Panasonic FH20 vs Sony W380: A Hands-On Comparison of 2010’s Compact Contenders

Choosing a compact camera in 2010 meant balancing features, portability, and image quality - often within tight budgets. Today, we take a deep dive into two noteworthy offerings from that era: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W380. Both targeted casual shooters and entry-level enthusiasts seeking easy-to-use cameras for everyday photography. Though technologically dated by today's flagship standards, understanding their strengths and limitations sheds light on how compact cameras evolved - and whether either might still fit your creative needs.

In this comprehensive review spanning portrait, landscape, wildlife, video, and more, we will:

• Break down the specs with expert technical insight
• Share practical shooting impressions and performance comparisons
• Highlight real-world usability, ergonomics, and portability
• Advise on who will benefit most from each model

Let's get started!

Size, Ergonomics & Handling: Which Fits Your Hands and Lifestyle?

Handling can make or break the shooting experience, especially with small-sensor compacts. Both cameras are lightweight with fixed zoom lenses but differ in body size and grip.

Our take: The Panasonic FH20 offers a more confident handhold due to its thicker body and slightly larger size, which is preferable if you often shoot handheld or want physical dials that aren’t too small. The Sony W380 excels in portability, slipping comfortably into jacket pockets or small bags. If you prioritize ultimate compactness, the W380 is the clear winner here.

Top-Down Look: Controls & Layout for Quick Access

How a camera’s buttons and dials are arranged affects shooting speed and ease, especially when catching fleeting moments or adjusting settings on the fly.

• Panasonic FH20:

  • Larger mode dial located top-right
  • Well-spaced shutter button with zoom toggle ring
  • Flash pop-up button accessible but no external flash support

• Sony W380:

  • Smaller shutter button and zoom toggle naturally follow the compact design
  • Mode dial integrated, but control keys are tighter and could challenge users with larger fingers
  • HDMI port added for easy multimedia connectivity (not present on FH20)

Summary: The FH20’s control placement benefits beginners and casual shooters who prefer intuitive button layouts without accidental presses. Sony W380 prioritizes sleekness over tactile feedback, which may slow adjustments during fast shooting scenarios.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Why Size and Type Matter Here

The heart of any camera is its sensor, dictating resolution, noise performance, and overall image fidelity.

Analysis: Both sensors are typical for their category - small form factor CCDs with 14MP resolution. However, Sony’s marginally larger sensor area and inclusion of its well-known Bionz processor hint at slightly better image processing, particularly in reducing noise at higher ISO (though max ISO on W380 is capped lower). For landscape photographers craving dynamic range, the CCD sensor technology limits flexibility compared to modern CMOS sensors but delivers pleasant colors and fine detail under good lighting.

Viewing Experience: LCD Displays & Interfaces Tested

Viewing your compositions matters, especially when shooting outdoors or framing tight portraits.

Neither camera offers a viewfinder, so reliance on the LCD is mandatory. Both provide similar resolution screens with adequate brightness for indoor use but struggle to maintain clarity in direct sunlight. The interface menus on the Sony W380 tend to feel more polished, thanks to Sony’s Bionz processor facilitating smoother live preview. The Panasonic’s menu is straightforward but more utilitarian.

Recommendation: If you frequently shoot outdoors, consider investing in a small attachable sunshade or practice LCD framing to compensate for glare.

Practical Photography: Who Scored Best Where?

To provide actionable insights, we tested both cameras across several genres common to compact camera users. Here’s how they stack up:

Panasonic FH20 front Panasonic FH20 screen back Sony W380 front Sony W380 screen back

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Speed and Accuracy Practicalities

Both cameras rely on 9-point contrast detection autofocus systems - typical for compact cameras of their time, limiting fast movement tracking.

