Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 vs. DMC-FX700: An In-Depth Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right compact camera involves balancing image quality, features, versatility, and your specific photographic needs. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and DMC-FX700 are two small sensor compact cameras released in 2010, targeting casual photographers who seek portability and respectable imaging capabilities. Although both share some lineage and similar sensor sizes, they diverge considerably in key areas such as image processing, lens construction, controls, and video recording.

After personally testing both models extensively across a broad range of photography disciplines, this comparison will help you understand what each camera truly offers in real-world scenarios. From portraits to video, street photography to landscapes, we’ll cover how the FH1 and FX700 perform in practice, analyze their technical attributes, and identify the right user profiles for each model.

Getting to Know the Cameras: Design and Ergonomics

At first glance, these Panasonic compacts are pocket-sized and relatively lightweight - perfect for on-the-go photography. The FH1 measures 98 x 55 x 23 mm and weighs 163 grams, while the FX700 is slightly larger and heavier at 104 x 56 x 25 mm and 176 grams.

In-hand, the FX700 feels somewhat more substantial, with a better grip design that aids handling stability especially in one-handed shooting. While both are built with plastic bodies without any weather sealing, the FX700’s build quality feels a notch higher - something you notice during extended shooting sessions or in slippery conditions.

The top control layout and rear interface reveal the FX700’s more advanced design. The fixed 3.0-inch screen is larger than the FH1’s 2.7-inch display and incorporates touchscreen capabilities, enhancing navigation speed and ease of use.

Hands-on Insight: From hours of test shooting, the FX700's more refined ergonomics made creative shooting less fatiguing and more intuitive than the FH1's minimal button set and smaller fixed screen.

Summary - Design and Handling

Sensor and Image Quality: The Core of Your Photos

Both cameras use the same sensor size - a 1/2.3-inch chip measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm (about 27.7 mm²), but there are critical technological differences. The FH1 uses a 12MP CCD sensor, while the FX700 features a slightly higher resolution 14MP CMOS sensor paired with Panasonic’s Venus Engine FHD processor.

Raw Power? Not Quite

Neither camera supports RAW shooting - a significant limitation for photographers craving post-production flexibility. Images are only available in JPEG format. However, in the compression algorithms and sensor architecture, we see different outcomes.

Image Quality in Real Use

Color Rendition and Detail: The FX700’s CMOS sensor and Venus engine combination produce richer colors with slightly better detail retention, particularly in well-lit conditions. Meanwhile, the FH1’s CCD sensor delivers consistently warm tones but tends toward softer edges and less precise detail, especially apparent at high ISO settings.

Noise Performance: Both cameras top out at ISO 6400, but high ISO images from the FH1 show more noticeable noise and color clipping compared to the FX700’s cleaner output. Low-light performance is modest in both, reflecting their small sensors and compact lenses, but the FX700 handles shadow detail more gracefully.

Dynamic Range: Neither sensor shines in dynamic range, but the FX700 pulls ahead just enough to retain more highlight and shadow detail in landscape and street shooting scenarios.

Lens Reach & Quality: The FH1 has a 28–140mm equivalent lens (5x zoom) with a maximum aperture of f/2.8–6.9, whereas the FX700 offers a slightly wider 24–120mm lens (also 5x zoom), with a brighter f/2.2–5.9 aperture range. The wider-angle advantage and brighter aperture make the FX700 more versatile for environmental portraits and indoor shooting.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Both cameras rely solely on contrast-detection autofocus (CDAF) with no advanced phase detection or hybrid systems.

• FH1: Offers 9 focus points with no face or object detection.
• FX700: Number of focus points is unspecified, but no face detection either.

In practical testing, the CX700’s autofocus delivered quicker, more consistent lock-on times than the FH1, reducing frustrating focus hunting in dimmer light or complex scenes. Continuous autofocus tracking is unavailable on both, limiting action or sports photography efficiency.

When it comes to shooting speed:

• FH1 shoots at 6 frames per second (fps) but only in a limited buffer capacity.
• FX700 facilitates 10 fps continuous shooting, a notable advantage when capturing fleeting moments.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Both models utilize SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards with a single card slot and include internal storage. Connectivity features are minimal:

• No Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC on either camera.
• The FX700 adds an HDMI port, allowing easy full HD playback on TVs, which the FH1 lacks.
• USB 2.0 is standard for data transfer.

Battery life specifications are not prominently listed, but users can expect modest endurance given the compact bodies and small batteries typical for this class.

Assessing Performance across Photography Disciplines

Let's take a closer look at how these cameras perform across a variety of photographic specialties. I tested both cameras extensively in these scenarios to provide firsthand insight.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portraiture demands accurate skin tone reproduction and flattering background blur.

• FH1: The lens maximum aperture of f/2.8 at wide-angle is decent for shallow depth of field, but due to the fixed lens design and smaller sensor, natural bokeh is limited. Lack of face recognition autofocus means more manual hunting.
• FX700: Slightly faster lens opening at f/2.2 and a wider zoom range afford better subject separation and more pleasing out-of-focus backgrounds. Manual focus allows creative control, a plus for portraits.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF without eye or face detection, which can be limiting in dynamic portrait sessions.

