Casio EX-H30 vs Panasonic FH20

Choosing Between the Casio EX-H30 and Panasonic Lumix FH20: An Expert’s Guide to Small Sensor Compacts

If you’ve been exploring compact cameras with superzoom capabilities, the Casio EX-H30 and Panasonic Lumix FH20 have likely crossed your radar. Both models launched around 2010-2011 and target photography enthusiasts seeking portability combined with versatile zoom ranges. But despite their similar categories, they differ significantly in design, technology, and real-world performance.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the years - including many compact superzooms - and dissected hundreds of shooting scenarios, I’ll guide you through a detailed comparison of these two models. Our focus will be practical experience, technical insight, and helping you find which system aligns best with your shooting style and needs.

Let’s dive into what these cameras bring to the table - and where they might fall short.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Which One Feels Right in Your Hands?

When choosing a compact camera, how it feels in your hands affects your shooting comfort and speed as much as specs do. So let’s start by comparing physical form factors and controls.

Casio EX-H30 Dimensions: 105 x 59 x 29 mm | Weight: 201 g
Panasonic Lumix FH20 Dimensions: 100 x 56 x 28 mm | Weight: 178 g

What we observed:

• The Casio EX-H30 is slightly larger and heavier. Its extra bulk contributes to a more substantial grip, which some photographers find reassuring when using longer zooms or in active shooting scenarios.

• The Panasonic FH20 is more compact and lightweight, offering excellent portability for everyday carry or street photography where discretion matters.

The control layout differences are palpable:

• The Casio EX-H30 provides manual exposure modes (aperture priority, shutter priority, manual), giving you real creative control, reflected by dedicated dials and buttons that feel tactile and responsive.

• The Panasonic FH20 lacks manual exposure controls, focusing instead on simplicity and ease for casual shooters with mostly automatic modes.

Bottom line: If you prioritize handling tailored to manual operation and longer zoom handling, the Casio wins in ergonomics and control. The Panasonic suits those who want a grab-and-go camera with minimal fuss.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: How Much Detail Can They Capture?

Both cameras rely on 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors - a common size in compact superzooms but considerably smaller than what DSLRs or mirrorless cameras use. Sensor size heavily influences image quality through noise performance, dynamic range, and resolution.

Key specs:

Insights from testing:

• The Casio’s 16 MP sensor offers slightly higher resolution, useful for cropping and making large prints. However, image noise at high ISOs becomes apparent beyond ISO 800, limiting usability in low light.

• The Panasonic’s sensor maxes out at 14MP but supports ISO 6400, theoretically providing better flexibility in low-light scenes. In practice, images get noisy above ISO 400, typical for small-sensor cameras.

• Both cameras use CCD technology that delivers pleasing color reproduction and sharpness in daylight, but dynamic range is limited compared to more modern CMOS sensors in newer compacts.

Real-world impact: For portrait and landscape shooters prioritizing sharp, colorful daylight shots, both cameras perform admirably at base ISO. If you often shoot indoors or at night, expect noticeable grain and lost shadow detail.

Lens and Zoom Range: Get Closer and Wider

Zoom versatility is a major selling point here. Let’s compare the lens specs and practical impact.

What this means for you:

• The Casio EX-H30 covers a star range starting at ultra-wide 24mm to a very telephoto 300mm. This makes it highly versatile for landscapes, telephoto wildlife snapshots, and capturing architectural interiors.

• The Panasonic’s 28–224mm range is slightly narrower - still comprehensive but less reach at the tele end.

• Macro capability favors the Casio with a minimum focus distance of 1 cm, meaning you can get extremely close to small subjects. The Panasonic’s 5 cm macro distance is good, but you’ll need to physically move closer to fill the frame.

• Both have image stabilization to combat shake - Casio uses sensor-shift, Panasonic lens-based. In practice, both stabilize images effectively but the Casio’s sensor-shift mechanism gives it an edge at longer focal lengths where even small shake affects sharpness.

Autofocus and Shooting Experience: Speed, Accuracy, and Control

Autofocus performance determines how readily you can capture fleeting moments, track subjects, and shoot in challenging light.

Testing notes:

• The Casio supports AF tracking and multi-area autofocus, which theoretically help in maintaining focus on moving subjects. In practice, the system is a bit slow to lock, which may frustrate users trying to capture action or wildlife.

• Panasonic’s 9-point AF is simpler, focusing well in good light but lacking AF tracking altogether. Its 5 fps burst shooting is a bonus for capturing quick sequences in casual sports or street scenes.

• Neither camera has phase-detection AF or face/eye detection - features usual in more advanced camera systems - limiting their usability for challenging portrait or fast-action situations.

LCD Screens and Interface: See What You Shoot

The rear screen mediates your connection to the scene. Here’s how these two compare.

Implications:

• Casio’s larger, higher resolution screen provides a brighter, clearer preview for framing and reviewing shots. This is important when shooting outdoors or reviewing fine details.

