Small Sensor Compact vs Large Sensor Superzoom: Panasonic FH1 versus Sony RX10 IV

Choosing a camera is a journey fraught with trade-offs. Do you prioritize portability and ease or rock-solid performance and versatility? Today, we pit two quite different beasts against each other: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 - a small sensor compact aimed at casual shooters - and the powerhouse Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV, a large sensor superzoom bridging the worlds of prosumer and professional bridge cameras. Having personally handled thousands of cameras over 15+ years, I can tell you upfront this is not an apples-to-apples comparison - but that's the point. Sometimes we need to ask whether scaling up in size and complexity is truly worth it.

First Impressions: Size and Ergonomics That Set the Tone

Pick up the Panasonic FH1, and you're greeted by something that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. It weighs a mere 163 grams and measures 98 x 55 x 23 mm - whisper-light and pocket-friendly. It’s ideal when you want no fuss, no muss.

In stark contrast, the Sony RX10 IV brings serious heft - 1095 grams and a chunky 133 x 94 x 145 mm dimension. That SLR-style body communicates ambition, promising operator control, weather sealing, and pro-level durability.

The camera you choose here signals your photographic intent. The FH1 is the carefree snapshooter’s companion, while the RX10 IV appeals to enthusiasts and pros demanding a tool ready for anything.

Design and Controls: Simplicity vs Command Center

Opening the hood from the top, the Panasonic FH1 is barebones - no dedicated mode dials, no exposure compensation buttons, no external control wheels for shutter or aperture. This is a camera designed around fixed automation. Its 5x zoom lens (28–140mm equivalent) offers decent flexibility, but you'll find that your creative control options are limited. If you like to fiddle with aperture-priority or shutter-priority modes, look elsewhere.

The Sony RX10 IV is a different story: manual exposures? Check. Physical dials for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation? Check, check, and check. With its 24–600mm (25x) zoom lens featuring a bright f/2.4–4 aperture range, it’s a control freak’s dream - if you like to wrestle with settings for the perfect shot, or need to tweak exposures rapidly in ever-changing lighting.

Sensor Technology - The Heart of Image Quality

The Panasonic FH1 employs a modest 12MP CCD sensor sized at 1/2.3”, measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm. This sensor size has significant ramifications: compact cameras with tiny sensors struggle with noise at higher ISOs and provide less dynamic range, leaving images looking flat or noisy in challenging light.

On the flip side, the Sony RX10 IV packs a larger 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with 20MP resolution. This sensor offers a substantially larger surface area (13.2 x 8.8 mm), hence greater light-gathering capability, better signal-to-noise ratio, and improved dynamic range. The back-illuminated (BSI) design further boosts sensitivity, resulting in cleaner low-light performance and smoother gradations in tonal transitions.

In practical terms, while the FH1’s images look adequate under good lighting, they quickly degrade in shadows or dim conditions. The RX10 IV, thanks to well-designed sensor electronics and superior processing (powered by Sony's Bionz X engine), preserves detail and color fidelity well even at ISO 3200 or higher, which is a game-changer if you shoot in varied or low-light environments.

Handling and Interface: Screens and Viewfinders Matter

Both cameras offer live view on rear screens, but their usability couldn’t be more different. Panasonic’s 2.7-inch fixed, low-resolution LCD (230k dots) lacks touchscreen capabilities and tilting. That’s fine for casual shooting but frustrating when trying to frame unconventional angles or preview focus.

Sony’s RX10 IV sports a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1,440k-dot resolution providing sharp, accurate previews and intuitive touch AF/allocation control. It also includes a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2,359k dots and 100% coverage that comes in handy outdoors or for precise manual focusing. I’ve lost count of how many times a good EVF made all the difference in composing under bright sun or tracking fast subjects.

Moreover, the RX10 IV’s broader interface is complemented by customizable buttons and a top screen augmenting quick access to key settings, which photographers who shoot in unpredictable environments will appreciate.

Autofocus: Waiting for Focus vs Lightning Fast Lock-On

The Panasonic FH1 employs simple contrast-detection AF with nine points but no face or eye detection, no tracking or continuous AF, and no phase-detect pixels - typical limitations in a 2010 compact camera. Expect hunting and sluggish response – fine for still life or snapshots but frustrating for anything moving.

