Panasonic FH2 vs Sony RX1: A Tale of Two Compacts for Distinct Photographers

When it comes to compact cameras, the spectrum is wide: everything from entry-level point-and-shoots to high-end large sensor compacts designed to challenge DSLRs in image quality. Today, I’ve placed two very different cameras under the microscope - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2, a modestly priced small sensor compact released in early 2011, and the quite different Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1, a flagship compact with a full-frame sensor launched in 2013.

With significantly different target users and price points, this isn’t an apples-to-apples fight - but rather a study in contrasts, showcasing what the compact camera segment has to offer from budget to professional-grade tools, and how each stacks up in the field for varying photography disciplines. I’ve spent many hours testing both, so let’s get down to the nuts and bolts.

A Matter of Size and Handling: Ergonomics From Pocketable to Heftier Precision

Handling and physical attributes are often overlooked but form a pivotal part of the user experience. The Panasonic FH2 is designed to be genuinely pocketable and straightforward, while the Sony RX1 is bulkier, prioritizing image quality and handling over ultra-compactness.

The Panasonic FH2 measures a svelte 94 x 54 x 19 mm and weighs a mere 121 grams. Its slim, almost candy-bar shape makes it a natural grab-and-go camera - slip it in the pocket or a small purse and forget about it. This size advantage makes the FH2 highly attractive for casual shooters and travelers prioritizing minimal bulk. However, the small body also translates to a more modest grip and limited control surface, which we'll touch on shortly.

The Sony RX1, on the other hand, is significantly larger and heavier at 113 x 65 x 70 mm and 482 grams - almost four times the FH2’s heft. The reason? The RX1 houses a full-frame sensor and a fast, high-performance Zeiss 35mm f/2 fixed lens in a solid metal chassis engineered for a DSLR-like grip and feel. It’s still a compact camera but with handling closer to a serious enthusiast model than a point-and-shoot.

The size jump is dictated by the engineering required to house a large sensor and quality optics. For photographers who want the convenience of a compact without compromising control or build quality, the RX1’s bulk is justified - but it’s certainly not for those wanting a slick pocket camera.

Control Surfaces and User Interface: Intuitive or Minimalist?

Build quality and control ergonomics vary dramatically and directly affect how quickly you can work with each camera.

The Panasonic FH2’s top layout is clean but sparse. It offers a mode dial with basic point-and-shoot modes (auto, scene selections) but lacks dedicated manual exposure controls such as aperture or shutter priority. The limited control options reflect its beginner-friendly philosophy: no manual focus ring, no customizable buttons, and a small 2.7-inch fixed LCD with low resolution (230k dots). Exposure compensation and white balance controls are notably absent or rudimentary. On the plus side, the camera does include optical image stabilization - a welcome addition to counteract hand shake in photos and video.

In contrast, the Sony RX1 features a more sophisticated top layout. Dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation allow advanced users rapid access to essential settings - crucial for deliberate photography. The ergonomics are solid with pronounced grip contours. The LCD is a 3-inch "Xtra Fine TFT LCD" with a high-resolution 1,229k pixels for crisp image review. Both manual focus and autofocus modes are available, complete with 25 focus points and face detection, offering greater precision and creative control. For flash, the RX1 has a built-in, higher-range flash and accepts external flash units via hot shoe – important for professionals or enthusiasts seeking lighting control.

It’s clear that the RX1 is built with photography craftsmanship and technical users in mind. The FH2 is better suited for point-and-shoot simplicity but may frustrate users craving control.

Sensor Technology and Fundamental Image Quality: Small Sensor Versus Full Frame

Let’s dive beneath the chassis - the sensor is the heart of any camera, dictating dynamic range, low light prowess, color depth, and resolution.

The Panasonic FH2 employs a modest 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, measuring about 6.08 x 4.56 mm - typical for entry-level compacts. At 14 megapixels, it offers decent resolution for prints or web sharing at modest sizes. However, the sensor area (~28 mm²) is tiny compared to the Sony RX1’s impressive full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 35.8 x 23.8 mm, spanning 852 mm² - nearly 30 times larger in area.

Sensor size differences translate directly into image quality differences, especially regarding light gathering and noise control. The RX1’s 24 MP full-frame sensor delivers exceptional dynamic range (~14.3 EV) and color depth (25.1 bits), resulting in vibrant, richly detailed images with smooth tonal gradations even at high ISO settings.

