A Practical Face-Off: Fujifilm FinePix A170 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 – Which Compact Wins Your Wallet and Workflow?

When scouting for a compact camera in the crowded bridge/point-and-shoot universe, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. On one side, we have the Fujifilm FinePix A170, a budget-friendly small sensor compact from 2009, geared mostly towards casual shooters. On the other, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 (known as the TZ30 in some markets), a 2012 small sensor superzoom with a raft of advanced features aiming to please enthusiasts who want more punch from a pocket camera.

Having handled both extensively in controlled tests and real-life shooting scenarios, I’ll break down the practical strengths, weaknesses, and ideal-use cases for these two. Expect a candid, expert view – no tech jargon without explanation, just seasoned insights that respect your time AND budget.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Ergonomics

At a glance, size and handling can often set the tone for ownership happiness - no use buying a camera that feels like a brick in your palm or a twig in your grip.

The Fujifilm A170 is a classic ultra-compact, weighing about 140g and measuring roughly 93x60x27mm. It’s pocket-friendly and slip-into-anything light. Its fixed lens and limited controls make it a cheerful grab-and-go camera for the absolute beginner or cheapskate crowd. But don’t expect to rumble with manual settings - those clubs for thumbs are discouraged here.

By contrast, the Panasonic ZS20 packs a bigger punch physically at 206g and 105x59x28mm, still pocketable but with a beefier grip and more substantial bodywork. The extra heft correlates with a richer control layout and a longer 20x zoom lens, making it perfect if you need reach and versatility without hauling a DSLR.

The top view comparison crystallizes this – the Panasonic boasts more dials and buttons within thumb’s reach, facilitating manual tweaks on the fly, unlike the Fujifilm, which opts for minimalism bordering on sparse.

Ergonomics Verdict

• Fujifilm A170: Best for leisurely snaps and absolute simplicity; ideal if you want “point and shoot” and forget it.
• Panasonic ZS20: Better suited for enthusiasts who crave control, zoom reach, and can juggle a couple of clubs for thumbs.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: Pixel Peeping into the Details

Right under the hood lies the beating heart that defines image quality: the sensor.

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch sensor, a compact chip size that’s standard fare in small-sensor compacts. The Fujifilm A170 sports a 10MP CCD sensor, whereas the Panasonic ZS20 uses a 14MP CMOS sensor. There’s more to the story though than just megapixels.

CCD vs CMOS

The older CCD sensor in the A170 does offer decent color retention and less noise at lower ISOs but tends to struggle with speed and high-ISO performance. The CMOS sensor in the ZS20 delivers faster readouts, better video, and improved noise reduction algorithms in post-processing.

Resolution and ISO Range

• Fujifilm A170: Max native ISO 1600, max resolution 3664x2748.
• Panasonic ZS20: Max native ISO 6400, max resolution 4320x3240.

The Panasonic’s higher megapixel count and broader ISO range manifest in sharper images with more detail retention, especially in lower light, where the Fujifilm’s noise rises quickly.

Real-World Imaging

In daylight and well-lit conditions, both produce respectable 4:3 aspect ratio photos, but the ZS20’s increased sensor sophistication yields crisper detail, broader dynamic range, and more pleasing color fidelity - crucial for serious landscape and portrait work.

LCD and Interface: Your Window to Creativity

Screen size, resolution, and interactivity matter more often than we admit.

• Fujifilm A170: 2.7-inch fixed LCD with modest 230k dots resolution.
• Panasonic ZS20: Larger 3.0-inch fixed LCD with a 460k dots resolution and touch sensitivity.

The Panasonic’s sharp, vibrant screen helps frame shots and review images with confidence, while the touchscreen adds intuitive menu navigation and focusing options - a handy feature missing on the Fujifilm.

Lens Capabilities: Zoom, Aperture, and Macro Performance

Optics often make or break a compact’s usefulness - Fujifilm’s 3x zoom lens is respectable, but Panasonic calls the shots here with an ambitious 20x superzoom (24-480mm equivalent).

• Fujifilm A170: 32-96mm, f/3.1-5.6, minimum focus at 5cm.
• Panasonic ZS20: 24-480mm, f/3.3-6.4, minimum focus at 3cm.

Longer reach means the Panasonic can get much closer to distant subjects, making it versatile enough to double for wildlife, travel, and even sports to an extent.

Macro is an often overlooked but appreciated mode - the Panasonic has a slight edge here too with closer minimum focusing distance and sharper details at close range, thanks to better lens design.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Keeping Up with the Action

If you’re into fast-paced subjects – sports, wildlife, or candid street photography – you want swift autofocus and decent burst rate capabilities.

• Fujifilm A170: Contrast-detection AF, single AF mode only, no tracking, no continuous AF.
• Panasonic ZS20: Contrast-detection AF, but with touch AF, tracking AF, 23 focus points, single and continuous AF modes.

Continuous shooting rates:

• Fujifilm does not specify continuous shooting speeds, but in practice, it’s slow - no sports shooter’s dream.
• Panasonic ZS20 offers a 10fps burst mode, respectable for this category (though buffer depth limits sustained high-speed shooting).

The Panasonic’s AF tracking and multiple focus points significantly improve capture success on moving subjects, making it vastly superior for wildlife, sports, and fast street shooting.

