LCD and Viewfinder
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.
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 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50 (Compare) or Canon PowerShot SD780 IS (Digital IXUS 100 IS) (Compare). If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.
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.
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 Samsung PL120 or Samsung SH100 in a similar price range.
Connectivity and Storage
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
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