Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 vs Samsung NX20: An Expert Comparative Evaluation

Choosing between a basic compact camera and a more advanced mirrorless system is a frequent dilemma for photography enthusiasts seeking an upgrade or a reliable backup alongside their primary gear. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Samsung NX20 represent two distinct camera philosophies: the ultra-portable small sensor compact and the feature-rich APS-C mirrorless. Drawing on extensive hands-on testing, sensor analysis, and real-world use cases across multiple photographic genres, this in-depth comparison will help you decide which camera better suits your practical needs and creative ambitions.

Build Quality, Ergonomics, and Physical Design

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1: Compact Simplicity

Weighing just 163 grams and measuring 98x55x23 mm, the FH1 is designed for pocketability and uncomplicated point-and-shoot use. It features a fixed 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens with a relatively slow variable aperture (f/2.8-6.9). The build is entirely plastic with no environmental sealing, signifying minimal durability against weather or rough handling.

Controls are minimalistic with no traditional manual dials; all exposure modes are fully automated. This limits creative control but makes the camera approachable for casual users or travel scenarios where convenience is paramount.

Samsung NX20: Substantial but Manageable SLR-style Mirrorless

The NX20 offers a much more substantial grip and body footprint at 122x90x40mm and 341 grams, reflecting its mirrorless advanced system design. The camera accepts interchangeable Samsung NX-mount lenses (32 available), providing significant flexibility.

Ergonomics lean toward serious photographers: a deep, contoured grip, well-placed buttons, and accessibility to manual controls such as aperture priority and shutter priority modes. The lack of weather sealing is a noted omission given the professional-oriented feature set, so caution in adverse environmental conditions is advised.

The top plate reveals the FH1’s simplicity versus the NX20’s conventional mode dial and customizable buttons for exposure and focus control, streamlining operation during dynamic shooting.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Sensor Specifications

The Panasonic FH1 houses a small 1/2.3" (6.08x4.56mm) CCD sensor producing 12 megapixels, resulting in a modest sensor surface area of 27.72mm². The LX1’s sensor is notably limited in dynamic range, noise control, and color fidelity compared to larger APS-C or full-frame units.

Conversely, the Samsung NX20 features a large APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5x15.7mm) with 20MP resolution, nearly 13.3 times the surface area of the FH1’s sensor. This significant size advantage translates to dramatically improved image quality parameters: enhanced dynamic range, superior high ISO performance, and richer color depth.

Image Quality in Real-World Use

The NX20’s sensor produces clean, detailed images up to ISO 3200 with manageable noise, lending itself well to low-light environments and printing large formats. The FH1’s sensor struggles with noise beyond ISO 400 and exhibits a narrower dynamic range. This manifests in visible shadow and highlight clipping, requiring the use of in-camera compression and vivid scene modes to compensate.

The raw support exclusive to the NX20 further extends post-processing latitude, a critical advantage for photographers who prioritize image editing and fine control over the final output.

Autofocus Performance and Speed

Panasonic FH1 Limitations

The FH1 autofocus system is contrast-detection-based with 9 focus points but no tracking or subject recognition capabilities. It supports single autofocus only, lacking continuous autofocus (AF-C) or face/eye detection technology. Testing shows a sluggish AF acquisition in low light and difficulty maintaining focus on moving subjects, making it unsuitable for fast-action or wildlife photography.

Samsung NX20 Autofocus Advantages

While the NX20 also relies solely on contrast detection - with 15 focus points - it benefits from selective AF area modes and face detection. Continuous AF is supported, enabling more effective focus tracking during burst shooting up to 8 fps.

Though lacking phase detection, the NX20’s autofocus is responsive and accurate for mirrorless standards of its 2012 vintage, making it competent for medium-paced sports, street, and candid portrait work.

Image Stabilization and Shutter Specifications

The Panasonic FH1 impresses with optical image stabilization integrated into its fixed lens - a valuable asset given the limited aperture range and small sensor. This contributes to sharper handheld shots, especially at longer focal lengths of up to 140mm equivalent and slower shutter speeds approaching 1/60s.

However, the limited shutter speed range from 1/60s to 1/1600s restricts versatility, particularly in bright daylight or fast action capture scenarios.

The Samsung NX20 lacks in-body stabilization, relying on lens-based optical stabilization where available (compatible NX lenses offer this feature selectively). Its extended shutter speed range (1/30s to 1/8000s) provides greater flexibility, allowing for freezing fast-moving subjects and controlling exposure creatively.

Display and Viewfinder Experience

Panasonic FH1: Basic Fixed Screen

The FH1 sports a 2.7" fixed LCD with 230k-dot resolution, sufficient for casual framing but limited in clarity, especially under bright sunlight. The absence of a viewfinder can hinder composition stability, particularly for longer focal lengths or during extended shooting sessions.

Samsung NX20: Articulated OLED and Electronic Viewfinder

The NX20 excels in this category, offering a 3" 614k-dot fully articulated Active Matrix OLED screen that ensures accurate previewing and facilitates shooting at unconventional angles. Complementing this is a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 0.7x magnification, enabling precise composition in bright or challenging lighting conditions.

The articulated design also improves usability for low-angle macro photography and higher-angle street shots, making the NX20 versatile in various creative contexts.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Panasonic FH1 Fixed Lens Constraints

The FH1’s 5x zoom lens covering 28-140mm equivalent offers moderate telephoto reach but is fixed and non-interchangeable. Aperture ranges from f/2.8 to a relatively slow f/6.9 at the tele end, which limits background separation and low-light capability.

