Nikon P7700 vs Panasonic FH5: The Expert’s Take on Two Compact Contenders

Choosing the right compact camera often means finding the right balance between size, image quality, and features for your specific shooting needs. Today, I’m diving deep into two small sensor compacts - the Nikon Coolpix P7700 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 - to see how they stack up against each other after hours of hands-on testing and real-world use. Both cameras target enthusiasts who want more control than a smartphone offers, but with some very different priorities and capabilities.

With 2500 words of detailed analysis ahead, I’ll cover everything from optical performance to ergonomics and usability, peppered with practical advice for every genre of photography. So whether you’re an aspiring portrait shooter, landscape lover, macro enthusiast, or travel photographer, this comparison will help you decide which might earn a spot in your camera bag.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Form Factor, Handling, and Controls

Before diving into image quality and performance, it’s essential to understand how these two cameras feel and function in the hand - because ergonomics can be make-or-break for daily use.

The Nikon P7700 weighs in at 392 grams with dimensions of 119 x 73 x 50 mm, making it a bit chunky yet still pocketable - for a high-end compact, it strikes a good balance between grip and portability. The Panasonic FH5 is significantly smaller and lighter at just 121 grams and 94 x 54 x 19 mm, making it truly pocket-friendly, but this slimness comes at the cost of reduced manual control access and a less substantial grip.

Handling the P7700 immediately felt more comfortable over extended shooting, its textured grip and tactile dials inviting confident one-handed operation. The FH5’s compactness suits casual snapshots but isn’t as enjoyable for prolonged or deliberate photography sessions.

Moving on to the top controls, the P7700 impresses with a clean, well-laid-out dial setup that provides quick access to shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, and shooting modes. The FH5 presents a minimalistic top plate, with fewer physical controls and no dedicated dials, relying heavily on menus and a basic mode dial.

For photographers who value speed and direct access - especially in dynamic shooting scenarios - the P7700’s layout is miles ahead.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: More Than Just Megapixels

Image quality is paramount, and it starts with sensor performance. The Nikon P7700 sports a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor with a 12-megapixel resolution, whereas the Panasonic FH5 features a smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 16 megapixels.

While more megapixels might seem better at first glance, the sensor size difference is critical. Nikon’s 7.44 x 5.58 mm sensor delivers a 41.52 mm² surface area compared to Panasonic’s 6.08 x 4.56 mm (27.72 mm²), meaning larger photosites on the P7700. Larger photosites equate to better light gathering, dynamic range, and noise performance - particularly valuable in challenging light.

In practical tests, the P7700 consistently outperformed the FH5 in terms of dynamic range and color depth, yielding richer skin tones and more detail retention in highlights and shadows. Panasonic’s CCD sensor offered decent resolution in bright daylight but struggled as ISO climbed, with increased noise and early detail degradation starting above ISO 400.

Nikon’s ISO range of 80–1600 native (expandable to 6400) gave it more flexibility for low-light and night photography without sacrificing image quality drastically. Panasonic supports ISO up to 6400 but with questionable usability beyond 400.

Color rendition was also more pleasing from the P7700, with Nikon’s sophisticated image processing balancing saturation and contrast skillfully. Panasonic’s images leaned a bit toward cooler tones and less nuanced color transitions.

Crystal Clear in Every Genre: Autofocus and Shooting Speed

On to autofocus (AF) performance – I ran both cameras through standard studio portrait sessions, landscapes, and quick-moving subjects like pets and street activity to test accuracy and speed.

Nikon P7700 uses contrast-detection AF with 99 focus points, face detection, and surprisingly agile AF tracking. It also offers center-weighted metering, making it easier to lock focus on subjects and maintain it during burst shooting.

Panasonic FH5, while also featuring contrast-detection, only has 11 AF points and a simpler face detection system. Its AF was noticeably slower and less reliable under low contrast conditions.

Continuous shooting speed reflects each camera's focus sophistication: Nikon’s 8 fps burst enables better capture of fleeting moments in sports or wildlife photography, compared with Panasonic’s modest 4 fps.

Display and Interface: Which Screen Brightens Your Experience?

The rear displays also differ substantially. Nikon provides a fully articulated 3-inch LCD with 921k-dot resolution - a huge win for versatile shooting angles and outdoor visibility. Panasonic’s 2.7-inch fixed screen delivers only 230k dots, making it much harder to compose images and review details in bright environments.

From my experience, Nikon’s screen significantly improved live-view shooting, macro work, and video framing. The FH5’s basic fixed screen is fine for quick snaps but limits flexibility.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Versatility in the Field

Both cameras feature fixed zoom lenses, which is common in compacts, but their ranges and apertures diverge importantly.

• Nikon P7700: 28-200mm equivalent focal length (7.1x zoom), with a bright maximum aperture of f/2.0 at wide angle, narrowing to f/4.0 at full telephoto.
• Panasonic FH5: 28-112mm equivalent (4x zoom), with max aperture f/3.1 to f/6.5.

This gives the Nikon a clear advantage for low-light shooting and selective depth-of-field effects, both key for portrait and macro photography. The longer telephoto reach enhances wildlife and sports photography, where distance matters.

Image Stabilization and Build Quality

Both cameras incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS) - a necessity given the focal length ranges and intended handheld use - but the P7700 delivers more effective stabilization, which I confirmed in long-exposure and telephoto tests.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized construction, so neither is ideal for extreme environments. However, Nikon’s sturdier body design suggests it would survive day-to-day wear more robustly than the tinier and thinner FH5.

