera to Compare

    x
    Add a Camera for comparison

    Main Features

    • 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
    • 121g. 94 x 54 x 19 mm
    • Also known as Lumix DMC-FS18
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Panasonic FH5 Overview

    First introduced in January 2011 , Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 is a 16.0MP Small Sensor Compact camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 28-112 mm F3.1-6.5 lens. FH5 is also sold as Lumix DMC-FS18 in some of the countries.

    Panasonic FH5 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Panasonic FH5 has an Overall Score of 35/100 and ranked #341 out of 629 in Compact cameras (Top 10 Compact), and ranked #922 out of 1223 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Panasonic FH5 Physical Specs
    Panasonic FH5 weighs 121 g (0.27 lb / 4.27 oz) and has external dimensions of 94 x 54 x 19 mm (3.7 x 2.13 x 0.75″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, Panasonic FH5 is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 19mm, it is also quite small, 9mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Panasonic FH5
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Panasonic FH5
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Panasonic FH5 with the dimensions:

    Panasonic FH5 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Panasonic FH5 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Panasonic FH5, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Panasonic FH5 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Panasonic FH5 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery


    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Panasonic FH5 with its main competitors:

    Panasonic FH5 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs FH5 Thickness vs FH5
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Camera Canon A3400 IS
    Compare
    126g 5g heavier 21mm 2mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Camera Sony TX66
    Compare
    109g 12g lighter 13mm 6mm thinner
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Camera Olympus SZ-15
    Compare
    250g 129g heavier 40mm 21mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Camera Panasonic FH1
    Compare
    163g 42g heavier 23mm 4mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Camera Leica V-Lux 5
    Compare
    812g 691g heavier 132mm 113mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Camera Leica M8
    Compare
    591g 470g heavier 37mm 18mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Camera Sony RX1
    Compare
    482g 361g heavier 70mm 51mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Camera Nikon D4
    Compare
    1340g 1219g heavier 91mm 72mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Panasonic FH5 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Panasonic FH5 Sensor and Photography Features

    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. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. FH5 has a native ISO range of 100 - 6400 but unfortunately, Panasonic FH5 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 or Canon PowerShot S100 in the same price range.

    Panasonic FH5 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Panasonic FH5 vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Panasonic FH5's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Panasonic FH5 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Panasonic FH5 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Panasonic FH5 Lens

    Panasonic FH5 features a 28-112 mm F3.1-6.5 4× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 28mm, and 112mm on the tele end means that the medium telephoto angle is also well covered, only lacking the reach for wildlife and sports.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    FH5
    Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    FH5
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    With a max aperture of f3.10 at 28mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end, and it is slow at the tele end with its max aperture of f6.50.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    FH5
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    FH5
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    FH5 is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds.



    Panasonic FH5 LCD

    Panasonic FH5 has a Fixed Type 2.7" LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. At only 2.7", the screen is on the smaller side and 230kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.



    Panasonic FH5 back view and LCD

    FH5 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 (Compare) or Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50 (Compare).
    If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

    Panasonic FH5 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Panasonic FH5 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Battery

    Panasonic FH5 is powered by a proprietary battery which provides a shooting life of 260 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 255 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Compact Cameras

    Panasonic FH5
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Fujifilm X30 with its 470shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Compact cameras. Check the comparison of Panasonic FH5 vs Fujifilm X30 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Panasonic FH5 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Camera Canon A3400 IS
    Compare
    1280 x 720 180shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Camera Sony TX66
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 250shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Camera Olympus SZ-15
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Camera Panasonic FH1
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Camera Leica V-Lux 5
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 360shots Yes Yes No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Camera Leica M8
    Compare
    None 550shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Camera Sony RX1
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 270shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Camera Nikon D4
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 2600shots No No No

    Panasonic FH5 Video Features

    With Panasonic FH5, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30 fps and save in and Motion JPEG formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

    FH5 has a built-in Mono microphone but no speaker.
    Panasonic FH5 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 or Samsung PL120 in a similar price range.

    Panasonic FH5 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Panasonic FH5 can shoot continuously at max speed of 4 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/1600 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately FH5 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Panasonic FH5 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 11 points to choose from.

    Panasonic FH5 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Panasonic FH5 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Panasonic FH5 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Face Detection Focusing
    11 Focus Points
    121g Light Body
    Report a correction

    Buy Panasonic FH5 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    Small LCD Screen ( 2.7")
    Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )
    1/1600s Low Max Shutter Speed
    Low Battery Life: 260 shots
    No Manual Focusing
    No Manual Exposure
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Wide: f3.10
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Panasonic FH5 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Panasonic FH5 in 5 different photography areas.

