Canon PowerShot S120 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27: A Small Sensor Compact Battle with Big Implications

Choosing the right compact camera can be surprisingly challenging, especially when the market offers models that look similar on paper but deliver quite different user experiences and image results. Today, I’m diving deep into a detailed, hands-on comparison of two long-standing contenders in the small sensor compact category: the Canon PowerShot S120 (announced late 2013) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27 (from early 2011). Both cameras are attractive to photographers looking for pocketable flexibility without the complexity or bulk of DSLRs or mirrorless systems.

Having tested thousands of cameras over my years in the field, my goal here is to give you an honest, practical assessment based on real-world usage, technical specs, and extensive experience - not just regurgitating spec sheets. Whether you’re an enthusiast upgrading from smartphone photography, a traveler wanting convenient quality, or even a prosumer on a budget, this comparison will shed light on which camera best suits different needs and why.

Let’s jump in.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Carrying and Shooting Comfort

Starting with the basics: How do these two compact cameras feel in your hands? After all, a camera you don’t enjoy handling won’t help you capture those special moments.

The Canon S120 measures a neat 100 x 59 x 29 mm and weighs 217 grams, while the Panasonic FH27 is slightly smaller and lighter at 99 x 57 x 28 mm and just 152 grams. The size difference might not sound like much, but the S120’s marginally larger body provides a noticeably better grip. This matters when shooting handheld for extended periods or in tricky angles - especially since the S120’s body is designed with subtle curves and intuitive button placement that fit comfortably in most hands.

The smaller FH27 is ultra-portable, slipping effortlessly into a jacket pocket, but it also feels a bit more plasticky and toy-like. Ergonomically, it’s more of a “grab and go,” less ideal for those who want refined manual control or a confident grip when composing shots.

Speaking of controls: The Canon offers a more thoughtful physical layout with dedicated dials and buttons, including direct access to ISO, aperture/shutter modes, and a logical menu system. The Panasonic’s interface is streamlined but lacks manual exposure options entirely, which can frustrate more experienced users or those wanting creative control.

In summary, if you prize compactness and simplicity, the FH27 delivers, but the S120 scores higher for comfort, control, and overall user-friendliness.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Processing: The Heart of Your Photos

When assessing image quality, sensor size, resolution, and processor tech come to the forefront. Here’s where the Canon’s advantages start to reveal themselves.

The Canon PowerShot S120 features a 1/1.7-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm with a surface area of 41.52 mm² and 12 megapixels. In contrast, the Panasonic FH27 relies on a smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor at 6.08 x 4.56 mm (27.72 mm²) boasting 16 megapixels.

This difference matters because sensor size directly impacts image noise, dynamic range, and low-light capabilities. The Canon’s back-illuminated CMOS sensor is newer, more sensitive, and better suited for higher ISOs without excessively noisy images. The Panasonic’s CCD sensor, while delivering higher resolution outputs on paper, struggles in dim light and generally produces lower dynamic range due to its smaller area.

Looking at measured scores (from DxOMark and professional benchmarks), the S120 significantly outperforms the FH27, especially in color depth (21.3 vs. untested but expected lower), dynamic range (11.9 vs. untested), and low-light ISO performance (sensitivity up to ISO 12800 vs. ISO 6400 max), giving it an edge for challenging situations like indoor, night, or shadowed landscapes.

Besides hardware, the S120 uses Canon’s Digic 6 image processor, which brings better noise reduction, detail retention, and image sharpening algorithms compared to Panasonic’s Venus Engine VI in the FH27. The processing differences affect JPEGs’ rendering and also benefit video capture.

LCD Display and User Interface: What You See is What You Get

Both cameras boast 3-inch LCD screens with touchscreen functionality, but the execution differs sharply.

The S120’s TFT PureColor II G touch screen LCD offers a sharp resolution of 922k dots, resulting in crisp, bright previews and easier focus point selections via touch. The Panasonic’s screen, while also touch-enabled, is just 230k dots, making previews noticeably softer and less reliable for critical focusing or composition checks.

Without an electronic viewfinder (EVF) on either model, the LCD quality really dictates usability in bright outdoor situations. The Canon’s brighter, more detailed display outshines the Panasonic in this respect, improving live view accuracy and user comfort.

Zoom and Lens Characteristics: Flexibility in Framing

Lens specs often belie actual versatility. The FH27 offers a 28-224mm equivalent zoom (8x optical), while the S120 provides a shorter but brighter 24-120mm range (5x optical). What this means practically is the Panasonic lets you reach longer with telephoto shots but at the cost of lens speed (max aperture ranges f/3.3-5.9), whereas the Canon delivers a wider maximum aperture, especially wide-open at f/1.8 on the short end.

The wider aperture on the Canon allows better performance in low light and more control over shallow depth of field, which helps isolate subjects - a boon for portrait and macro work (the Canon also focuses down to 3 cm versus 5 cm on the Panasonic).