• Panasonic’s smaller and lower-res display is adequate but not as sharp or bright, making it harder to assess fine focus or image quality in bright light.

• Neither camera offers touchscreen functionality, which was rare in compact cameras at this price point back then.

Video Features: Limited but Present

If shooting occasional HD video is part of your interest, here are the details:

Use case considerations:

• Both deliver basic HD video suitable for casual clips but lack advanced recording options, mic inputs, or 4K capabilities expected today.

• Panasonic’s multiple smaller resolutions allow saving space on memory cards but at the cost of image quality.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Shooting Duration

Neither camera provides a standout battery life specification in the official details, but:

• Casio uses an NP-130 rechargeable battery, and Panasonic uses their standard Lithium-Ion cell typical of compact cameras of that era.

• Panasonic supports SD/SDHC/SDXC media, giving you flexible storage options and larger cards for extended shooting.

• Both cameras use USB 2.0 for data transfer; no wireless connectivity is available.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ready for Rugged Use?

Neither model includes environmental sealing, waterproofing, or crash protection. Both are standard compacts designed for fair-weather use and casual handling.

If weather sealing or durability for harsh conditions is critical, neither camera is recommended.

Image Samples and Performance Scores: What Do the Photos Say?

Casio EX H30 screen back Panasonic FH20 front Panasonic FH20 screen back

Reviewing sample images side by side, the Casio EX-H30’s extra resolution is visible in finely detailed scenes and macro shots. The wider zoom offers greater framing flexibility for landscapes and distant subjects.

Panasonic images are softer but reproduce vibrant colors well in good light and maintain better high-ISO usability due to higher max ISO options.

Overall, the Casio scores higher in optical reach and exposure versatility, while the Panasonic scores points for burst shooting speed and ease of use.

Breaking down scores by photography type:

• Portraits: Casio’s manual exposure and macro focus advantage edge Panasonic.

• Landscape: Casio’s wider zoom and higher resolution boost its performance.

• Wildlife: Casio’s longer zoom helps, but slow autofocus limits dynamic capture.

• Sports: Panasonic’s higher fps burst benefits capturing fast action, but limited AF tracking holds it back.

• Street: Panasonic’s smaller size and lighter weight favor portability.

• Macro: Casio excels with 1cm close focusing.

• Night/Astro: Neither is ideal; limited ISO and sensor size constrain low light use.

• Video: Both offer only basic HD options.

• Travel: Casio’s versatility balanced against Panasonic’s portability offer distinct appeals.

• Professional Work: Neither is appropriate for professional grade, given no RAW support, limited exposure control (Panasonic), and sensor limitations.

Who Should Choose the Casio EX-H30?

• You want the flexibility of manual exposure modes and a broad zoom range (24-300mm) for diverse shooting scenarios.

• You value a sharper, larger LCD for composing and reviewing images.

• Macro photography excites you, and close focusing is a priority.

• You don’t mind slightly bigger size for better grip and control.

• Your budget is sufficient to accommodate the higher price (~$700 at launch).

Who Should Opt for the Panasonic Lumix FH20?

• You want a straightforward compact camera with decent zoom (28-224mm) primarily for snapshots and casual use.

• Portability and discreetness are crucial - its smaller size and lighter weight excel here.

• You appreciate faster burst shooting (up to 5 fps) for casual action shots.

• Your budget is limited (around $180 at launch), making it an economical choice.

• You prefer simplicity over manual control, or you’re new to photography and want to focus on point-and-shoot operation.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Neither the Casio EX-H30 nor Panasonic FH20 is a contemporary powerhouse but rather reflective of early-2010s compact superzoom technology. Their CCD sensors and modest processing engines limit low-light and high-speed performance, but with proper lighting and moderate expectations, both produce usable, colorful images.

If you seek creative control, extended zoom reach, and macro performance, the Casio EX-H30 is more capable but larger and pricier. For casual photography prioritizing ease, size, and affordability, the Panasonic FH20 remains a solid option.

Whenever possible, I recommend hands-on trials in-store or from rental services to experience feel and focus speed firsthand. Consider also your preferred photography genres - your primary subjects and shooting conditions should guide your pick more than raw specs.

Pro Tips To Make The Most Of Either Camera

• Use a tripod or steady support especially at long zooms to maximize detail and minimize blur.

• Shoot in good light to combat grain and enhance color vibrancy.

• Manually set white balance as auto can struggle under mixed lighting.

• Take advantage of exposure compensation on the Casio for scenes with tricky contrast.

• Carry extra batteries and memory cards since these cameras lack wireless features or fast USB transfers.

Both the Casio EX-H30 and Panasonic FH20 embody compact superzoom values of their time, each with distinct strengths to suit different user needs. We hope this extensive comparison guides you clearly toward the right choice for your photographic journey.

Explore these cameras to understand their unique charm and once acquainted, you’ll gain appreciation for how compact cameras opened paths for creativity in the ever-evolving world of photography.

Happy shooting!