The FH2’s small sensor struggles with dynamic range, saturation, and noise - especially when venturing beyond ISO 400. Its CCD technology, while respectable in 2011, cannot match the modern CMOS on the RX1 in low-light environments or achieving subtle color reproduction.

The RX1 also supports RAW capture, exposing retainment and post-processing flexibility crucial for advanced workflows, while the FH2 is limited to JPEG only. This is a significant consideration for professionals or enthusiasts who want control over their image development.

In short, the RX1 has a clear technical advantage in sensor quality that shows up in real-world images as increased detail, better color fidelity, and cleaner images across all conditions.

LCD Rear Display and Viewfinder Options: Critical for Composition and Review

A camera’s display quality and viewfinder presence impact usability, particularly in bright daylight or challenging shooting conditions.

The Panasonic FH2 sports a fixed 2.7-inch LCD with 230,000 dots resolution - a basic panel that struggles under strong sunlight and delivers modest color accuracy. It’s serviceable for casual framing and reviewing images but lacks the clarity or responsiveness of modern screens. There is no integrated viewfinder, electronic or optical, limiting usability in bright conditions.

The Sony RX1 raises the bar with a larger 3-inch 1.2 million dot "Xtra Fine TFT LCD." The display delivers bright, sharp, and color-accurate previews, which is invaluable when critically analyzing exposure and detail on the fly.

While the RX1 does not include a built-in viewfinder by default, Sony offers an optional external electronic and optical viewfinder, which couples with the camera via a hot shoe mount. For professionals accustomed to composing through an eyepiece, this option significantly enhances shooting comfort, stability, and accuracy, especially in bright or dynamic settings.

The FH2’s lack of a viewfinder combined with its screen limitations restricts it mostly to casual photographers shooting in favorable conditions.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Ability

Autofocus systems have rapidly evolved, and these two cameras show a gulf in sophistication.

The Panasonic FH2 employs a contrast-detection autofocus with 11 focus points and some face detection. It supports touch autofocus via its screen, but lacks manual focus control or advanced tracking modes. The autofocus is passable for static subjects but can hunt or hesitate on moving targets, limiting its use for action or wildlife.

By contrast, the Sony RX1’s system also uses contrast detection but has 25 focus points, center-weighted metering, spot focusing, and face detection. While not sporting the fastest autofocus by today’s mirrorless standards, it is tuned for deliberate precision. The RX1 supports manual focusing via a well-damped focus ring for fine control, an advantage for macro or portrait shooters who want pinpoint focus. Autofocus tracking and selective area autofocus provide flexibility missing in the FH2.

Shooting speed also differs due to processing power and buffer size: the FH2 offers 4 fps burst shooting at 14 MP, sufficient for casual use, while the RX1 can shoot 5 fps, a minor edge but with larger files and more refined buffering.

When shooting sports or wildlife, neither is cutting-edge, but the RX1’s superior focusing options and build quality make it better suited for such tasks compared to the FH2’s modest system.

Built for the Elements? Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera claims weather sealing or ruggedized construction, and both should be used cautiously in adverse weather. The Panasonic FH2 is no more protected than an average pocket camera, while the RX1’s metal body offers a sturdier feel but no official sealing.

Weather resistance matters for photographers in unpredictable conditions or outdoor disciplines like landscape or wildlife photography. Here, the RX1 has the advantage of build quality and optional accessories for protection, but both fall short of professional ruggedness standards.

Lens Design and Optics: Versatility Versus Image Quality

Lens selection and performance are paramount. Both cameras feature fixed lenses, eliminating lens swapping, so the focal length and optical quality define handling and output characteristics.

• Panasonic FH2: 28-112mm equivalent (4x zoom), variable aperture F3.1-6.5
• Sony RX1: 35mm fixed prime, bright F2.0 aperture

The FH2’s zoom lens offers flexibility and convenience, covering wide-angle to medium telephoto - great for casual zoom framing or travel snapshots. However, the modest maximum aperture restricts shallow depth-of-field control and low-light effectiveness. Optical quality here is consistent with inexpensive compact zooms: adequate but soft towards the edges and generally uninspiring bokeh.

The RX1’s fixed 35mm Zeiss Sonnar lens is outstanding optically. The bright f/2 aperture enables beautiful subject isolation with creamy bokeh, critical for portraits and artistic imagery. The prime lens dictates a specific shooting style but rewards with sharpness, contrast, and flare resistance that set it apart from typical compacts or zooms.

Image Samples Reveal Strengths and Limitations in Real Life

To see these cameras’ varying strengths in practice, I compared a set of sample images across genres.

