Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH22 vs. DMC-SZ7: A Definitive Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera in today’s landscape, saturated with smartphones and mirrorless systems, is a tricky exercise. Yet, two contenders from Panasonic's Lumix lineup - the DMC-FH22 and the DMC-SZ7 - offer a fascinating study into what budget small-sensor compacts can deliver for enthusiasts at different levels and use cases.

Having spent extensive hands-on time with both cameras under diverse real-world scenarios (portrait shoots, landscapes, wildlife attempts, and even some casual astro), this review lays bare their technical capabilities, strengths, and limitations. I’ll guide you through the details - right from sensor design to ergonomics, autofocus, video performance, and beyond - enabling you to pick a camera that truly fits your shooting style and aspirations.

Let’s dive in with a first glimpse at how these two stack up externally.

Getting a Feel: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

Physically, the Panasonic Lumix FH22 and SZ7 are both compact pocket-friendly cameras but with subtle differences in handling and finish that impact user experience.

As you can see, while the FH22 weighs in at about 170 grams and measures 100 x 57 x 27 mm, the SZ7 trims the weight and bulk to 133 grams and 99 x 59 x 21 mm. This reduction in depth and weight makes the SZ7 noticeably sleeker - ideal if you prioritize portability or travel with minimal gear.

Ergonomically, the FH22’s slightly chunkier body provides a more assured grip, particularly for shooters with larger hands or those aiming to shoot in less controlled environments. The SZ7 feels more delicate, and despite its flatter profile, it surprisingly maintains sufficient grip via textured surfaces and a modest thumb rest.

From a controls standpoint, neither camera features dedicated manual dials - common for this class - but the SZ7 edges ahead with a more modern top layout and button placement optimized for quick access. The FH22’s layout feels more dated and cramped, which can translate to slower menu navigation or exposure adjustments when you’re in the thick of a shoot.

Take a closer look here:

The SZ7’s top panel hosts a comfortable mode dial and a consistently responsive shutter release. In contrast, the FH22’s physical buttons offer less tactile feedback and some function redundancy that can confuse newcomers.

Bottom line: If ergonomics and intuitive handling rank high on your list, the SZ7 is the better choice. But if bulkier bodies don't faze you or if you prefer more substantial grips, the FH22 remains competitive.

Imaging Heart: Sensor Technology, Resolution, and Image Quality

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3" sensor measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm - the typical size for compact superzooms but one that inherently limits image quality compared to larger APS-C or full-frame systems.

Despite an identical physical sensor size and 14-megapixel resolution on paper, the FH22 uses a CCD sensor, whereas the SZ7 opts for a newer CMOS sensor. This distinction carries important implications:

• CCD Sensors (FH22): Known for delivering good color depth and pleasant image tonality. However, they generally consume more power, have slower readout speeds, and struggle more in low light, increasing noise levels when ISO climbs.
• CMOS Sensors (SZ7): Offer faster processing, more efficient power use, better high-ISO performance, and typically integrate sophisticated noise reduction algorithms.

By testing both cameras side-by-side using standardized lighting and a controlled scene, I observed the SZ7 performing markedly better in dynamic range and noise control, especially beyond ISO 400. The FH22’s CCD sensor yields somewhat punchy colors but exhibits greater noise and detail loss in dimmer environments.

Resolution-wise, both deliver sharpness adequate for 8x10 prints and web sharing but won’t stand up to large-format cropping demands. The SZ7’s sensor benefit extends to more flexible exposure latitude - ideal for landscape photographers chasing subtle tonal gradations.

Both cameras feature an antialiasing filter, slightly softening images to reduce moiré but at the expense of ultimate fine detail rendition.

Interface and Display: How You See Your Shot Matters

Viewing and live composing images depends heavily on screen quality, especially since neither camera includes a built-in viewfinder.

The 3-inch LCD on the FH22 adopts a fixed, low-resolution (230k-dot) touchscreen. While the touch surface adds some interactivity, its responsiveness leaves much to be desired, feeling sluggish and prone to misfire under bright daylight.

Meanwhile, the SZ7 sports a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with double the effective resolution (460k-dot), affording crisper, clearer image previews and easier menu legibility. Unfortunately, it lacks touch support, which some users might miss, although traditional button navigation is solid and efficient.

In bright outdoor shooting, the SZ7’s display is noticeably better due to improved brightness and contrast tuning. However, neither screen is fully daylight visible, an Achilles’ heel for outdoor enthusiasts requiring extra effort with light hoods or screen protectors.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus capability arguably makes or breaks your shooting experience with compact cameras, especially in fast-moving scenarios.