• Panasonic FH20

  • 9 AF points, but no face or eye detection
  • 5 FPS max burst rate decent for casual sports or wildlife attempts
  • Optical image stabilization compensates handshake at telephoto

• Sony W380

  • 9 AF points with center-weighted and multi-area AF modes
  • Slower 2 FPS burst rate limits action capture
  • Same stabilization technology

Hands-on Experience: We found the FH20’s faster burst capable of capturing more usable frames in quick sequences. However, autofocus hunting was apparent in low contrast or dim scenes on both cameras, necessitating patience and good lighting for sharp focus.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Can These Cameras Handle Your Adventures?

Neither camera offers weather sealing features such as dustproof, splashproof, or freezeproof ratings. Constructed mostly of plastic with metal accents, they suit casual day use but are vulnerable in harsh environments.

Panasonic FH20: Feels sturdier in hand, with a robust grip and slightly thicker shell.

Sony W380: Lightweight body emphasizes portability but at the cost of less solid feedback when shooting.

Conclusion: Use either camera with care outdoors, ideally protected from rain or dust ingress. For strenuous travel photography needing ruggedness, look elsewhere.

Lens and Zoom: How Far Can You Get and How Wide?

The Panasonic’s 8x zoom lens translates to greater versatility for wildlife or urban shooting, while the Sony’s brighter wide aperture aids shallow depth and low light performance up close. Neither system allows lens change as both are fixed lens compacts.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered and Saving Shots

Neither manufacturer officially rates battery life for these models in standardized CIPA tests, but user reports and specs suggest:

• Panasonic FH20 uses proprietary lithium-ion battery of unknown model. Average for compact cameras with around 200-300 shots per charge.
• Sony W380 uses NP-BN1 battery, known for decent longevity - slightly better due to lighter electronics load.
• Both support SD/SDHC cards; Sony additionally supports Memory Stick Duo formats - handy if already invested in Sony ecosystems.

Connectivity & Media Features: Sharing and Workflow Considerations

Connectivity is minimal for both cameras:

• Panasonic FH20: USB 2.0 only; no HDMI, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
• Sony W380: USB 2.0 plus mini-HDMI output, enabling direct HDTV playback of photos/videos - a nice bonus for casual sharing.

Neither supports wireless file transfer, remote control, or advanced tethering - common omissions for 2010 compacts.

Price and Value: What Will You Pay Today?

At launch and currently on resale markets:

Value insight: The Sony W380 is attractively affordable now on the used market, great for casual users or first-time camera buyers. The FH20 demands a higher investment but rewards with better zoom and burst capabilities.

Final Ratings: Overall and Genre-Specific Performance

Summarizing the strengths:

• Panasonic FH20

  • Strengths: Burst speed, zoom range, image stabilization
  • Weaknesses: Bulkier, slower video connectivity, no face detection

• Sony W380

  • Strengths: Wide-angle lens, compact size, HDMI output
  • Weaknesses: Slower burst, shorter zoom, lower max ISO

Making Your Choice: Who Should Get Which Camera?

• Get the Panasonic FH20 if:

  • You need longer zoom reach for travel, wildlife, or street photos.
  • You prefer firmer grip and faster burst shooting.
  • You shoot casual video but can live without HDMI.

• Get the Sony W380 if:

  • Portability and pocket-friendly design are your priorities.
  • You want a brighter lens for indoor portraits or low light.
  • You value basic multimedia output via HDMI.
  • You want a budget DSLR alternative for snapshots and travel.

Wrapping Up: Is It Worth Exploring These Compacts Today?

While both cameras no longer compete with modern digitals or smartphones, they offer nostalgic charm and practical tools for casual photography. Their simplicity, ease of use, and affordable prices present an accessible entry point, especially for young photographers or budget explorers.

To truly get the most out of either, pair them with a sturdy tripod for night shots and use their optical zoom and stabilization thoughtfully. And remember: great photos come from your creativity more than your gear.

Feel free to check out sample galleries and give these cameras a hands-on test - they might surprise you with their character!

Thank you for joining our detailed Panasonic FH20 vs Sony W380 comparison. For more camera reviews with in-depth firsthand analysis and shooting insights, stay tuned to our channel. Your next best shot awaits!