Battery Life and Connectivity - Small Details that Add Up

On battery endurance, the P7700 rates about 330 shots per charge, while Panasonic’s FH5 clocks in lower at around 260 shots. Real-world use confirmed this difference, with Nikon lasting comfortably through a day of moderate shooting, while the FH5 required more frequent recharging.

Both cameras rely on standard SD card storage, but Panasonic also includes some internal memory for snapshots - a convenient backup feature.

Connectivity options are basic on both: no wi-fi, Bluetooth, or GPS built-in. Nikon includes HDMI output and a microphone port, broadening its video recording and playback options. Panasonic lacks HDMI and any external mic input, limiting multimedia versatility.

Video Capabilities: Stepping Into Moving Images

Video recording is another arena where these two diverge. The Nikon P7700 captures Full HD 1080p at 15 and 30 fps with H.264 codec support, plus 720p at up to 60 fps and high-frame-rate VGA for slow-motion effects.

In contrast, the Panasonic FH5 maxes out at 720p 30 fps in Motion JPEG format, which tends to generate bulky files and lower quality.

The Nikon’s inclusion of a microphone input lets you plug in external audio gear, essential for serious videographers. Panasonic’s limited video features make it a casual option at best.

Shooting Across Genres: How Each Camera Fits Your Photography Style

Let’s break down performance through various photographic disciplines and decide where each camera truly shines:

Portraits

Portraiture demands good skin tones, pleasing bokeh, and reliable face or eye AF. The Nikon P7700’s brighter lens (f/2.0 wide angle), face detection, and superior color accuracy make it an excellent choice. Its longer zoom range lets you shoot from flattering distances, compressing features nicely.

The FH5’s slower lens and less reliable AF system mean it struggles to isolate subjects in softer backgrounds effectively.

Landscapes

Landscape photographers prize dynamic range and resolution. The P7700’s larger sensor and higher dynamic range deliver richer tonal gradations, while the articulating screen aids creative composition from unusual angles.

Panasonic’s FH5 has slightly higher resolution but a much smaller sensor area limiting shadow detail and highlight preservation. Plus, less flexible screen hampers shooting angles.

Wildlife and Sports

Nikon’s faster burst rate (8 fps) and AF tracking, plus longer zoom, make it far more suited to dynamic wildlife or sports photography. Panasonic’s slower 4 fps and shorter reach limit action shooting effectiveness.

Street Photography

Panasonic’s compactness and light weight make it appealing for discreet street shooting. The Nikon, while pocketable, is more conspicuous but offers faster controls for unpredictable urban moments.

Macro Photography

Macro shots rely on focusing precision and stabilization. Nikon’s 2 cm macro focusing distance is impressive and combined with effective OIS and articulated screen facilitates handheld close-ups. Panasonic’s 5 cm macro works but offers less detail and convenience.

Night and Astro

Low-light and astro photographers will appreciate Nikon’s lower noise profile at high ISO and longer exposures (up to 1/60 s minimum shutter). Panasonic’s limited ISO performance and shutter speed range restrict its night capabilities.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

While neither camera is a professional workhorse, the Nikon P7700’s support for RAW files and expanded ISO flexibility mean it can fit into an enthusiast or semi-pro workflow more seamlessly. The FH5’s lack of RAW support and inferior image quality limit its use to casual or entry-level shooters.

Price and Value: What Does Your Budget Buy?

At launch, the Nikon P7700 was priced around $499, considerably higher than Panasonic’s budget-friendly $169 FH5. This price difference reflects their technical and performance gaps, as the Nikon offers features and quality more akin to advanced compacts, whereas Panasonic targets casual photographers prioritizing size and simplicity.

If your budget allows and you seek performance and versatility, the P7700 represents a significantly better value in the long term. For occasional use or as a lightweight backup, the FH5 could suffice.

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

Nikon P7700 front Nikon P7700 screen back Panasonic FH5 front Panasonic FH5 screen back

Final Word: Who Should Pick Which Camera?

Choose the Nikon P7700 if:

• You demand excellent image quality, especially in low light and tricky exposures.
• You want a true enthusiast compact with manual controls, RAW support, and a versatile zoom lens.
• Video with external audio and full HD detail matters.
• You shoot portraits, macro, wildlife, sports, or landscapes seriously and want a reliable, well-built tool.
• You can invest a bit more for long-term performance and flexibility.

Consider the Panasonic FH5 if:

• You're on a tight budget and need a simple, ultra-compact camera for casual everyday photography.
• You prioritize portability above all, and are mostly shooting in bright daylight.
• You want straightforward point-and-shoot operation with basic features.
• Video and advanced photo features are not in your primary interests.

Performance Summary at a Glance

Conclusion: Experience, Expertise, and Your Photography Journey

Having personally tested and relied upon both cameras in various shooting situations, I find the Nikon P7700 to be the clear winner for any user who takes photography seriously and wants a compact powerhouse with room to grow. Its larger sensor, faster lens, better AF, and manual control options deliver a meaningful advantage, making it a capable friend for everything from portraits to landscapes and video.

The Panasonic FH5, by contrast, is purely an entry-level snapshot tool, best suited for casual shooters who prize pocket-size and simplicity. It won’t deliver the same artistic or technical results but provides basic photographic functions at a low cost.

Ultimately, your choice should reflect your photography ambitions, preferred subjects, and budget. Investing time with each camera - when possible - will further illuminate which best supports your creative voice.

Thank you for joining me in this in-depth exploration. Here’s to many great shots, whichever camera you choose. Happy shooting!