Panasonic Lumix FH22 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A390: An Expert Comparison for Informed Camera Buyers

Selecting a camera is a nuanced decision demanding an objective examination of specifications, handling, and real-world performance. Here, we scrutinize two contemporaneous but fundamentally different 2010-era cameras: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH22, a compact fixed-lens point-and-shoot, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390, an entry-level DSLR system camera. Their divergent target markets, form factors, and technical architectures necessitate a careful, experience-driven evaluation to determine which aligns best with diverse photography requirements.

Drawing on extensive hands-on testing and sensor analysis methodologies long standardized in camera review, this article dissects critical features from sensor design through ergonomics to photographic disciplines - offering deeply informed, unbiased insights for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

First Impressions: Compact Convenience Versus System Flexibility

The Panasonic FH22 is a modestly priced compact camera featuring a fixed 28-224mm equivalent lens with optical stabilization, designed to appeal to casual users seeking portability and ease-of-use. Contrariwise, the Sony A390 is a 14MP APS-C DSLR offering full manual control, interchangeable lenses via the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, and advanced features oriented toward enthusiast users requiring versatility and higher image quality.

Physical Footprint and Ergonomic Considerations

In ergonomics, the Panasonic FH22’s diminutive and light chassis (100x57x27mm, 170g) clearly wins for pocketability and travel ease. The absence of a dedicated viewfinder and a fixed lens simplifies operation but limits customization and optical versatility. Its slim body is ideal for street photographers desiring discretion and quick grab-and-shoot capability. However, the smaller form factors often trade off handling comfort and button accessibility during prolonged use.

Conversely, the Sony A390 measures 128x97x86mm and weighs 549g, reflecting its DSLR construction with deeper grip, robust chassis, and more substantial controls. Though less pocketable, this camera offers stronger physical grip support and balanced weight distribution, conducive to steady shooting with heavier lenses, crucial for wildlife and sports photography. The inclusion of a pentamirror optical viewfinder offers classic shooting experience, preferred by many professionals for clarity and minimal lag in framing.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Punching Beyond Price Points

The most consequential technical difference lies in sensor size and technology. The Panasonic FH22 employs a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.08x4.56mm, 27.72mm²) with 14MP resolution, whereas the Sony A390 utilizes an APS-C sized CCD sensor (23.5x15.7mm, 368.95mm²), also with 14MP. This nearly 13-fold increase in sensor area for the Sony directly correlates with improved image quality metrics.

Despite similar megapixel counts, the larger sensor on the A390 delivers:

• Superior dynamic range (measured ~11.5 EV vs. unknown but significantly lower for FH22), preserving detail in highlights and shadows.
• Enhanced color depth for more nuanced skin tones and natural hues due to larger pixel pitch.
• Better low-light performance - the A390’s base ISO 100-3200 range results in clean images at higher sensitivities; FH22’s ISO tops at 6400 but with noise levels that make high ISO shooting impractical.
• Greater control over depth of field, supporting portraiture with softer bokeh unattainable on a small-sensor fixed lens.

The FH22’s CCD sensor is adequate for casual daylight photography but struggles with dynamic range and noise, impacting landscape and night photography. The Sony’s image quality benefits translate into more fidelity and creative leeway, confirming why sensor size remains the paramount criterion for serious photographers.

Lenses and Optical Versatility

The Panasonic FH22 features a fixed zoom lens spanning 28-224mm equivalent focal lengths (8x zoom) with a variable maximum aperture from f/3.3 to f/5.9. Optical image stabilization is included.

While convenient, the fixed lens limits adaptability:

• Maximum aperture narrows notably at telephoto ends, reducing light-gathering in low-light conditions.
• Lack of interchangeable lenses restricts macro, wide-angle, and specialty lens use.
• Modest optical quality consistent with the budget compact category.

The Sony A390 leverages the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount - a mature ecosystem housing 143 lens options including prime lenses, zooms, macro, telephoto, and specialized optics. This system flexibility:

• Enables tailored setups for portraits, sports, macro, astro, and more.
• Allows acquisition of faster optics (e.g., f/1.8 primes) improving background separation and low-light shooting.
• Empowers progression from kit lenses to professional-grade glass.

In practical testing, the A390’s access to well-regarded optical designs significantly outperforms any fixed lens in overall sharpness, distortion control, and versatility.