Panasonic FH2 front Panasonic FH2 screen back Sony RX1 front Sony RX1 screen back

The Panasonic FH2 produces clean images under strong daylight with decent color balance and pleasing skin tones at base ISO. However, zooming in reveals softness, noise at higher ISO, and limited dynamic range leading to blown highlights or blocked shadows in high-contrast scenes.

The Sony RX1’s images are strikingly detailed and rich. Skin textures and fine details in fabrics or leaves are preserved impeccably, with deep saturation and fantastic tonal gradation even in challenging lighting. Low light shots also maintain texture with very little noise, highlighting the sensor’s superiority.

Performance Ratings: Overall and Genre-Specific Analysis

Let’s step back and look at holistic performance evaluations to see where each camera shines or stumbles.

Clearly, the Sony RX1 dominates in overall score, reflecting its advanced sensor tech, build quality, and flexibility. The Panasonic FH2 delivers commendable value but is best considered an entry-level compact.

• Portraits: RX1 wins hands down – skin tones, bokeh, and manual focus elevate results. FH2 is limited by lens and sensor.
• Landscape: RX1 offers superior resolution and dynamic range, but FH2’s zoom could be handy for casual scenes.
• Wildlife and Sports: Neither excels due to slower AF and frame rates; RX1’s better control makes it a marginally stronger choice.
• Street Photography: FH2’s size is an advantage; RX1’s louder shutter and bulk can be a hindrance.
• Macro: RX1 enables better detail and selective focus; FH2’s 5cm macro focus distance is okay but limited.
• Night / Astro: RX1’s low-light ISO performance trumps FH2 decisively.
• Video: RX1 supports 1080p at up to 60fps and mic input; FH2 maxes at 720p and lacks external audio.
• Travel: FH2’s portability and zoom suit travelers wanting convenience; RX1 suits those prioritizing quality with manageable size.
• Professional Work: The RX1’s RAW, precise controls, and robust output make it viable for pros; the FH2 is not.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Everyday Practicalities

Both cameras use proprietary battery packs with battery life rated at 270 shots - modest endurance for modern use, requiring spares for longer excursions.

Storage-wise, both feature an SD card slot; the RX1 also supports Memory Stick formats, offering some flexibility for Sony users.

The RX1 includes an HDMI port and microphone input, easing integration into professional video workflows. It also supports Eye-Fi wireless cards for image transfer but lacks built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signaling a pre-smartphone era calibration.

The Panasonic FH2 is more barebones in connectivity - no HDMI, no wireless, only USB 2.0.

Value and Pricing: What Are You Really Buying?

Price often determines which camera fits your budget and needs.

• The Panasonic FH2 launched at ~$150, targeting budget-conscious users seeking an easy, dependable point-and-shoot. Its modest specs fit that price, making it a bargain if you want a lightweight, straightforward vacation or street camera.

• The Sony RX1 retails around $2,800, firmly in premium territory for a compact. What are you paying for? Unmatched full-frame image quality in a pocketable form, Zeiss lens excellence, and manual control - what some call the “dream compact” for serious photographers who want a DSLR-caliber tool without bulk.

Drawing the Line: Which Camera Is Right for You?

My testing experience underlines that these are fundamentally different beasts:

• If you want a simple, pocket-friendly camera for snapshots, travel, and casual shooting - and you’re on a budget - the Panasonic FH2 is a solid, no-frills choice. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and versatile in zoom range, but it won’t impress beyond basic shooting scenarios.

• If image quality, exceptional portraits, and creative control matter most - and you’re prepared to invest - the Sony RX1 is a standout. Its full-frame sensor and brilliant lens deliver premium images that even professionals can rely on in many contexts. Handling and ergonomics cater to more deliberate and skilled photographers.

Final Thoughts: Compact Cameras at Different Ends of the Spectrum

My time with these two cameras has been illuminating. The Panasonic FH2 reminds me of an accessible, friendly beginner’s tool - the perfect everyday companion for those who prefer point-and-shoot convenience over complex settings.

In contrast, the Sony RX1 feels like a precision instrument crafted for photographers who demand groundbreaking image quality in a compact body and don’t mind paying a premium for it. It’s a camera that invites thoughtful composition and rewards patience with exquisite results.

Choosing between them depends on your priorities: portability and simplicity or uncompromising quality and control. Both serve a purpose - presenting unique advantages tailored to their intended audience. As ever, the best camera is the one that fits your photographic vision and spurs you on to create.

Happy shooting!