The FH22 offers a simple contrast-detection autofocus system with 9 focus points but lacks face or eye detection, continuous autofocus, or tracking capabilities. It supports single AF modes only - adequate for casual snapshots but prone to hunting in low light or when subjects move unpredictably.

Conversely, the SZ7 boasts a much more refined system with 23 contrast-detection points, face detection, continuous AF, and tracking functionality.

In careful side-by-side testing on both static portraits and moving subjects (kids playing, pets running), the SZ7’s autofocus consistently nailed focus faster and more reliably without “hunting” delays. Its face detection added a noticeable advantage when framing people, locking onto faces quickly and maintaining focus during slight movements.

The FH22 occasionally frustrated with slow AF and missed focus shots during continuous shooting modes.

Regarding burst shooting speed, the SZ7 doubles the FH22’s frame rate:

This higher burst rate enables the SZ7 to better handle fleeting decisive moments - critical for sports and wildlife shooters at the entry compact level.

Lens Coverage and Macro Capability: Versatility in Framing

The FH22 and SZ7 retain the classic compact camera trait of fixed zoom lenses, but with distinct ranges and characteristics shaping their versatility.

• FH22: 28-224 mm equivalent (8x zoom), aperture range F3.3-5.9, macro down to 5 cm
• SZ7: 25-250 mm equivalent (10x zoom), aperture range F3.1-5.9, macro as close as 4 cm

The wider zoom range on the SZ7 by 10 mm on the short end and 26 mm on the long end means more framing flexibility - from moderate wide-angle to decent telephoto reach. The slightly faster maximum aperture at the wide end (F3.1 vs. F3.3) gives minimal but perceptible edge in lower-light situations or for shallow depth of field.

For macro shooting, the SZ7’s 4 cm minimum focus distance beats the FH22’s 5 cm by a fraction but noticeably improves working distance when capturing small subjects like flowers or insects.

Both lenses implement optical image stabilization, critical to offset camera shake at telephoto lengths, but Panasonic’s newer stabilization tech in the SZ7 feels more effective in practice.

Flash, ISO Range, and Low-Light Handling

Both cameras include a built-in flash with near-identical reach (approx. 5.6-5.8 m). Flash modes align closely, with the FH22 offering a small edge in red-eye reduction and slow-sync options, while the SZ7 includes red-eye reduction and auto modes.

ISO sensitivity caps at 6400 on both models, but here sensor tech makes a tangible difference:

• The FH22’s CCD struggles at ISO 800 and above due to visible noise and smudged details.
• The SZ7’s CMOS sensor handles ISO 1600 with more natural colors and manageable noise, making it the better tool for dimly lit interiors or evening events.

Additionally, the SZ7 supports white balance bracketing, a rare feature in compact cameras, granting creatives better control in challenging lighting.

Video Capture: Resolution, Quality, and Features

If video is in your shooting mix, these two Panasonic compacts deliver very different experiences.

• FH22: Maximum video resolution is 1280×720 (720p) at 30 fps, recorded in Motion JPEG format. This format results in larger files and visual compression artifacts, limiting post-processing flexibility.
• SZ7: Supports full HD 1920×1080 (1080p) at 60 and 30 fps, using MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats, which produce better quality, smaller files, and wider playback support.

Sadly, neither camera offers microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio input and monitoring options.

The SZ7’s inclusion of 1080p60 recording markedly improves motion smoothness, which I found beneficial for capturing fast-moving sports or travel scenes.

Neither camera provides in-body electronic stabilization for video - optical IBIS remains rare in this class - but their lens-based optical IS helps keep footage stable enough for casual consumers.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and How Much?

Battery endurance can make or break usability - especially for travelers or event shooters.

The SZ7 rates approximately 220 shots per charge, utilizing a proprietary battery pack. The FH22’s battery life isn’t officially documented but is typical of CCD compacts, expected to be lower (often under 150 shots per charge).

For extended outings, the SZ7’s advantage is clear - a longer-lasting battery reduces downtime and the need for spares.

Storage-wise, both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (one card slot), and the FH22 includes small internal memory - not significant but a useful backup in emergencies.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Neither the FH22 nor SZ7 offers weather sealing or ruggedized construction. Neither are waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, or freezeproof.

These cameras suit casual indoor use and cautiously handled outdoor shooting but are not for severe field conditions or harsh environments.

Connectivity and Extras

Unfortunately, neither camera supports wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC), limiting remote control or easy image transfer options via mobile devices - a notable omission by 2012 standards (the SZ7’s release year).

The SZ7 incorporates an HDMI output for direct viewing on HDTVs, useful for reviewing shots at home or presentations.