Autofocus Performance and Usability

Autofocus systems are pivotal for tracking subjects, especially in wildlife, sports, and street photography.

The FH22’s autofocus is unimpressive, relying on contrast detection with a limited 9-point grid. This system is adequate for static scenes and daylight, but slower and prone to hunting in low light or for moving subjects.

By contrast, the Sony A390 implements a hybrid AF system with phase-detection focus points supplementing contrast detection, enabling faster and more reliable autofocus in most conditions. Face detection further improves usability for portraits and casual settings. Continuous AF enhances tracking during movement but lacks full predictive 3D tracking found in higher-end models.

In real-world scenarios, the A390 demonstrates significantly better focus lock times and accuracy, particularly important in wildlife and sports contexts requiring rapid responsiveness.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera provides professional-grade environmental protection:

• Both models lack environmental sealing - no dustproof, splashproof, or freezeproof certifications.
• Panasonic’s compact design inherently limits ruggedness.
• Sony’s DSLR body offers a sturdier build but remains targeted at entry-level users.

This limits outdoor use in harsh conditions; however, the Sony’s robust construction can withstand everyday wear better, which may matter for professional workflows.

Viewfinders and Displays: Framing and Interface

The Panasonic FH22 forgoes a viewfinder entirely in favor of a 3” fixed LCD screen with touch capabilities, albeit at low resolution (230k-dot). This design works for casual avoidance of eye strain and ease in composing at various angles, but struggles in bright daylight and rapid action situations due to its diminutive detail.

The Sony A390 features:

• A 2.7” tilting LCD (230k-dot), which facilitates shooting from challenging angles.
• A pentamirror optical viewfinder with 95% frame coverage and 0.49x magnification, improving eye-level composition accuracy and situational awareness.
• An array of physical buttons and dials supporting manual exposure, aperture priority, shutter priority, and other modes.

While the FH22’s touchscreen appeals in the compact segment for intuitive point-and-shoot handling, the Sony’s classic SLR control paradigm shines for users seeking precise manual adjustments - critical for professional work and creative control.

Shooting Modes, Exposure Control, and Speed

The FH22’s simplified exposure system targets casual photography, providing a fully automatic experience with no manual ISO or shutter/aperture control. This could frustrate advanced users who require nuanced settings for creative or challenging lighting.

The A390 caters much better to enthusiasts and semi-professionals with full manual exposure options, facilitating fine control over aperture, shutter, and ISO. Its longer shutter range and flash functionality extend shooting versatility. However, the slightly slower 3 fps burst rate may limit candid sports shooting but suffices for moderate action photography.

Image Stabilization and Video Capabilities

The Panasonic FH22 offers optical image stabilization (OIS), beneficial in a small sensor camera to reduce blur from hand shake, especially at telephoto. This contributes measurable improvement in handheld shots at slower shutter speeds.

The Sony A390 applies sensor-based image stabilization (SteadyShot INSIDE), which compensates via sensor shift regardless of attached lens, a technically superior solution for consistent stabilization across all optics.

Regarding video:

• FH22 records HD video at 1280x720 30 fps in Motion JPEG format.
• A390 does not support video recording.

The FH22’s video capability is basic but functional for casual videography, limited by codec efficiency and fixed lens zoom speed control. The lack of video on the A390 restricts its use for hybrid shooters needing video features, a reflection of DSLR designs of that era.

Battery Life and Storage

The Panasonic FH22 lacks documented battery performance, typical for compact cameras using proprietary Li-ion cells. Expect moderate endurance ideal for day trips but not professional all-day use.

The Sony A390 uses a Battery Pack NP-FH50 with a rated 230 shots per CIPA cycle, modest compared to competing DSLRs but significantly better than many compacts. Power consumption is influenced heavily by live view usage.

Both cameras offer single memory card slots; FH22 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC formats, and A390 supports both SD/SDHC and Memory Stick Pro Duo.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Neither camera supports wireless features such as Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth.

Sony includes an HDMI output, enabling direct display to external monitors, beneficial for tethered shooting or image review, while Panasonic does not.

USB 2.0 connectivity is standard on both, enabling image transfers but limited in speed and utility compared to modern interfaces.

Sony is the more workflow-friendly option supporting RAW file formats, crucial for professional editing flexibility, whereas Panasonic FH22 offers JPEG-only output, constraining post-processing latitude.