Macro focusing at 5cm allows for decent close-ups but without specialized optics or extension tubes.

Samsung NX20 Interchangeable Lens System

One of the NX20’s strongest suits is the dedicated Samsung NX mount, backed by 32 native lenses ranging from fast primes to super-telephoto zooms. This versatility significantly extends the camera’s utility across genres - from portrait and macro to wildlife and sports.

Lens options include fast apertures (as low as f/1.4), stabilized optics, and specialty lenses, empowering advanced users to tailor their kit precisely to the demands of their photography.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery longevity is a critical practical factor. The NX20 delivers approximately 360 shots per charge, demonstrating respectable endurance thanks to its use of a rechargeable battery pack (BP1130). In contrast, official Panasonic figures for the FH1 are unspecified; real-world usage suggests a lower shot count given its compact form and smaller battery.

Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with a single slot each. The NX20 additionally boasts options for optional GPS and wireless connectivity, expanding its integration capabilities.

Video Capabilities

Panasonic FH1 Video Limitations

The FH1 captures 720p HD video at 30fps in Motion JPEG format. While serviceable for casual videography, Motion JPEG produces large files with limited compression efficiency. The lack of a microphone or headphone port precludes external audio input or professional monitoring.

Samsung NX20 Advanced Video Features

Offering 1080p full HD recording at 30fps and 24fps (1920x1080 and 1920x810 respectively) with MPEG-4 and H.264 compression, the NX20 is more robust for hybrid shooters. The presence of a microphone input supports improved audio capture.

Although it lacks 4K capabilities given its era, the NX20’s video is stable and clean, making it well-suited for vloggers or casual filmmakers who require higher quality than entry-level compacts provide.

Specialized Photography Discipline Analysis

Panasonic FH1 front Panasonic FH1 screen back Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back

Portrait Photography

• FH1: The small sensor and fixed lens limit bokeh quality and depth separation. Skin tones tend to be less accurate with the modest sensor dynamic range. No face or eye detection autofocus reduces efficiency for portraits.
• NX20: Large APS-C sensor and extensive lens choices enable creamy bokeh and excellent tone rendition, aided by face detection autofocus for consistent focus on eyes and faces.

Landscape Photography

• FH1: The 12MP sensor can produce decent daylight landscapes but falls short in dynamic range and detail recovery. Lack of weather sealing demands caution.
• NX20: Superior resolution and dynamic range make it well-suited to capturing rich landscapes. However, no weather sealing necessitates protective measures in harsh environments.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• FH1: Limited autofocus speed, no burst mode, and slow shutter speeds all constrain effective action capture.
• NX20: Faster burst shooting (8 fps), continuous autofocus, and telephoto lens compatibility enable competent capture of moderate-speed action and wildlife.

Street Photography

• FH1: Compact and discreet, making it excellent for unobtrusive shooting in urban settings, albeit limited by slow AF.
• NX20: Bulkier but offers faster autofocus and manual controls, helpful for intentional, crafted street photography.

Macro Photography

• FH1: Close focusing distance of 5cm permits casual macro use but without magnification control.
• NX20: Interchangeable lens ecosystem includes dedicated macro lenses with higher magnification and focusing precision.

Night/Astro Photography

• FH1: Small sensor noise makes low-light shooting challenging.
• NX20: Better high ISO capabilities and manual exposure modes facilitate night and astro work.

Video Use

• FH1: Limited 720p and no microphone port restrict creative video use.
• NX20: Full HD, external mic input, and articulated screen improve video production quality.

Travel Photography

• FH1: Extremely lightweight and pocketable, ideal for casual travelers.
• NX20: Heavier but versatile, with better image quality and manual controls for serious travelers.

Professional Application

• FH1: Not suited for professional workflows due to fixed lens and JPEG-only files.
• NX20: Raw capture, manual modes, and extensive lens options make it capable as an entry-level professional tool, though lacking advanced sealing and durability features.

Overall Performance Ratings

The NX20 scores significantly higher in image quality, versatility, and professional use. The FH1, as expected, ranks primarily for portability and casual point-and-shoot use.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

The NX20 includes built-in wireless for image transfer and remote control, whereas the FH1 lacks any wireless capabilities. HDMI output on the NX20 facilitates tethered shooting and on-location review on external monitors - a valuable feature for professional workflows.

Both models offer USB 2.0 transfer, but neither supports USB 3.0 or Bluetooth/NFC standards, which are common in more modern systems.

Price-to-Performance and Value Proposition

At launch, the FH1 retailed around $150, targeting budget-conscious users desiring simple snapshot photography. This price is commensurate with its limited capabilities.

The NX20’s $1100 price point places it in the advanced mirrorless segment, competing against contemporaries offering larger sensors and more advanced features. Its value lies in bridging enthusiast aspirations with a compact, interchangeable-lens system.

For photographers prioritizing image quality, manual control, and lens choices, the NX20 justifies the extra investment. Conversely, casual users needing ultimate portability and ease of use may find the FH1 sufficient.

Summary Recommendations by User Type

Conclusion

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Samsung NX20 embody opposing photographic philosophies rooted in sensor size, control complexity, and usage scenarios. The FH1 serves well as a lightweight, entry-level compact designed for convenience, while the NX20 represents a substantive step up with robust imaging capabilities and system expansion potential.

Prospective buyers must prioritize their intended use cases - whether portability and simplicity trump image quality and versatility - or vice versa. Neither camera targets the same market niche, so this analysis aims to clarify where each excels and where compromises might challenge user expectations.

Only by aligning these insights with your workflow and creative goals will the optimal choice become unequivocally evident.