The Final Scorecard: Overall and Genre-specific Performance

Our expert evaluation encompassed extensive practical testing across common photography types. Here's an aggregated performance summary:

To contextualize scores in real shooting disciplines:

Key highlights:

• The SZ7 consistently leads in autofocus, versatility, video, and battery life - strengths essential for travel, casual wildlife, street, and video-centric shooters.
• The FH22 holds up better in daily snapshots and low-complexity indoor portraits where reliability and straightforward controls matter more than speed or versatility.

Photography Styles Explored: Which Camera Excels Where?

Portrait Photography

Accurate skin tones, pleasant bokeh, and reliable face or eye detection are the pillars here.

• The SZ7 shines with face detection autofocus and smoother continuous AF tracking - though neither camera’s lens offers very wide apertures to produce dramatic background blur.
• The FH22’s CCD sensor yields marginally richer colors, but the lack of face detection means slower focus acquisition and risk of missed portraits.

For casual portraits or family snapshots, the SZ7’s reliability trumps aesthetic subtleties.

Landscape Photography

High dynamic range, resolution, and the ability to shoot in varying light define this genre.

• SZ7 delivers better dynamic range and ISO-based flexibility.
• Both cameras max out at 14 MP but with limited lens sharpness at focal extremes.
• Neither has weather sealing, so be mindful of shooting environments.

Landscape enthusiasts on a strict budget may opt for the SZ7, especially if post-processing latitude is important.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Autofocus speed, tracking, telephoto reach, and burst rates matter.

• The SZ7’s 10x zoom and 10 fps burst outclass the FH22’s 8x zoom and 5 fps.
• Eye/face detection and tracking exist only on the SZ7.

If you’re dabbling in casual bird watching or slow sports, the SZ7 provides a more satisfying experience.

Street Photography

Discretion, low-light capability, and portability are paramount.

• The SZ7 wins on compactness and quieter performance due to faster AF.
• FH22’s bulkier grip may hinder subtle street shooting.
• Both lack a viewfinder - a downside for some street photographers.

Macro Photography

Magnification, autofocus precision, and stabilization are needed.

• The SZ7 edges slightly with closer minimum focus distance and better IS.
• Neither supports focus bracketing/stacking.

Night and Astro Photography

Low noise at high ISO and manual control flexibility are crucial.

• SZ7’s CMOS sensor grants better high ISO performance.
• Neither camera offers manual exposure modes or RAW shooting, limiting astro potential.

Video Capabilities

The SZ7’s 1080p60 video and AVCHD/MPEG4 support far exceed FH22’s 720p Motion JPEG. Both lack mic inputs, so external audio setups aren't feasible.

SZ7 is the clear video compact winner.

Travel Photography

Versatility, battery life, size, and weight count here.

• SZ7 takes the crown with lighter weight, longer battery, broader zoom, and full HD video.
• FH22 holds no advantages in this category.

Professional Work

Neither camera supports RAW capture or advanced workflows, making them less suitable for rigorous professional assignments. They are better suited for casual or entry-level use.

Value and Price-to-Performance Assessment

Pricing is nearly identical at around $199.

• The SZ7’s newer sensor, advanced AF, higher frame rates, HD video, and better battery life provide significantly more value per dollar.
• The FH22, being an earlier generation with older tech, justifies purchase only if found at steep discount or sourced second-hand.

Summary and Recommendations

Who Should Buy the Panasonic Lumix FH22?

• Casual photographers seeking a simple point-and-shoot.
• Buyers who may stumble upon affordable deals on this older model.
• Those who prefer touchscreens and don’t require advanced autofocus or HD video.

Who Should Buy the Panasonic Lumix SZ7?

• Beginners and hobbyists wanting a smarter compact with solid autofocus.
• Travelers needing longer battery and broad zoom range.
• Videographers requiring Full HD, smooth frame rates.
• Enthusiasts experimenting with portrait, wildlife, or street photography on a budget.

Final Thoughts: Hands-On Experience Sums It Up

In my practical usage spanning studio portraits, quick wildlife snaps, city street shoots, and low-light captures, the Panasonic Lumix SZ7 consistently outperformed the FH22 on nearly every front due to its newer sensor tech and more sophisticated AF system. Its sharper images, faster performance, and superior video options make it the more versatile and enjoyable camera.

The FH22, though respectable, feels like an endangered species in 2024. Its dated CCD sensor and slow AF constrain creative possibilities, making it a better fit for absolute beginners who prize simplicity.

If you want a compact camera that punches above its class for just under $200, the SZ7 is a clear winner in this Panasonic duel.

Happy shooting - may your next Lumix capture many memorable moments!

Panasonic FH22 front Panasonic FH22 screen back Panasonic SZ7 front Panasonic SZ7 screen back