Sony’s RX10 IV employs a hybrid autofocus system combining 315 focal-plane phase-detection points and contrast detection. The autofocus is frankly blistering - lock-on tracking with real-time eye AF, animal eye AF, and face detection. In my personal experience working with wildlife and sports, this AF system rarely lets me down even with fast-running subjects or erratic movement. Combined with 24 fps continuous shooting and buffered RAW shooting, this camera is built for action.

So if your photography involves subjects in motion - sports, wildlife, or kids at play - the RX10 IV’s AF system brings professional-grade responsiveness. The FH1… well, not so much.

Image Stabilization: A Necessity for Telephoto

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization, which is helpful at longer focal lengths.

The Panasonic FH1 sports a basic optical IS system, effective for general use but with limited correction capabilities - especially if you're zoomed in and shooting handheld in low light.

The Sony RX10 IV employs advanced optical stabilization, which I found to deliver steady handheld shots even at 600mm equivalent focal lengths. For videographers, it provides smooth footage devoid of annoying shake.

Video Capabilities: From Basic to Pro-Level

The FH1 shoots video capped at 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 fps saved as Motion JPEG, a dated and storage-heavy codec producing lower quality clips inferior to today’s standards. No microphone or headphone ports restrict the video maker’s control over audio quality.

Contrast that with the RX10 IV, which records 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at up to 30p using efficient codecs (XAVC S), full HD up to 60p, and offers professional features like microphone and headphone jacks for monitoring sound. Thanks to the Bionz X processor and advanced stabilization, video remains crisp and smooth, even through zoom transitions. This camera comfortably bridges stills and video workflows, catering well to hybrid shooters.

Lens Reach and Image Quality Expectations

With fixed lenses on both models, optical versatility hinges on focal range and aperture quality.

Panasonic FH1’s 28-140mm f/2.8–6.9 5x zoom is serviceable for crops and simple travel snaps but struggles to deliver silky bokeh due to smaller sensor and slow aperture at telephoto. Macro down to 5 cm is usable but relatively basic.

Sony RX10 IV’s 24-600mm f/2.4-4 constant-ish aperture zoom lens deserves praise for its sharpness, color rendition, and flexibility. The 25x zoom enables close wildlife shots and wide landscapes without swapping lenses. It also taps into a 3 cm macro focusing distance, allowing detailed close-ups. The bright aperture at the wide end aids low-light and depth control.

This single lens approach on the RX10 IV is close to an all-in-one solution for serious enthusiasts, unlike the tiny zoom range on the FH1, which limits compositional creativity.

Durability and Weather Sealing

The Panasonic FH1 does not offer weather, dust, or shock sealing. It’s a casual weekend shooter mostly sheltered from environment challenges.

The Sony RX10 IV features robust splash and dust resistance, designed to handle mid-level outdoor conditions photographers encounter during wildlife, landscape, or sports shoots. That reliability was very reassuring during fieldwork.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery specs aren’t detailed for the FH1, but its small size constrains battery capacity, yielding relatively low shot counts (usually a couple hundred shots per charge), coupled with internal and SD storage.

Sony’s RX10 IV uses a charming 400-shot lithium ion pack (NP-FW50), allowing a full day out shooting without panic. It supports SD and Memory Stick cards - not a big deal, but provides format flexibility.

Wireless and Connectivity

Connectivity is a no-contest winner: the Panasonic FH1 offers no wireless features or GPS.

The Sony RX10 IV incorporates built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and HDMI ports. These capabilities facilitate instant image transfer, remote control, and tethered shooting workflows demanded by professionals and social photographers alike.

Real-World Performance and Image Samples

Panasonic FH1 front Panasonic FH1 screen back Sony RX10 IV front Sony RX10 IV screen back

Looking at side-by-side images exemplifies the sensor and lens differences. The FH1’s images when taken near ISO 80 in daylight are decent enough for social sharing or casual prints but show rapid drop-offs in shadow detail and highlight roll-off.

The RX10 IV produces vibrant, crisp photos with impressive dynamic range, suitable for large prints or professional use. Its sharpness and color accuracy stand out, and the flexibility of focal length lets you frame subjects in various creative ways. I’ve used it extensively in demanding travel and nature shoots, appreciating its knack for delivering usable images without carrying a bagful of glass.

Specialized Photography Disciplines: Which Camera Suits What?

