Panasonic FH2 vs Sony HX10V: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Compact Zoom Cameras

When diving into the realm of compact cameras with zoom capabilities, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V frequently enter discussions among enthusiasts seeking travel-friendly, versatile imaging tools. Though their announcements are separated by just over a year, these two models represent two distinct design philosophies, imaging technologies, and user experiences from their era.

Having spent time in the field with both - snapping portraits, chasing wildlife in parks, hiking rugged landscapes, and even dabbling in nighttime urban photography - I’m here to share a comprehensive, head-to-head look at their performance, features, and suitability across a broad spectrum of photographic genres. Let’s unpack what makes each stand out… and where compromises show.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Size, Shape, and Handling

Right out of the gate, these cameras immediately reveal their differing intentions in the flesh-and-metal department.

The Panasonic FH2 is distinctly petite and streamlined - a true pocket-friendly compact. Its dimensions of 94x54x19 mm and weight around 121 grams make it exceptionally easy to slip into a coat pocket or small bag. The sleek minimalist body design seems aimed at casual shooters prioritizing portability above all.

In contrast, the Sony HX10V measures 105x60x34 mm and weighs nearly double at 234 grams. This heft isn’t just bulk; it reflects a more robust grip and the added complexity of its superzoom optic, along with a longer battery life. Ergonomically, the HX10V’s size supports steadier handheld shots especially with longer telephoto ranges, and the control layout feels more deliberate as we’ll discuss below.

While neither camera offers a dedicated viewfinder, their pocketability versus handling tradeoff is a classic compact camera design tension: do you want stealth and ultra-light portability, or a bit more bulk for better hold and zoom power?

Control Panels and Usability: Quickly Getting Your Shot

Put your fingers on a camera, and you can read its intentions. That’s why I always turn my attention to top plates and button layouts during testing.

Here, the Panasonic FH2 opts for simplicity: a handful of buttons around a mode dial, very basic, no manual exposure control or priority options. This speaks to its casual user target - point and shoot with a touch of creativity via scene modes but no fiddling with apertures or shutters. Even the zoom lever is compact.

Meanwhile, Sony’s HX10V offers a much more feature-rich interface: a sizable mode dial with manual exposure, exposure compensation, and other semi-advanced controls. Its shutter button nestles comfortably in the grip. This arrangement naturally supports photographers who want direct access to manual modes and fine-tune control on the fly - perfect for enthusiasts who crave adaptability in changing lighting or subject conditions.

Both cameras lack touchscreens, but the HX10V’s larger 3-inch display with 922k dot resolution - versus the FH2’s modest 2.7-inch 230k dot fixed screen - makes framing and reviewing images on location far easier and less of a sore thumb moment. This technological edge affects real-world compositional precision quite a bit.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Zoom Range: The Heart of the Matter

Perhaps the most pivotal differences lie in sensor and lens technology, both shaping final image quality deeply.

Both cameras use 1/2.3-inch sensors, a common compact size. The Panasonic FH2’s sensor is CCD-based, clocking 14 megapixels. CCD sensors historically excel in color rendition and noise control under moderate ISOs but often trail CMOS sensors in speed and high ISO performance.

Sony’s HX10V sports an 18-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) sensor. This newer sensor generation tends to deliver improved low-light sensitivity, faster readouts, and better dynamic range. The difference in pixel count also translates into slightly higher detail capture potential.

The fixed lenses define the zoom capabilities: the FH2 spans a 28-112mm equivalent, a 4x zoom ideal for everyday snapshots but limited reach for distant subjects. The HX10V, meanwhile, boasts a massive 24-400mm equivalent - 16.7x zoom - extending from wide-angle landscapes to lengthy telephoto wildlife capture.

A wider aperture at the wide end favors the Panasonic (F3.1 vs F3.3 on the Sony), but as zoom lengthens, aperture narrows on both toward around F6. The larger zoom range coupled with sharper optics and image stabilization in the HX10V lays a clear advantage in versatility.

Both include optical image stabilization to counter hand shake, a must given their sensor sizes and zoom ranges.

Autofocus and Performance: Tracking Your Subjects

Understanding autofocus (AF) systems is critical for many users, especially those into active photography like sports or wildlife.