Of course, the fixed lenses have no swap-ability, but lens quality and aperture range impact image aesthetics and shooting scenarios hugely in this class. The Canon lens is notably sharper across apertures and offers less distortion and chromatic aberration, based on field tests.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

Autofocus can make or break your experience in critical moments, especially for wildlife, sports, or street photography.

The canon S120 features contrast-detection autofocus with 9 focus points, including face detection and continuous AF, plus touch-to-focus on its touchscreen. This system is responsive and fairly accurate, with face tracking that maintains sharp focus during slight subject movement.

Panasonic’s FH27 offers 11 focus points with contrast detection as well but lacks manual focus and has no continuous AF mode. It provides face detection and basic AF tracking, but focusing tends to be slower and occasionally hunts in lower light.

For burst or action photography, the Canon offers double the continuous shooting rate at 12 fps compared to Panasonic’s 4 fps, making it more capable of freezing fast moments.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures Matter

If you care about video alongside stills, the Canon again pulls ahead.

• Canon S120: Full HD 1920x1080 at 60 or 30 fps in H.264/MPEG-4 format, with built-in optical image stabilization.
• Panasonic FH27: HD 1280x720 at 24 fps in Motion JPEG format.

Canon’s higher frame rates, sharper resolution, and efficient video compression translate to smoother, better-looking videos that are easier to edit and share. The FH27’s video feels dated, with lower resolution and limited flexibility.

Neither camera offers external microphone or headphone support, so expect basic audio quality from the internal mic.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Interestingly, both cameras offer comparable battery lives despite different power demands.

• Canon S120: rated for around 230 shots per charge with NB-6LH battery.
• Panasonic FH27: around 250 shots per charge (battery model unspecified).

While neither is a marathon shooter, you can get a day’s casual use from either. Keep spare batteries handy for extended trips. Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards as storage media, though the Panasonic also supports some internal memory, which is handy in a pinch.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless and More

Connectivity-wise, the Canon S120 includes built-in Wi-Fi, enabling wireless image transfer and remote shooting via compatible apps - a big advantage for photographers who share content on the fly. The Panasonic FH27 lacks any wireless feature, relying solely on USB 2.0 for image transfer.

The Canon also offers an optional GPS accessory whereas the Panasonic has none - a notable nod towards travel and location-based photography.

Neither model sports weather sealing or ruggedness features, but that’s typical in this price and size category.

Sample Image Quality: Real-Life Shooting Scenarios

Practical shooting tests confirm what specs suggest. Comparing side-by-side photos from both cameras:

Canon S120 front Canon S120 screen back Panasonic FH27 screen back

• Portraits: The Canon’s wider aperture paired with its sensor yields softer, more natural skin tones and pleasing bokeh. Eye detection helps keep subjects sharply focused.
• Landscape: Canon delivers richer dynamic range preserving shadow detail and highlights better, with its sensor capturing colors more faithfully.
• Low Light: At ISO 800 and above, Canon’s noise control is far superior; Panasonic images look grainier and lose detail earlier.
• Outdoor Macro: Close focusing and built-in stabilization on the Canon make it easier to nail sharp shots; Panasonic feels limited.
• Video: Canon’s footage is clearer, smoother, and less prone to artifacting.

How Do They Stack Up Across Photography Types?

To put things in perspective, here’s a breakdown of their relative performance across photography genres:

• Portrait: Canon S120 clearly leads with better optics and AF.
• Landscape: Canon’s sensor shines with dynamic range.
• Wildlife & Sports: The FH27 struggles with AF speed and burst rate - Canon is better but still limited by class.
• Street: Panasonic’s smaller size is advantageous, but Canon’s better low-light makes it overall more flexible.
• Macro & Night/Astro: Canon’s wider aperture and sensor outclass the FH27.
• Video and Travel: Canon is a more well-rounded shooter due to sharper video and wireless features.
• Professional Use: Neither is geared for professional workflows but Canon’s RAW support and image quality offer more.

Build Quality, Reliability, and Value

The Canon S120 simply feels like a more modern, thoughtfully engineered tool. Its metal body adds durability, while Panasonic’s plastic shell feels less premium. Despite being an older model, the Canon’s specs and features are closer to current standards.

Price-wise, the older FH27 may tempt budget-cheapskates (~$230) but the S120 (~$450) brings almost double the performance and greater versatility, making it a far better value for serious users.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

Having lived with both cameras in various shooting conditions, the choice boils down to what you prioritize.

If image quality, versatility, and creative control matter most - especially if you want solid low-light and video performance - the Canon PowerShot S120 is the clear winner. It’s a compact powerhouse offering features that outpace many newer models in the bargain bin.

On the other hand, if your priority is ultra-budget, lightweight travel gear and you want very long zoom reach for casual snaps, the Panasonic FH27 suffices but comes with significant compromises in speed, image quality, and future-proofing.

Ultimately, for photographers stepping beyond smartphone or entry compacts into richer image-making, the Canon S120’s balance of speed, lens quality, and sensor tech makes it my recommended choice at this price point.

I hope this comprehensive comparison guides you effectively toward the compact camera that fits your shooting style and budget. Happy shooting!