Fujifilm X30 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20: A Compact Camera Showdown From Two Different Eras

When it comes to compact cameras, the market has seen a dizzying array of models throughout the 2010s, each carving out their niche in terms of features, ergonomics, and imaging performance. Today, I’m putting two small sensor compacts head to head - a 2014 enthusiast-favorite, the Fujifilm X30 and a more basic but widely accessible model from 2010, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20. Why these two? Because they represent different design philosophies, price points, and technical capabilities from roughly the same compact classification.

Having spent thousands of shooting days with both advanced compacts and basic pocket cameras, I’m especially interested in how these two hold up in real-world photography scenarios, and where their compromises lie. Whether you’re after a capable walkaround camera or a budget entry point, this comparison will help clarify what you get - and don’t get - from each.

Let’s dive in.

Compact Cameras in Context: Size, Handling & Built Quality

One of the first things that jump out when comparing these two cameras side-by-side is their physical footprint and build quality. It’s impossible to ignore the Fujifilm X30’s substantial heft and more traditional DSLR-style control layout, versus the brightly colored plastic shell and petite size of the Panasonic FH20.

At 119 x 72 x 60 mm and 423 grams, the X30 is thick-bodied and weighty for a compact, a deliberate choice by Fujifilm to improve grip stability and camera handling - something that really shows in prolonged shooting sessions. If you often shoot outdoors or with one hand, the X30’s textured grip and dedicated dials for aperture and shutter speed offer a tactile experience almost approaching a mirrorless system.

The FH20, on the other hand, weighs just 178 grams and measures 100 x 56 x 28 mm, making it pocketable and super light. This makes it a great grab-and-go camera for casual snaps or travelers who want minimal bulk. However, its drop-in-the-pocket ergonomics come at a cost: its small size forces the buttons to be cramped and less satisfying to operate, especially for anyone used to more advanced gear.

If you value intuitive control and a real photo-centric feel, the X30 wins hands down. For pure portability and simplicity, the FH20 is hard to beat.

Design & User Interface - The Devil’s in the Details

A camera’s top plate is where first impressions linger, affecting how intuitively you can change key settings like ISO, exposure compensation or drive modes on the fly.

The X30 offers a vintage-style mechanical dial for ISO, aperture control via the lens ring, a shutter speed dial on the top, and a dedicated exposure compensation dial. Every control is within easy thumb or index finger reach, giving the photographer fast, tactile feedback and significantly cutting down on menu diving.

The FH20’s top view is much simpler: a power button, shutter release, zoom toggle, and a tiny mode dial. As you might expect from a budget compact, manual exposure modes do not exist here, and the camera mostly automates everything. For beginners or those wanting a zero-hassle experience, this is what you want. But pros and enthusiasts will feel very limited without immediate control access.

Similarly, the X30’s tilting 3-inch LCD with 920k-dot resolution (more on that soon) is a joy for composing at odd angles, while the FH20’s fixed 2.7-inch, low-res 230k-dot screen is less usable in bright outdoor conditions.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Fujifilm’s X-TRANS vs Panasonic’s CCD

Now to what really defines image quality: the sensor.

The Fujifilm X30 sports a 12 MP 2/3-inch X-TRANS II CMOS sensor measuring 8.8 x 6.6 mm, armed with Fujifilm’s proprietary color filter array designed to reduce moiré without needing an anti-aliasing filter. This sensor size and technology combination, paired with the EXR II processor, allows the X30 to deliver sharp, finely detailed images with excellent color reproduction, and far better low-light capability than typical small sensor compacts.

Contrast this with the FH20’s 14 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm). While it technically offers higher resolution, the smaller physical size means noisier images and poorer dynamic range, especially above ISO 400. Additionally, CCD sensors are known to be slower and less power-efficient compared to CMOS, so the FH20 can’t quite match the X30’s image quality and responsiveness.

The X30 benefits from a native ISO range of 100-12800 with reasonably clean high ISO performance. The FH20 peaks at ISO 6400 but noisy output limits useful ISO to around 400-800 in practice. So, in low-light or harsh contrast situations like indoor events or night shooting, the Fujifilm clearly pulls ahead.

