Canon SX220 HS vs Panasonic FH3

Canon SX220 HS vs Panasonic Lumix FH3: A Tale of Two Compact Cameras from the Early 2010s

When exploring the landscape of small sensor compacts from a decade ago, the Canon SX220 HS and the Panasonic Lumix FH3 stand out as interesting representatives of their category. Both aiming to deliver versatile photography experiences in pocket-friendly packages, these cameras nevertheless embody different design philosophies and technology choices endemic to their time. I’ve had the chance to thoroughly test and compare these two in various shooting conditions over the years, and this head-to-head review will dive deep into their real-world performance, features, and value for enthusiasts and pros alike seeking a compact secondary camera – or simply a lightweight option without breaking the bank.

How Big of a Footprint? Size and Handling in Your Hands

While compact cameras often promise discreteness and portability, that vague term “compact” can mean different things depending on brand and design. Here, the Canon SX220 HS is slightly chunkier compared to the Panasonic FH3, but it benefits from a more ergonomic grip and a thoughtfully designed button layout.

At 106x59x33 mm, the SX220 HS feels substantial in hand but remains easy to carry in a jacket or pants pocket. The Panasonic FH3 is more petite at 98x55x24 mm and noticeably lighter - just 165 grams versus the SX220’s slightly heftier but unspecified weight. For street photographers who prize blending in and minimal bulk, the FH3’s smaller dimensions hold appeal, although the SX220’s better grip can inspire more confidence during longer shooting sessions.

Handling also impacts a lot more than just comfort: it influences stability, how intuitively you operate controls, and ultimately image sharpness. I often caught myself fumbling with the FH3’s comparatively cramped controls, whereas the SX220 HS's more deliberate button layout felt like an extension of my photographic intent. More on controls soon…

Peering Under the Hood: Sensor Tech and Image Quality

Both cameras feature the now-standard 1/2.3" sensor size that's typical for compact models aiming for superzoom or ultra-portability rather than pro-grade image quality. However, the devil’s in the details.

The Canon SX220 HS boasts a 12-megapixel Back-Side Illuminated CMOS sensor coupled with the DIGIC 4 processor, including Canon's iSAPS tech that aids in noise reduction and detail retention. The Lumix FH3, on the other hand, sports a 14-megapixel CCD sensor, which was more common in the earlier generation compacts but tends to have limitations in noise control and dynamic range.

In practical terms, the SX220 HS delivers cleaner images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The CMOS sensor's greater efficiency paired with DIGIC 4’s processing yields better high ISO performance up to ISO 3200, though pushing beyond ISO 800 still results in noticeable noise. The FH3’s CCD sensor performs adequately under bright daylight but struggles in low light due to earlier sensor technology and lacks the sophisticated noise reduction pipeline.

Resolution-wise, the FH3 does have a slight edge at 14 MP (4320 x 3240 max), which theoretically gives more detail but is often compromised by sensor noise and lens sharpness at the edges. Canon’s slightly lower 12 MP resolution feels more balanced when considering overall image fidelity.

Color depth and dynamic range measurements weren't formally tested by DxO for these cameras, but based on my experience shooting RAW (or rather, unable to in this case with both cameras lacking RAW support), JPEGs from the SX220 HS retain a richer tonal gradient, especially indoors or in shadowed areas.

Viewfinder and Screen Usability: Shooting from the Eye or the Hip?

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, nudging users toward LCD composition exclusively. Here, the Canon SX220 HS offers a slight advantage.

Both come with fixed 3-inch (Canon) and 2.7-inch (Panasonic) screens, but the Canon’s PureColor II TG TFT LCD has a resolution of 461k dots, substantially sharper than the FH3’s 230k dots screen. In bright sunlight, both struggle somewhat with glare, but the SX220’s higher resolution and better contrast make it easier to check focus and frame shots.

From a usability perspective, the FH3’s simpler interface is more forgiving to novice users, but for enthusiasts who want quick access to manual controls and exposure settings, the SX220 HS’s menu system is more layered and versatile, if sometimes a bit slow due to older processor constraints.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Who’s Ready to Zoom?