The Panasonic FH2 employs contrast-detection AF with 11 focus points and basic face detection. Its single-shot AF speed is moderate, and continuous AF for moving subjects is limited in effectiveness. Burst shooting caps at 4 fps - enough for casual moments but not action bursts.

Sony’s HX10V uses contrast detection with 9 focus points plus face detection and center-weighted metering. Autofocus performs more responsively, especially given its BIONZ processor muscle, though it too lacks phase detection for ultimate speed. Importantly, continuous AF and tracking keep pace better with moving subjects, and burst mode can reach up to 10 fps for brief spurts - an advantage when capturing quick wildlife or sports moments.

From hands-on testing in a local park, I found the HX10V’s AF far more likely to lock sharply on fluttering birds or shifting athletes, whereas the FH2 often lagged and hunted focus more noticeably.

Versatility by Photography Genre

Let’s now examine how these cameras stand up across specific photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

Skin tones and pleasing bokeh require good lens optics and sensor color accuracy.

The FH2’s CCD sensor renders pleasant color saturation with slightly warmer hues, which can flatter typical skin tone capture. However, its limited zoom and maximum aperture constrain depth-of-field control - soft backgrounds are achievable but limited.

Sony’s HX10V, with its longer focal reach and improved sensor, captures portraits with more detail and subtle tonal gradations. Its wider 24mm wide end aids environmental portraits, while longer telephoto lengths offer better subject isolation, albeit aperture narrowing somewhat restricts creamy bokeh.

Both cameras feature face detection AF, which I found reliable on the HX10V; the FH2’s face detection occasionally missed in lower light.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters prize resolution, dynamic range, and protection from elements.

The HX10V’s resolution edge (18MP vs 14MP) means finer details in expansive vistas. Its BSI sensor also yields better noise performance at low ISOs, helping with shaded or twilight scenes.

Both cameras lack weather sealing, which limits use in harsh conditions; that’s expected given their segments.

The FH2’s in-camera processing tends to smooth shadows but deliver punchier contrast, sometimes at the expense of washed-out skies. The HX10V produces more balanced exposures and nuanced shadow detail but can require post-processing to boost vibrancy.

Wildlife Photography

Long reach and fast AF define wildlife capture capabilities.

Sony’s 400 mm reach is a clear winner, allowing distant animals to fill the frame from afar. Combined with 10 fps burst and continuous AF tracking, it offers modest but respectable wildlife potential.

The Panasonic’s 112 mm maximum zoom limits wildlife framing to closer encounters or cropping in post. Coupled with slower AF, this camera is better suited for casual nature shots.

Sports Photography

Rapid-firing cameras with accurate AF and good sensitivity excel here.

Sony’s burst mode at 10 fps, paired with decent AF tracking accuracy, gives it a slight edge for freezing fast action rather than relying on luck.

Panasonic’s 4 fps and slower AF make it less ideal for sports, more for static or slow-moving moments.

Street Photography

Discretion, portability, and competence in varied light matter.

The Panasonic FH2’s miniature body makes it the more unobtrusive companion for candid street shooting.

However, the HX10V’s sharper images, wider zoom, and superior low-light capability make it a versatile street cam when discretion is less critical.

Both cameras’ quiet operation supports stealth photography, though neither offers silent shutter.

Macro Photography

Close-focus distance is essential for macro work.

Both cameras focus down to 5 cm, allowing decent close-ups of flowers and small objects. Optical stabilization helps counter hand-shake at such distances.

The HX10V’s sharper optics and higher resolution translate into crisper detail in close-up shots.

Night and Astro Photography

Low light noise handling and long exposure options are key here.

Sony’s BSI CMOS sensor affords better high ISO performance, helping to capture stars and city lights with less grain.

The Panasonic’s CCD sensor limitations and lower max ISO (6400 vs 12800) restrict night shooting somewhat. Its lack of manual exposure control further hampers long exposures.

Neither camera offers bulb mode, limiting exposure duration flexibility important for astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

Video quality and features are increasingly expected in all compacts.

Panasonic FH2 records HD video at 1280x720p at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format - okay for basic clips but not optimized for smoothness or file efficiency.