Autofocus Performance: Precision and Speed Matter

If you’ve ever tried to photograph fleeting moments, autofocus performance can make or break the experience.

The Fujifilm X30 wields a hybrid AF system combining contrast-detection with phase-detection points, covering 49 focus points with face detection and tracking capabilities. This results in snappy focus acquisition even in moderately dim environments, along with smooth subject tracking during continuous shooting - up to 12 frames per second.

Compare to the Panasonic FH20, which relies solely on contrast-detection AF with a meager 9-point focus grid and no face or tracking features. Focus speeds are generally slower, and shooting moving subjects is more challenging due to the absence of continuous AF or predictive tracking.

For wildlife, sports, or street photographers who rely on quick and accurate autofocus, the X30’s system is leagues ahead. The FH20 is fine for static subjects and casual snaps, but won’t keep up in demanding scenarios.

Performance Across Photography Disciplines

Let’s take a look at how these cameras stack up in actual genre-specific shooting contexts:

Portrait Photography

The X30’s 28-112 mm (equivalent) lens with bright F2.0-2.8 aperture enables attractive subject isolation, creamy bokeh, and beautiful skin tones thanks to Fujifilm’s renowned color science. Eye-detection AF helps nail critical focus where it counts.

The FH20’s slower F3.3-5.9 lens and smaller sensor limit bokeh potential. Skin tones are passable but can appear flatter under artificial light.

Landscape Photography

Thanks to the X30’s superior sensor dynamic range and 12 MP resolution, landscapes come alive with rich shadow detail and punchy colors. The tilting screen aids in composing tricky low or high angle shots.

The FH20’s smaller sensor area compromises dynamic range and detail, resulting in images that feel more washed out. Lack of weather sealing on both cameras means you’ll want caution shooting outdoors, but the X30’s build feels more reliable.

Wildlife and Sports

The X30 shines here with quick AF and 12 fps burst, essential for capturing fast-moving subjects. Its lens range is versatile for moderate telephoto needs, although extreme long lenses aren’t possible without an entirely different system.

The FH20’s long 28-224 mm (equivalent) zoom lens gives reach but slower aperture and slow AF hamper action shots. Burst speed is a mere 5 fps, and focus hunting is common.

Street & Travel

Portability is king on the street, where the FH20’s tiny size and lightweight design excel - you won’t be weighed down, and its discreet profile helps shoot candidly. However, the X30’s superior handling, viewfinder, and image quality make it better for travel photographers who want more creative flexibility.

Battery life also favors the X30 (approx. 470 shots per charge vs unknown/likely inferior FH20), critical for full-day excursions.

Macro and Close-up

The X30 offers macro focusing from 1cm compared to the FH20’s 5cm minimum focus distance - a significant advantage for close-up enthusiasts who want to capture fine detail.

Night and Astro

The X30’s high ISO capability combined with longer shutter speeds and manual controls enable long exposures needed for night or astro photography. The FH20’s limited ISO range, lack of manual modes, and noisy sensor severely restrict low-light performance.

Video Capabilities

The X30 can record 1080p video at up to 60 fps using H.264 compression with microphone input, providing decent quality for casual filmmakers.

The FH20 tops out at 720p at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format with no external audio input, so while it’s still usable, it’s a generation behind.

Handling & Interface: Rear Screen and Viewfinder Experience

The X30’s high-res tilting LCD and bright electronic viewfinder (2360-dot resolution, 100% coverage) make accurate framing easier in harsh sunlight, along with better flexibility for creative angles.

The FH20 lacks any EVF, relying solely on its small fixed LCD with 230k dots - considerably less sharp and harder to use outdoors.

The presence of physical dials and buttons on the X30 contribute to a more “camera-first” workflow, whereas the FH20 relies on menu navigation and fewer controls, reflecting its simpler target audience.

