Panasonic FZ1000 II vs Sony W690: Bridging the Gap Between Power and Portability

When it comes to buying a camera, the gulf between a powerhouse large-sensor superzoom and an entry-level compact can be vast. Today, I’m putting the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690 head to head to help you understand the differences - not just on paper, but in real-world use. Both cameras cater to very different audiences and budgets, yet each has something unique to offer.

After testing thousands of cameras across genres and conditions, I’ll break down their strengths, weaknesses, and who should consider each model. Let’s dive deeper.

First Impressions: Build, Size & Feel

Ergonomics can make or break your shooting experience, especially in fast-paced situations or long shoots. The Panasonic FZ1000 II is a bridge-style, SLR-like body which feels substantial in hand, weighing 808g and measuring 136×97×132mm. In contrast, the Sony W690 is a compact point-and-shoot, featherweight at 142g with a slim profile of 94×56×22mm.

The Panasonic’s robust grip and well-spaced controls make it comfortable for extended use. I found its size excellent for wildlife and sports shooting, where grip stability and button accessibility matter. Conversely, the Sony fits nicely in any pocket, perfect for quick snapshots or travel without the bulk.

Design & Control Layout: Usability Matters

Beyond size, control placement dictates how fast and intuitively you can interact with the camera. The FZ1000 II offers a wealth of dials and buttons with a logical layout, including dedicated wheel controls and an adequately bright electronic viewfinder (EVF). The W690’s design is simpler - with minimal buttons and no EVF.

I tested both cameras in the field. Panasonic’s fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen combined with physical dials allowed me to switch modes and settings quickly - crucial for moments like changing subjects outdoors or switching between instant video and stills. The Sony’s fixed, low-resolution LCD lacked touchscreen functionality, and menu navigation felt slower, limiting adjustments while shooting.

Sensor Specifications & Image Quality: The Core Difference

Sensor size shapes image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance. Panasonic’s FZ1000 II features a large 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2x8.8 mm, delivering 20 megapixels. The Sony W690 uses a tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor at 6.17x4.55 mm with 16 megapixels.

Putting these into practice, the Panasonic’s sensor produces much better noise control and color fidelity, especially at high ISO settings. The W690 is suitable for casual daylight shooting, but its smaller sensor struggles to retain detail and dynamic range in shadows and highlights.

In portrait sessions, I noticed much smoother skin tones and richer gradation on the FZ1000 II. Landscape shots revealed Panasonic’s impressive dynamic range: preservation of shadow detail and highlight roll-off were distinctly superior. The Sony’s images looked flat and noisier when zoomed in or under lower light.

User Interface & Screen Quality: What You See Is What You Get

Your shooting comfort depends heavily on the quality and flexibility of the rear screen and EVF. The Panasonic sports a 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen LCD with 1240k dots resolution and a high-quality, bright EVF with 2360k dots resolution covering 100% frame.

The Sony comes with a fixed 3-inch ClearPhoto TFT LCD but only 230k dots, no EVF, and no touch.

I found the Panasonic’s screen essential for shooting at awkward angles, video vlogging, and reviewing images thoroughly on site. The W690’s screen was dim and low-res, making image evaluation challenging, especially outdoors.

Photography Performance Across Genres

Now, let’s explore how both cameras perform in diverse shooting scenarios that matter to enthusiasts and pros alike.

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic FZ1000 II: Its large sensor and fast f/2.8 aperture at the wide end deliver excellent subject separation and creamy bokeh, complemented by face detection autofocus that locks quickly and tracks eyes during continuous shooting. Skin tone rendering is natural, with good color accuracy.

• Sony W690: Limited by its small sensor and slower f/3.3-5.9 lens, portrait bokeh is weak, and facial details lack crispness. Face detection is available but less reliable, especially in mixed lighting.

Landscape Photography

• Panasonic FZ1000 II: Thanks to its 20 MP sensor and dynamic range, it captures expansive scenes with detail preservation. The lens wide end of 25mm (35mm equivalent) helps frame broad vistas. No weather sealing, however, so cautious use in wet conditions is advised.

• Sony W690: Limited resolution and narrower dynamic range inhibit landscape image quality. The smaller sensor also affects sharpness and color depth. It offers portability advantages but compromises image quality significantly.

Wildlife Photography

• Panasonic FZ1000 II: Its 16x optical zoom (25-400mm equivalent), 12fps burst, and decent autofocus tracking make it a versatile choice for amateur wildlife shooters. Optical image stabilization helps tackle camera shake at long focal lengths.

• Sony W690: 10x zoom (25-250mm equivalent) is modest and autofocus speed is slow. The single-frame shooting dramatically limits catching action moments. Not well-suited for moving wildlife.

Sports Photography

• Panasonic’s continuous 12 fps shooting combined with responsive autofocus tracking provides clear advantages here over the Sony’s 1 fps max and slower AF system. The FZ1000 II also offers manual exposure modes aiding creative control.

Street Photography

• Sony’s compact size is great for low-profile street shooting. Panasonic’s bulkier size and loud shutter might draw unwanted attention in candid situations.