Photography Genres: Real World Tested

Let’s break down how these compacts truly perform across popular photography niches.

Portrait Photography

Clarity, skin tone accuracy, and pleasing bokeh are key here.

• The Fujifilm’s modest aperture and sensor size produce soft backgrounds but can suffer from noise in dimmer indoor conditions. No face or eye detection means you’ll want steady hands and deliberate framing.
• Panasonic offers face detection autofocus with selectable AF areas and better sharpness, making portraiture easier and more reliable.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution matter; weather resistance is a bonus.

• Both cameras lack weather sealing - caveat emptor if you shoot in rough conditions.
• Panasonic’s superior resolution and electronic shutter speeds up to 1/2000s create more flexible shooting, while its wider 24mm wide-angle aids expansive vistas.
• Fujifilm’s narrower zoom range and lower resolution makes landscapes enjoyable but less detailed.

Wildlife Photography

Reach and autofocus agility are paramount.

• Panasonic blows Fujifilm out of the water with a 480mm equivalent zoom and continuous AF with tracking.
• Fujifilm’s 96mm equivalent lens and single AF point limit you to close-up stationary subjects.

Sports Photography

Fast bursts and accurate tracking enable capture of fleeting moments.

• Panasonic - with 10fps continuous, continuous autofocus, and command over exposure modes - is your friend here.
• Fujifilm - simply not designed for sport or fast action; slower shutter speeds and AF hinder sports shots.

Street Photography

Discretion, portability, and low-light performance come first.

• Fujifilm’s smaller size aids discretion, but its limited ISO at 1600 and slower response slows down candid shooting.
• Panasonic is stealthier than a DSLR, but volume and zoom lens length in certain settings might make it more conspicuous. Its higher ISO and quicker AF help low light captures.

Macro Photography

Precision focus and magnification are essential.

• Panasonic’s 3cm minimum focus distance and sharper optics excel here.
• Fujifilm’s 5cm minimum focus and softer lens limit macro potential.

Night & Astro Photography

High ISO and exposure flexibility make a difference.

• Panasonic offers ISOs up to 6400, better noise handling, and shutter speeds up to 1/15s, plus exposure compensation and bracketing – key for night shots.
• Fujifilm maxes at ISO 1600, no exposure compensation, fixed aperture – a clear disadvantage for night or starry skies.

Video Capabilities

Your smartphone peers beyond this, but for dedicated shooters:

• Fujifilm maxes out at 640x480 30fps video - basically VGA quality, suitable only for casual clips.
• Panasonic supports 1080p Full HD at 60fps, AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats, and offers optical stabilization during video - a major win for vloggers or travel clips.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera features weather sealing or rugged protections, so if you work in harsh environments, they require gentle care or additional housing.

The Panasonic’s more substantial build feels more durable in hand.

Battery Life and Storage

• Fujifilm’s battery life is unspecified, but expect modest endurance given its age and simpler electronics.
• Panasonic claims 260 shots per battery charge, which is average but workable for travel days.

Both cameras rely on SD/SDHC cards, with single slots, so no fancy dual card backups here.

Connectivity and Modern Conveniences

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC connectivity. The Panasonic edges ahead with HDMI output for easy playback on big screens, which the Fujifilm lacks.

Pricing and Value

• Fujifilm A170: Priced at around $80, a throwback budget option for beginners or those wanting a no-risk entry point.
• Panasonic ZS20: Around $350 at launch, higher price but richly justified by features.

For casual snaps, the Fujifilm suffices, but Panasonic delivers professional-like flexibility and image quality that’s worth the investment for serious hobbyists.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Fujifilm A170 front Fujifilm A170 screen back Panasonic ZS20 front Panasonic ZS20 screen back

Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Fujifilm A170 if…

• You want the cheapest possible digital compact that’s simple, light, and does basic snapshots.
• You are a first-timer who wants an easy button experience without diving into menus.
• Your photography needs are casual, or you want a travel backup camera for memory keeping at parties.
• Price is your primary concern, and image-perfect quality isn’t your priority.

Buy the Panasonic ZS20 if…

• You demand versatile focal length range to cover everything from landscapes to wildlife to closeups.
• You want better image quality with good high-ISO performance and manual controls.
• Video capability matters: 1080p HD, smooth frame rates, and optical stabilization.
• You’re an enthusiast traveling light but unwilling to sacrifice too much quality or functionality.
• GPS tagging and richer shooting modes appeal to your workflow.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Compacts

The Fujifilm FinePix A170 is a delightful little throwback for those who want fuss-free snapshots without fussing over settings. It’s a dependable travel companion in well-lit environments for social photography and simple documentaries.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20, on the other hand, leaps ahead as a compact powerhouse with superzoom versatility and advanced features that well suit serious amateurs and enthusiasts needing one pocket camera to rule many photographic genres.

If you’re on a budget but dream of elevating your craft without going DSLR/ mirrorless-hunting, the Panasonic’s price tag and feature set offer compelling bang for your buck - with image quality and lens reach you’ll appreciate over years of use.

Whichever path you choose, remember that no camera replaces your eye and creativity. But having the right tool that matches your style makes all the difference. Happy shooting!

Disclosure: All testing involved rigorous side-by-side shooting in studio and field conditions over multiple months. Gear was evaluated for practical day-to-day use, including low-light, macro, landscape, and handheld video scenarios.