Sony HX10V outputs full HD 1080p at 60 fps in AVCHD and MPEG-4, delivering smoother, more professional-looking video.

Neither supports external mic or headphone ports, limiting audio input control.

Image stabilization aids video recording on both, but the HX10V’s more powerful sensor and processor give crisper, less noisy footage overall.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized protection.

The Panasonic FH2’s primarily plastic construction feels light but less durable under heavy use. The Sony HX10V’s heft suggests a more solid chassis but still lacks environmental protection.

Both cameras lack shockproof, crushproof, or freezeproof ratings, meaning users should handle them with care outdoors.

Battery Life and Storage

Sony edges Panasonic slightly here.

The HX10V’s NP-BG1 battery rated for about 320 shots per charge versus the FH2’s 270 shots means more coverage in the field.

Both cameras rely on battery packs rather than AA cells.

Storage-wise, both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. Sony also supports Memory Stick Duo variants, adding some flexibility for users embedded in Sony ecosystems.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity options remain basic.

Panasonic FH2 offers USB 2.0 only, with no Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, or GPS.

Sony HX10V includes built-in GPS and Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility - invaluable for travel shooters wanting geotagging and effortless image transfer.

An HDMI port on the Sony facilitates direct TV viewing, absent on Panasonic.

Image Samples and Real-World Results

I captured sample galleries using both cameras in a variety of scenarios.

Panasonic FH2 front Panasonic FH2 screen back Sony HX10V front Sony HX10V screen back

Examining crops:

• Panasonic FH2 delivers pleasing everyday snapshots with adequate detail and color, excellent for casual family and travel photos.

• Sony HX10V images show finer detail, more dynamic range, and cleaner shadows, especially when zoomed in.

Low-light images from the HX10V exhibit less noise and better retention of shadow detail.

Portraits from the Panasonic tend to feature softer backgrounds but sometimes lack punch and sharpness.

Performance Ratings and Verdict

Based on extensive hands-on evaluation including metrics and subjective assessment, here is a summarizing scorecard:

The Sony HX10V leads in almost every category: image quality, zoom range, autofocus, and video capability.

Panasonic FH2 trails as a highly portable, budget-friendly compact with easy handling for beginners.

For genre-specific strengths, here’s a breakdown:

Practical Recommendations for Buyers

Choose the Panasonic Lumix FH2 if:

• You want a truly pocketable camera for casual shooting and snapshots.

• You primarily shoot in good light and prefer straightforward, point-and-shoot simplicity.

• Your budget is tight and you don’t need advanced zoom or video.

• Discretion and minimal weight top your priority list, such as for street photography.

Opt for the Sony Cyber-shot HX10V if:

• You seek a versatile compact with superzoom range (24-400mm) to cover diverse subjects - landscapes, wildlife, travel.

• You want better image quality and low-light performance from a BSI CMOS sensor.

• Manual exposure control and faster continuous shooting matter in your work.

• You shoot a lot of HD video and value GPS tagging.

• Budget is flexible, and you prefer an enthusiast-friendly feature set.

Final Thoughts: What I Learned Testing These Compacts

Testing the Panasonic FH2 and Sony HX10V side-by-side reaffirmed how even small sensor compacts vary widely in capability and user experience. The FH2’s simplicity and portability make it a solid grab-and-go companion for novices or as a secondary camera. The HX10V, by contrast, brings more power and flexibility that can satisfy serious enthusiasts on a budget or travelers who demand reach and quality without lugging bulkier gear.

For those hunting their first zoom compact, the choice boils down to priorities - do you prize ease and pocketability or do you want zoom reach, faster AF, and richer image detail? Both have merits, but the HX10V’s broader feature set and superior sensor technology raise the bar distinctly.

In conclusion, this compact camera comparison illustrates the evolution and tradeoffs in small sensor camera design. For today’s buyers, understanding these nuances is critical to an informed purchase - whether you’re preserving memories on vacation, tackling diverse photographic disciplines, or just looking to experiment with accessible gear.

Selecting the right camera is ultimately about matching the tool to your vision, shooting style, and budget. I hope this deep dive helps you navigate that decision with confidence.

Happy shooting!