However, Panasonic’s fast autofocus and eye-detection improve capture reliability. Night street scenes benefit from Panasonic’s better high ISO handling.

Macro Photography

• Panasonic’s minimum focus distance of 3 cm and focus bracketing/stacking features enable reaching fine detail in close-ups. Sony’s 5 cm minimum focus distance limits macro capabilities alongside its basic focusing system.

Night/Astro Photography

• The larger sensor and maximum ISO of 12800 on the Panasonic provide far better low-light sensitivity, with usable images in starry skies or dim environments. The Sony maxes out at ISO 3200 and produces more noise, limiting night-time use.

Video Capabilities

• Panasonic FZ1000 II shoots 4K UHD video at 30p, supports microphone input, and offers advanced features like 4K photo mode, timelapse, and image stabilization for smooth clips.

• Sony W690 records only 720p video at 30 fps with no external mic input or stabilization for video, suitable only for casual clips.

Technical Insights: Autofocus, Stabilization, & Processing

Autofocus: Panasonic utilizes a contrast-detection AF system with 49 points, touch autofocus, continuous AF, and face tracking. While contrast detection isn’t as fast as phase-detection, it proved responsive and accurate in my testing. Sony’s W690 has slower contrast-detect AF with fewer customizable options.

Image Stabilization: Both cameras feature optical image stabilization but Panasonic’s in-lens mechanism is more effective, especially at long zooms or handheld video.

Processor: Panasonic’s Venus Engine enhances noise reduction and color reproduction, enabling better high ISO grain control compared to Sony’s older BIONZ processor.

Build Quality & Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedness. The Panasonic’s bridge camera construction feels more durable, suitable for heavier everyday use. Sony’s compact is lightweight but feels more delicate and better suited to casual, gentle environments.

Lens & Zoom: Versatility in the Field

Panasonic’s fixed zoom lens of 25-400 mm (16x zoom) with a bright aperture of f/2.8-4.0 is extremely flexible for varied subjects - from wide landscapes to distant wildlife. Sony’s 25-250 mm (10x zoom) with narrower aperture is more limited in reach and low light.

Battery Life & Storage

The Panasonic FZ1000 II offers about 350 shots per charge, using its DMW-BLC12PP battery. The Sony W690’s estimated 220 shots per charge is respectable but on par with many compacts.

Storage-wise, the Panasonic supports high-speed SD cards (UHS-I), while Sony also supports Memory Stick formats, offering compatibility with a wider range of cards.

Connectivity & Extras

• Panasonic FZ1000 II: Has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for image transfer and remote control, HDMI output, microphone input, and USB 2.0.

• Sony W690: No wireless connectivity, no HDMI or mic ports - reflecting its budget compact segment in 2012.

Price-to-Performance: What’s Your Budget Worth?

At launch and still today, the Panasonic FZ1000 II hovers around $900, while the Sony W690 was priced at approximately $300. The price gap reflects the huge differences in technology, image quality, and features.

If you require a high-performance tool for versatile photography - portraits, nature, sports, travel - the Panasonic justifies its cost with image quality, speed, and flexibility. If casual shooting, extreme portability, and budget are your priority, Sony’s W690 can deliver decent daylight snapshots without headaches.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Sample Images: Seeing Is Believing

To truly grasp their output, here are sample photos taken with both cameras in similar conditions:

Panasonic FZ1000 II front Panasonic FZ1000 II screen back Sony W690 front Sony W690 screen back

Notice the Panasonic’s richer colors and sharper details, particularly in shadows and zoomed-in areas.

Overall Performance Ratings

Based on industry-standard evaluations and my hands-on testing, here are the general scores reflecting their all-around capabilities:

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

How do these cameras measure up across various photography types? The data speaks volumes:

This chart clarifies why Panasonic dominates wildlife and sports, while Sony holds on for simple point-and-shoots and travel snapshots.

Who Should Buy Which?

• Panasonic FZ1000 II: Ideal for semi-pros, enthusiasts, travel photographers, wildlife and sports shooters who want excellent image quality, 4K video, and versatile zoom without changing lenses. Perfect if you prioritize photo and video performance over portability.

• Sony W690: Suitable for beginners, casual shooters, or budget-conscious buyers wanting a compact, pocket-friendly camera for holiday snaps, family gatherings, and daylight walking tours. Not recommended for advanced work or low-light conditions.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Needs with Reality

When comparing the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II and Sony W690, you are not just looking at two cameras but two philosophies. Panasonic delivers a serious, flexible imaging tool that can satisfy creative ambitions and technical demands. Sony offers simplicity and convenience for those who want to capture memories with the least fuss.

Buying decisions should factor your shooting style, desired image quality, and budget. If you’re serious about progressing in photography or need better video and zoom, the Panasonic is worth the investment. If your demands are more casual and portability is paramount, Sony’s W690 remains a viable pick for its affordable price.

Why you can trust this review: These insights come from years of rigorous testing, side-by-side comparisons, and shooting in varied real-world conditions. I’m sharing hands-on knowledge to help you find the gear best matching your unique photography journey.

Happy shooting!

Note: Specifications and prices may vary depending on region and market changes.