Zoom range and optical quality directly impact compositional creativity and subject reach, often a key reason for choosing superzoom compacts over smartphones or fixed-focal cameras.

The Canon SX220 HS comes out ahead with a 14x zoom lens covering an effective 28-392 mm focal range (35mm equivalent) and a modest maximum aperture range from f/3.1 to f/5.9. This allows photographers to reach into the wildlife or sports arena with some grace, albeit with modest light-gathering ability at telephoto extremes. The Panasonic FH3 sports a more limited 5x zoom (28-140 mm equivalent) with a brighter f/2.8 aperture wide open but rapidly closing to f/6.9 at full zoom.

If you ask me which zoom feels more versatile, I gravitate toward Canon’s longer reach. Though the Panasonic’s wider aperture at the short end provides some advantage indoors or in low light, the reach limits it to casual snapshots more than exploratory telephoto shots.

Both cameras support macro focusing down to 5 cm, useful for close-up flexibilities like flowers or small details.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Responsiveness: Speed Matters

AF technology in compact cameras has famously been a mid-tier compromise stretched thin between cost and performance, but the Canon SX220 HS surprises with relatively confident autofocusing.

It features a 9-point contrast-detection system with face detection, continuous AF, and tracking modes. While it lacks phase detection, its algorithms and DIGIC 4 processing yield relatively fast lock times (mostly under a second) in good light and reliable eye detection for portraits. The Panasonic FH3’s AF system is more basic: also 9 contrast detection points but no face or tracking abilities, and focuses noticeably slower.

When shooting fast-moving subjects or in low light, the SX220 HS retains accuracy and sharpness more often, whereas the FH3 struggles with hunting and longer acquisition times. Burst shooting capability also reflects these differences: the SX220 HS manages 3 FPS continuous shooting, enough for casual action sequences. The FH3 can max out at 6 FPS but only with focus locked on the first frame (no continuous AF), so its bursts rarely translate to usable results for anything beyond static or slow-moving scenes.

Exposure Control and Manual Options: How Much Creative Control?

For enthusiasts hungry for creative freedom, the available exposure modes and manual overrides are telling.

The Canon SX220 HS offers shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual exposure modes. This means you can selectively control depth of field or motion blur - a real boon when transitioning across genres from portraits to sports. The camera also supports exposure compensation and custom white balance settings, enhancing usability in tricky light.

The Panasonic FH3, targeting more casual users, offers none of these - no aperture or shutter priority modes, no manual exposure, and no exposure compensation. You’re firmly in the realm of point-and-shoot simplicity, which is fine if you value ease of use over control.

In my hands-on testing, the Canon’s manual exposure options saved shots in mixed lighting and allowed me to intentionally craft images, while the Panasonic struggled with overexposed or underexposed scenes, lacking exposure override options.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability: What Will Last?

Both cameras are constructed with strong plastic bodies and glazed over in glossy finishes. Neither camera boasts weather sealing or ruggedized durability - expected for their pricing and era.

Despite this, the Canon SX220 HS feels a bit more robust and heavier, giving a sense of solidity when shooting. The Panasonic FH3 is lightweight and pocketable but more susceptible to flex or accidental bumps.

If you frequently shoot outdoors in uncertain weather, neither camera will withstand rain or dust without protective housing, so plan accordingly.

Battery Life and Storage: Shots per Charge?

Battery life is a common Achilles heel in compact cameras, often overlooked until the moment of crisis.

The Canon SX220 HS uses the NB-5L rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, rated for approximately 210 shots per charge - not stellar by today’s standards but acceptable given the bright LCD and image stabilization system. The Panasonic FH3’s battery life isn’t officially specified, but its smaller size and simpler electronics generally translate to longer endurance, often around 300 shots.

Both cameras use standard SD/SDHC/SDXC storage cards in a single slot. The Panasonic also allows internal storage - a handy backup feature but with limited capacity.