    Panasonic FH5 for Portrait Photography

    Panasonic FH5 has a score of 23 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theFH5.
    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 of how we scored Panasonic FH5 for Portrait Photography

    Panasonic FH5 for Street Photography

    Panasonic FH5 has a score of 54 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Small Body
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic FH5 for Street Photography

    Panasonic FH5 for Sports Photography

    Panasonic FH5 has a score of 16 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theFH5.
    11 Focus Points
    Image Stabilization
    Average Continuous Shooting: 4.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1600s
    Poor Battery Life: 260 shots
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Flash Shoe
    112 mm Tele Lens
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic FH5 for Sports Photography

    Panasonic FH5 for Daily Photography

    Panasonic FH5 has a score of 57 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    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 of how we scored Panasonic FH5 for Daily Photography

    Panasonic FH5 for Landscape Photography

    Panasonic FH5 has a score of 18 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theFH5.
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic FH5 for Landscape Photography
    Panasonic FH5 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Panasonic FH5 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Panasonic FH5 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Panasonic FH5

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Panasonic FH5 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Canon A3400 IS
    Canon A3400 IS
    Compare
    Sony TX66
    Sony TX66
    Compare
    Olympus SZ-15
    Olympus SZ-15
    Compare
    Panasonic FH1
    Panasonic FH1
    Compare
    Leica V-Lux 5
    Leica V-Lux 5
    Compare
    Leica M8
    Leica M8
    Compare
    Sony RX1
    Sony RX1
    Compare
    Nikon D4
    Nikon D4
    Compare

    Panasonic FH5 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Panasonic FH5 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Panasonic FH5's price range.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Panasonic FH5
    Does the Panasonic FH5 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Panasonic FH5 have RAW support?
    Does the Panasonic FH5 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Panasonic FH5 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Panasonic FH5?
    What is the Sensor Size of Panasonic FH5?
    is the Panasonic FH5 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Panasonic FH5 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Panasonic FH5 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Panasonic FH5?
    What is the Weight of Panasonic FH5?
    What are the Dimensions of Panasonic FH5?
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Panasonic
    Model Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5
    Also known as Lumix DMC-FS18
    Announced 2011-01-05
    Body Type Compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 28-112 mm (4×)
    Max Aperture F3.1-6.5
    Macro Focus Range 5cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 2.7"
    Screen Resolution 230k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 60s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/1600s
    Continuous Shooting 4.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation n/a
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 3.30 m
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CCD
    Sensor Size 1/2.3-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 6.08 x 4.56 mm
    Sensor Area 27.72mm2
    Sensor Resolution 16 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3456
    Max Native ISO 6,400
    Min Native ISO 100
    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
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720
    Video Formats Motion JPEG
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 121g
    Physical Dimensions 94 x 54 x 19mm
    Battery Life 260 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
    Storage Slots 1


    FOLLOW US


    Most Popular Small Sensor Compact Cameras
    Nikon P7800
    12 MP | 1/1.7-inch Sensor| 28-200 mm
    Canon G16
    12 MP | 1/1.7-inch Sensor| 28-140 mm
    Sony W800
    20 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor| 26-130 mm
    Fujifilm X30
    12 MP | 2/3-inch Sensor| 28-112 mm
    Canon S120
    12 MP | 1/1.7-inch Sensor| 24-120 mm
    Fujifilm X10
    12 MP | 2/3-inch Sensor| 28-112 mm
    Leica D-Lux 6
    10 MP | 1/1.7-inch Sensor| 24-90 mm
    Canon G12
    10 MP | 1/1.7-inch Sensor| 28-140 mm
    Latest Compact Cameras
    Sony ZV-1
    20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-70 mm
    Fujifilm X100V
    26 MP | APS-C Sensor | 35 mm
    Sony RX100 VII
    20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-200 mm
    Canon G5 X MII
    20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-120 mm
    Canon G7 X MIII
    20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-100 mm
    Leica Q2
    47 MP | Full frame Sensor | 28 mm
    Leica Q2 Monochrom
    47 MP | Full frame Sensor | 28 mm
    Nikon A1000
    16 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor | 24-840 mm
    Copyright © 2021 by CameraDecision
    About Feedback Privacy Cameras

    Report a Correction