Portrait Photography

The Panasonic FH1 lacks face or eye detection autofocus and offers limited aperture control - so soft backgrounds and precise skin tone reproduction aren’t its strengths.
The RX10 IV’s eye AF, excellent face detection, and bright lens provide beautifully rendered portraits with creamy bokeh, especially at the wide end. It’s a tool that responds artistically and technically.

Landscape Photography

Panasonic’s smaller sensor means lower dynamic range and resolution (12MP), limiting large prints or aggressive post-processing. No weather sealing adds risk outdoors.
Sony shines here with better sensor area, excellent sharpness across zoom, and robust build quality resistant to elements. High-resolution 20MP files that respond well to HDR and panoramic workflows.

Wildlife Photography

FH1’s slow and unimpressive AF combined with modest zoom make wildlife attempts difficult.
RX10 IV’s rapid AF lock-on, 24 fps burst, and 600mm reach deliver powerful imagery - close to professional DSLR performance in a single package.

Sports Photography

Poor autofocus and limited frame rate of the FH1 limits action captures.
RX10 IV’s tracking AF, high fps, and large buffer excel in fast-action shooting, with robust, weather-sealed body able to handle outdoor conditions.

Street Photography

For candid street shots, FH1’s small size and pocketability give it a slight edge for discretion. However, lack of manual exposure modes limits creative use.
RX10 IV’s size is intrusive for street, but fast autofocus and high image quality deliver excellent results - albeit with more presence.

Macro Photography

FH1 macro focus at 5cm is rather limited in precision and magnification.
RX10 IV goes closer at 3cm with sharper detail and better focusing precision, making close-ups far more fulfilling.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensor, high noise on FH1 dampens night use.
Large sensor with higher native ISOs and sensitivity on RX10 IV provides cleaner shots under starlight, albeit still limited by superzoom lens design.

Video

FH1 capped at 720p with basic codec, no inputs - only very casual video work.
RX10 IV offers 4K UHD video, pro formats, audio jacks, and advanced stabilization - capable of professional or amateur cinematic output.

Travel Photography

FH1’s small size and lightweight are advantages for minimalists.
RX10 IV trades weight and bulk for vastly improved performance and flexibility, a true travel all-in-one zoom that can tackle diverse shooting scenarios.

Professional Work

FH1 is not suitable.
RX10 IV supports RAW output, robust control, reliable AF, and integration with pro workflows.

Price and Value: What Does Your Dollar Buy?

The Panasonic FH1 sits around $150 new-new (or less in used), offering an affordable entry into point-and-shoot photography, mainly for snapshots and family use.

The Sony RX10 IV, priced near $1700, demands a serious financial commitment - but rewards with versatility, performance, and advanced feature set rivaling much larger systems.

Value depends on your photography ambitions and budget. The FH1 remains a reasonable choice for absolute beginners or those needing pocket convenience without complex operation. However, if your interests extend into serious photography disciplines, the RX10 IV justifies its cost with enormous flexibility and support for demanding use.

Final Thoughts - Which One Fits Your Photography Soul?

After going through the specs, hands-on handling, image quality, and specialized uses, here’s my boiled-down recommendation:

• Choose the Panasonic FH1 if you want a simple, compact camera for casual photos, quick social sharing, and travel light days without lens changing or fiddly controls. It’s a beginner-friendly, low-stress option for snapshots and simple docs of life.
• Choose the Sony RX10 IV if you’re a serious enthusiast or pro who requires outstanding autofocus, image quality, zoom flexibility, robust build, and video capabilities in a single unit. It works well both as a primary all-in-one when you must pack light, or as a high-quality backup for demanding assignments.

In my 15 years of testing, the RX10 IV stands out as one of the finest superzoom cameras capable of bridging various shooting styles and conditions with aplomb. The Panasonic FH1, meanwhile, represents a bygone era of simple compacts - suited for nostalgia or very light use, but outpaced by today’s photographers’ demands.

Both cameras have their places, but they answer completely different questions.

I hope this analysis helps you clarify where you sit on the spectrum of camera needs. Whether you want to grab quick memories without fuss or tackle the wild, fast-paced world of advanced photography, choosing the right tool is key to enjoying the craft - and the Sony RX10 IV undeniably unlocks far more creative pathways if you’re ready to invest.

Happy shooting!