Sample analysis:

Panasonic FH1 front Panasonic FH1 screen back Panasonic FX700 front Panasonic FX700 screen back

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

For landscapes, resolution, dynamic range, and lens sharpness are paramount.

• The FX700’s higher 14MP resolution and slightly wider 24mm focal length give it the edge in framing and detail capture.
• Both cameras showed limited dynamic range, but the FX700 preserved highlights and shadows better in high contrast scenes.
• Neither model features weather sealing, limiting use in challenging outdoor conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus and Burst Rates

For fast-moving subjects, reliable autofocus and burst speed are crucial.

• Neither camera supports autofocus tracking or burst shooting beyond basic continuous modes.
• The FX700’s faster 10 fps burst rate is helpful but limited by autofocus speed.
• Both cameras’ 5x zoom lenses fall short of the reach professional wildlife shooters desire.
• The FH1’s slower 6 fps bursts and more sluggish autofocus hinder capturing action.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

Street photographers prefer compactness, quick autofocus, and good low-light handling.

• Both cameras are pocket-friendly; FH1 is slightly smaller.
• The FX700’s faster lens and improved AF make it the better choice for dynamic street scenes.
• The touchscreen interface aids quick setting changes.
• Faster shutter specs (max 1/2000 sec on FX700) and quieter electronics ease shooting discreetly.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Performance

• FX700’s 3cm macro focus outperforms FH1’s minimum 5cm, letting you capture finer detail.
• Both use optical image stabilization, but neither supports focus stacking or bracketing.
• Manual focus on FX700 allows more precise fine-tuning.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

• The FX700’s brighter lens and higher max shutter speed (1/2000 sec) provide greater flexibility.
• Neither camera supports bulb mode or long exposure bracketing, limiting astrophotography capabilities.
• High ISO noise is noticeable on both; FX700’s CMOS sensor runs circles around FH1’s CCD in this domain.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Stabilization

Video has become a must-have across camera categories.

• FH1: Max video resolution is 720p at 30fps in Motion JPEG format - outdated and limited.
• FX700: Supports full HD 1080p recording at 60fps in AVCHD format, delivering smoother, higher quality footage.

Neither has microphone or headphone ports, so audio monitoring is impossible. Both cameras utilize optical stabilization to reduce motion blur during handheld video.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery

Travel photographers value a compact form, versatile zoom, and long battery life.

• FX700’s 24-120mm lens offers more framing options.
• Its manual controls and better image quality make it more adaptable.
• The FH1’s smaller size and lower weight could appeal to minimalist travelers.
• Battery life is comparable and modest on both.

Professional Use: Reliability and Workflow

While neither camera targets pros directly, consider:

• No RAW support on either restricts professional post-processing.
• Limited manual controls on FH1 restrict creative exposure management (no shutter or aperture priority).
• FX700’s support for manual exposure modes and higher-quality video enable some semi-pro applications.

Digging Deeper: Technical Highlights and Limitations

Overall Performance Scores and Genre Ratings

This comprehensive comparison is summarized below with performance ratings evaluated from my hands-on testing and real-world results.

Who Should Consider the Panasonic FH1?

• Budget-conscious buyers who want a very affordable, pocketable camera.
• Casual shooters primarily focused on daylight photography.
• Travelers valuing the smallest footprint and simplicity.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight
• Easy to use for beginners
• Optical stabilization included
• 5x zoom covers common focal lengths

Cons:

• Soft image quality, especially in low light
• No manual exposure control
• Limited video capabilities (720p max)
• No raw shooting or advanced autofocus features

Who Should Opt for the Panasonic FX700?

• Enthusiasts desiring better image quality and more creative freedom.
• Photographers who want manual controls including aperture and shutter priority.
• Users who value Full HD video and higher frame rate continuous shooting.
• Travel and street shooters needing versatility and a good zoom range.

Pros:

• Higher resolution 14MP CMOS sensor
• Brighter lens with wider angle (24mm)
• Full manual controls and manual focus
• 1080p 60fps video in AVCHD format
• Faster burst speed (10 fps)
• Touchscreen for easier navigation

Cons:

• Larger and heavier than FH1
• No face/eye detection autofocus
• No RAW shooting support
• No weather sealing

Final Verdict: Balancing Portability, Features, and Image Quality

The Panasonic FH1 and FX700 occupy distinct places in the small sensor compact category. While the FH1 excels in simplicity and cost, the FX700 steps up with significantly improved imaging and creative tools.

If your priority is a true beginner camera or a straightforward travel snapshot device, the FH1 delivers acceptably within a tight budget. However, for enthusiasts who want more control over their images, higher resolution, and quality video recording, the FX700 is the clear winner.

Neither addresses professional needs fully, especially with no RAW support or advanced autofocus, but the FX700 offers a bridge toward more serious photography within a compact package.

I trust this analysis helps you understand the practical differences beyond just specs. If you want further details on testing methodology or specific sample images under various conditions, feel free to reach out.

Happy shooting!

Appendix: Visual Resources Recap

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• Panasonic FH1 front Panasonic FH1 screen back Panasonic FX700 front Panasonic FX700 screen back