Video Capabilities: Can They Shoot Moving Pictures?

Video has become a must-have feature even in tiniest camera segments. How do these two compare?

The Canon SX220 HS boasts full HD video at 1920 x 1080 resolution at 24 fps, coded in H.264 for efficient compression and decent quality. It supports additional resolutions down to 320 x 240 and frame rates up to 240 fps at low resolutions for slow-motion playback. Unfortunately, the camera lacks microphone and headphone jacks, limiting audio control.

The Panasonic FH3 offers only HD video at 1280 x 720 at 30 fps, recording in Motion JPEG format, which results in larger files and less compression efficiency. Its lowest resolution videos drop to 320 x 240, but without advanced video features or recording options.

In practice, the Canon’s video quality is clearly superior, with sharper detail, better color accuracy, and smoother motion. The FH3’s videos appear softer and noisier, reflecting its older CCD sensor and simpler processing.

Real-World Performance Across Major Photography Genres

Now, how do these cameras fare across various photography disciplines? Let’s break it down with my tested opinions supported by hands-on result galleries.

Canon SX220 HS front Canon SX220 HS screen back Panasonic FH3 screen back

Portrait Photography

The Canon SX220 HS’s face detection and eye-focused AF help nail sharp focus on the subject’s eyes in well-lit conditions. Its lens produces pleasing bokeh at wider apertures, especially at the 28mm end. Skin tones render naturally due to Canon’s color science.

The Panasonic FH3 lacks face detection and has slower AF, so portraits demand more patience and deliberate framing; skin tones can feel washed out indoors due to limited dynamic range.

Landscape Photography

For landscapes, resolution and dynamic range make or break shots. Neither camera rivals APS-C or full-frame sensors here, but the SX220 HS’s CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 processor deliver higher fidelity images with less noise in shadows and better highlight roll-off.

The Lumix FH3’s CCD sensor struggles with shadow detail and often produces images with visible noise and muted colors under complex lighting.

Neither camera is weathersealed, a key consideration for rugged landscape adventures.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands reach, speed, and reliable focus on erratic movements. The SX220 HS’s 14x zoom and continuous AF makes it suitable for casual birdwatching or distant critter shots, though lag in AF tracking remains a limiting factor.

The FH3’s 5x zoom and sluggish AF make wildlife photography difficult except at close range with stationary subjects.

Sports Photography

Sports are notoriously challenging for small sensor compacts. The Canon SX220 HS’s 3 FPS burst with continuous AF can catch moderate action sequences, particularly outdoors with adequate lighting. Its shutter goes down to 1/3200s, useful to freeze motion.

The FH3’s faster burst speed is hindered by no continuous AF and a maximum shutter of only 1/1600s, limiting utility to very casual sports snaps.

Street Photography

Street shooters cherish discretion and quick responsiveness. The FH3’s smaller size and subtle presence pairs well with spontaneous urban shooting but be ready for occasional AF hunting.

The SX220 HS is less subtle but more reliable focusing and flexible zoom range make it a stronger choice when a bit more presence is acceptable.

Macro Photography

Both cameras boast 5 cm minimum focus distance for macro. The Canon’s superior lens quality and sharper sensor edges deliver more detailed close-ups, while the Panasonic’s slower AF and less sharp optics yield softer results.

Night and Astro Photography

Low light performance is where the Canon shines relative to the FH3. With ISO up to 3200 and optical stabilization, it can capture usable handheld night scenes and casual star shots, though noise increases at the highest ISO.

The FH3 maxes at ISO 6400 but with relatively poor noise handling, making night imagery grainy and less useful. Its longest shutter speed of 1 second (versus Canon’s 15s) severely limits astrophotography potential.

Video Use

As mentioned, Canon’s Full HD video and efficient codec make it the better choice for casual videographers seeking crisp footage. Lack of manual exposure during recording and audio ports still limit enthusiasts.

FH3 records only 720p with modest quality, suited mainly for home video snippets.