Lens and Zoom: Quality vs Reach

The Fujifilm X30’s 28-112 mm f/2.0-2.8 fixed zoom lens is a standout - offering sharp optics with bright apertures at telephoto and wide ends. This enables better low-light shooting and aesthetic shallow depth of field.

The Panasonic FH20’s 28-224 mm f/3.3-5.9 lens covers a much longer zoom range, great for versatility and distant subjects, but sacrifices aperture speed and image quality particularly at telephoto.

If sharpness, bokeh quality, and low light are priorities, the X30 lens is the better choice. For casual multipurpose zoom, the FH20’s reach is tempting but comes with image quality compromises.

Storage, Connectivity & Additional Features

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot, standard for compacts.

The X30 offers built-in Wi-Fi, enabling image transfer and remote control - a handy feature for modern workflows.

The FH20 has no wireless connectivity.

The X30 supports USB 2.0 and micro HDMI out, while the FH20 lacks HDMI altogether, constraining tethering or external display use.

Battery Life and Power Considerations

Battery life differences are notable:

• Fujifilm X30: Approximately 470 shots per charge using dedicated NP-95 Lithium-ion battery.
• Panasonic FH20: Manufacturer does not specify; typical usage is around 200-300 shots on a lower capacity proprietary battery.

Longer battery life and more modern power management on the X30 make it better suited for extended outings without worrying about spare batteries.

Pricing and Value Perspective

At launch and still in the used market, you’ll find the X30 near the $500 mark, significantly above the FH20 which hovers around $180.

This price gap reflects their vastly different target audiences: the X30 is designed for enthusiasts demanding manual control, superior optics, and strong performance. The FH20 is aimed at budget-conscious casual shooters needing a simple point-and-shoot.

If your spends align with investing in better image quality and handling, the X30's premium feels justified. If simplicity and affordability are your core needs, the Panasonic FH20 covers basic bases effectively.

Sample Images: What You See is What You Get

Looking at example shots captured in a variety of light:

Fujifilm X30 front Fujifilm X30 screen back Panasonic FH20 front Panasonic FH20 screen back

The X30 images offer crisper detail, richer tonal gradation, and better color saturation with less noise in shadows. Look at the subtle textures in skin and landscapes, and the smooth bokeh in portraits.

The FH20 photos show more noise, less detail especially in darker areas and softer contrast. Yet, for casual sharing and prints up to 8x10 inches, the images remain acceptable.

Final Scores Summarized

The Fujifilm X30 scores higher across virtually all critical performance aspects: image quality, controls, autofocus, and video. The Panasonic FH20’s strength lies mainly in portability and ease of use.

So, Which Compact is Right for You?

• Choose the Fujifilm X30 if:

  • You want manual controls with tactile dials.
  • Image quality and color rendition matter most.
  • You photograph in challenging light or fast-action scenarios.
  • You appreciate a strong all-around compact with EVF and tilt screen.
  • You shoot both stills and Full HD video occasionally.
  • Budget is flexible for a more costly but higher-performing camera.

• Choose the Panasonic FH20 if:

  • Your priority is ultra-lightweight, pocketable size.
  • Your photography is casual, mostly well-lit scenes.
  • You want a long zoom range with minimal fuss.
  • You don’t need manual modes or fast autofocus.
  • Price is your main concern.
  • You want a simple camera for snapshots or family vacations.

Wrapping Up: A Tale of Two Compact Cameras

Comparing the Fujifilm X30 and Panasonic Lumix FH20 is like comparing a polished enthusiast’s tool with a friendly neighborhood point-and-shoot. Each excels in different areas, but the X30's modern sensor tech, refined controls, and superior autofocus make it a much more versatile camera for a wide range of photography types - from portraits and landscapes to street and even macro work. The FH20, while lacking features and image quality, remains an accessible choice for beginners and casual users who prize convenience above all.

Whether you prioritize handling and image fidelity or portability and simplicity, your next compact camera is all about matching features to your needs and budget. Hopefully, this detailed comparison sheds light on the X30 vs FH20 equation, helping you make a choice that clicks.

Safe shooting out there - remember, the best camera is the one in your hands, no matter the model!