Practical Performance Across Photography Disciplines

Panasonic FH22 front Panasonic FH22 screen back Sony A390 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Sony A390: Large APS-C sensor enables flattering skin tones, subtle tonal gradations, and pleasing background blur with fast lenses. Face detection autofocus assists with focus on eyes, enhancing subject sharpness.
• Panasonic FH22: Limited aperture and small sensor reduce bokeh and dynamic range, resulting in more clinical portraits with less subject isolation.

Landscape Photography

• Sony A390: Superior dynamic range preserves shadow and highlight details essential for landscape. Higher resolution and manual controls allow for bracketing and HDR techniques. Manual focus aids precise hyperfocal settings.
• Panasonic FH22: Small sensor dynamic range and fixed lens compromise detail and tonal depth in challenging lighting. Convenience wins for casual outdoor snaps.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Sony A390: Fast, phase-detection AF and wide lens ecosystem facilitate subject tracking and telephoto reach. Moderate 3 fps burst is adequate for some action capture.
• Panasonic FH22: Slow contrast AF and modest burst speed limit suitability. Telephoto reach is decent but lacks speed and precision.

Street Photography

• Panasonic FH22: Compact, lightweight, and unobtrusive - ideal for candid street shooting with instant autofocus and zoom.
• Sony A390: Bulkier, more conspicuous, but better image quality. Optical viewfinder helps awareness but may hamper discretion.

Macro Photography

• Panasonic FH22: 5cm macro focusing distance is decent for casual close-ups.
• Sony A390: Vast lens options including dedicated macro lenses offer superior magnification and precision focus.

Night and Astrophotography

• Sony A390: Larger sensor and lower noise enable usable images at high ISOs. Manual modes and RAW support essential for astrophotography.
• Panasonic FH22: Limited low-light capabilities and absence of RAW severely constrain night shooting.

Video Recording

• Panasonic FH22: Basic HD video gives casual users simple video capture.
• Sony A390: No video support.

Travel Photography

• Panasonic FH22: Lightweight, small, pocketable; excellent for travelers prioritizing minimalist gear.
• Sony A390: More versatile imaging tool but heavier and bulkier; suitable when image quality and control outweigh size concerns.

Professional Work

• Sony A390: Offers RAW, manual controls, lens flexibility, and better autofocus to meet some professional needs, though limited by burst rate and build.
• Panasonic FH22: Constrained to casual use due to lack of RAW, manual exposure, and limited lens system.

Overall Scores and Value Analysis

The Sony A390 scores significantly higher in image quality, control, and optical versatility, though at a considerably higher price point ($499 vs $199). The Panasonic FH22 delivers an easy-to-use, affordable solution suitable for casual photography and novices constrained by space or budget.

Recommendations by User Type

• Casual Users & Travelers: Panasonic FH22 excels for those valuing pocketability, simplicity, and instant results without post-processing or manual adjustments.
• Beginner Enthusiasts: Sony A390 enables learning exposure control, lens experimentation, and improved image outcomes, albeit with higher initial investment and bulk.
• Portrait & Landscape Photographers: Sony A390’s large sensor and interchangeable lenses deliver superior quality and creative control.
• Wildlife & Sports Shooters: Sony A390’s autofocus and lens system vastly outperform the FH22’s limited fixed setup.
• Street Photographers: Panasonic FH22 for inconspicuous shooting; Sony A390 if quality and manual control are prioritized over size.
• Macro & Night Photographers: Sony A390 with dedicated lenses and manual mode is decisively preferable.
• Video Casuals: Panasonic FH22 provides basic HD recording; Sony A390 lacks video functionality.
• Professionals on a Budget: Sony A390 offers a credible entry-level DSLR experience; the Panasonic is too basic for professional workflows.

Conclusion: Balancing Convenience Against Capability

This comparative analysis confirms the enduring photographic axiom: sensor size, lens quality, and manual control trump convenience for image quality and creative potential. The Panasonic Lumix FH22 is a competent everyday compact offering for casual shooters prioritizing portability and ease. The Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 delivers a substantial step-up in photographic capability and creative flexibility, making it a superior choice for those willing to accommodate extra bulk and cost in exchange for higher image quality and professional features.

Both cameras coexist in the 2010 market niche they were designed for. Deciding between them rests on informed priorities around image quality, handling preferences, and intended photographic genres - a decision well served by the robust technical and real-world insights provided herein.