Travel Photography

Travelers will appreciate the Panasonic FH3’s ultra-compact size and light weight - easy to stow without a noticeable burden. However, limited zoom and controls reduce utility for more serious travel photography.

Canon SX220 HS offers more polish, versatility, and image quality but sacrifices compactness and battery life.

Professional Work

Neither camera is truly intended for professional workflows: no RAW support, limited manual override, no advanced connectivity, and no weather sealing.

Canon’s richer controls and better image quality make it marginally useful as a backup camera for pros in good lighting, but neither replaces an interchangeable lens system.

User Interface and Controls: The Road to Efficiency

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but button layout and menu navigation define how many of those pictures you'll want to take.

The Canon SX220 HS features dedicated physical buttons for exposure modes, zoom control, and a ring around the lens barrel for manual focus - unusual for compacts of this generation and a delight to my seasoned hands. It provides intuitive toggles for flash modes and ISO, boosting on-the-fly adaptability.

The Panasonic FH3’s minimalist design prioritizes simplicity: fewer buttons and no manual focus ring, relying mainly on a single multi-function dial and touchscreen-less navigation. Ideal for beginners but frustrating for enthusiasts used to granular controls.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: What About Sharing?

Neither camera sports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - typical omissions given their early 2010s release dates. Canon includes an HDMI port for video out, while Panasonic offers no HDMI connection, limiting its usefulness in presentations or external monitoring.

USB 2.0 is the standard transfer method for both, slow by today’s smooth-as-butter USB-C standards but serviceable.

Value Assessment: Price-to-Performance in Today's Terms

Originally, the Canon SX220 HS launched around $399, compared to the Panasonic FH3’s $160 street price. Does the extra investment translate into meaningful gains today?

The SX220 HS justifies its premium with substantially better image quality, versatile zoom, manual controls, and better video specs. If you can find one in good shape (perhaps second-hand), it’s a worthwhile step up for anyone wanting a do-it-all compact.

The Panasonic FH3 appeals more as a lightweight backup or an extremely budget-friendly entry into casual photography without fuss. It’s perfect for everyday snapshots or family vacations, but photographic growth is limited by its pared-down feature set.

Scoring Across Photography Specialties: Which Camera Wins Where?

These ratings mirror my years of testing: the Canon is the better all-around compact, while the Panasonic excels in travel ease and casual shoots.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

If you cherish creative control, decent image quality, and a longer zoom range - with some willingness to carry a slightly larger package - the Canon SX220 HS remains a compelling vintage small sensor superzoom. It’s especially suited for enthusiasts who want manual exposure modes and better video quality. It’s an old camera though: expect slower operation and no RAW or wireless features.

The Panasonic Lumix FH3 fits casual photographers who prize minimalism, portability, and ease of use above all. It’s a charming little point-and-shoot that simplifies photography to its basics. Beginners, travelers on a budget, or anyone wanting a pocket-friendly snapshot tool would do well with the FH3.

This comparison is an excellent reminder that in the compact category, compromises are everywhere - knowing your shooting priorities is the key to choosing well.

In closing, these two cameras reflect distinct paths in compact camera evolution. Neither will replace modern mirrorless or smartphone cameras with large sensors and advanced AF, but each has legacy merits that still delight curious photographers today.

Ready to select your compact companion? Consider how these strengths and quirks align with your photography style, and happy shooting!

Author’s note: When testing these cameras over the years, I relied on standardized evaluation methods - shooting in controlled light scenes for resolution and noise tests, real-world usage in various genres, tactile button feel assessments, and side-by-side image comparisons. Nothing beats spending hours in the field to discover what a camera truly offers beyond dense spec sheets.

If you’re weighing these vintage models, I recommend hunting for gently used units and pairing them with memory cards and spare batteries to maximize your shooting days.

All photos used in this review are owned or licensed by the author and have been optimized for web presentation.

Thank you for reading this deep dive into the Canon SX220 HS and Panasonic Lumix FH3. If you have questions or want recommendations for other camera types, feel free to reach out. Photography is a journey, and the right gear is just the start.