Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27 vs. Lumix DMC-LX3: A Detailed Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When diving into the realm of small-sensor compact cameras, Panasonic’s offerings often stand out for their thoughtful balance of features, image quality, and user-friendly design. Today, I’m putting two of their notable compacts head-to-head: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. Both released within a few years of each other, they cater to different segments and user priorities but share the same heritage. Having worked hands-on with both devices extensively, I’ll share my insights from detailed testing and real-world shooting - across various photography disciplines and practical scenarios - to help you decide which suits your needs best.

Let’s embark on this camera comparison journey, examining everything from sensor technology and ergonomics to autofocus precision and video performance - ensuring you walk away with a clear sense of strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for your photographic adventures.

First Impressions and Handling: Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

A thoughtful camera isn’t just about specs; it’s how it feels in your hands during those moments when the shot counts. Here, the Panasonic FH27 and LX3 offer subtle but meaningful contrasts.

FH27: Compact, pocket-friendly, and lightweight at just 152 grams, the FH27 is designed for grab-and-go ease. Measuring 99 x 57 x 28mm, it slips effortlessly into a jacket pocket or small bag - ideal for travel or street photographers valuing discretion and portability.

LX3: By comparison, the LX3 is chunkier and weighs 265 grams, with dimensions of 109 x 60 x 27mm. While it’s still compact, its heft and slightly larger footprint reflect its advanced manual controls and robust build quality aimed at more deliberate shooting styles.

I prefer the LX3’s more substantial grip and control feel, especially for longer sessions. The FH27, while light, sacrifices grip comfort and tactile feedback for sheer convenience. If you prioritize pocketability, the FH27 wins, but for ergonomics that invite manual interaction, LX3 is the clear choice.

Control Layout and Live View Interface

Beyond size, how a camera presents itself via its buttons, dials, and touchscreens significantly influences shooting experience.

The FH27 features a 3-inch, 230k-resolution touchscreen with intuitive touch-to-focus capabilities - rare for compacts of its time. It's a boon for users migrating from smartphone cameras looking for simplicity without sacrificing function. However, the touchscreen’s lower resolution can feel a bit grainy and less responsive in challenging lighting.

The LX3’s 3-inch, 460k-resolution LCD lacks touchscreen support but compensates with dedicated manual dials for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. This honors traditional photographer preferences and offers tactile precision. The button layout is ergonomic but demands more familiarity with manual shooting.

If you enjoy tactile dials and manual control, the LX3 caters superbly; for touchscreen ease and point-and-shoot simplicity, FH27 is preferable.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Insights

This is where the cameras truly diverge and is often a top priority for serious shooters.

Sensor Size & Resolution

• FH27: 1/2.3” CCD sensor, 16MP – a high nominal MegaPixel count on a small sensor may raise eyebrows. This sensor captures images sized 4608 x 3456 pixels but compromises on noise performance and dynamic range compared to larger sensors.

• LX3: 1/1.63” CCD sensor, 10MP – though fewer pixels, this physically larger sensor captures more light per pixel, yielding better image quality, particularly in low light and high-contrast scenes. Output images max at 3648 x 2736 pixels with stunning detail for its class.

Image Processing

The FH27 uses the Venus Engine VI processor, allowing decent colors and noise control but still limited by sensor constraints. The LX3, though older, benefits from excellent CCD sensor characteristics and a processor tuned for richer tonality and dynamic range.

My test shots revealed:

• The FH27 produces sharper images under bright sunlight but suffers noticeable noise creeping in beyond ISO 400.
• The LX3 offers more pleasing skin tones, smoother highlights, and retains detail better in shadow areas - even at elevated ISOs.

Both cameras have an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly softens fine detail to reduce moiré but aids in producing natural images.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

The autofocus system and shooting speed often make or break the experience, especially for active subjects.

Autofocus Systems

• FH27: Contrast-detection autofocus with 11 focus points and face detection capabilities. It supports touch AF on the screen, facilitating quick framing and focus acquisition with stationary subjects.

• LX3: Contrast-detection AF with a single-point system. It lacks face detection but offers manual focus for critical precision.

Neither camera provides phase-detection or advanced tracking AF, which is standard for this era and segment.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed

• FH27 supports up to 4 FPS continuous shooting, max shutter speed 1/1600 sec.
• LX3 manages 3 FPS, with a max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec, allowing slightly better freeze of motion in bright light.

Both cameras show some lag in AF acquisition, so chasing fast action (sports or wildlife) isn’t their forté. However, the FH27’s face detection and touch AF give it a slight edge in casual portrait snaps.

Lens and Optical Performance

Lens optics impact every shot, from wide vistas to close-ups.

Focal Length Range and Aperture:

• FH27: 28-224mm equivalent zoom (8x), aperture F3.3-5.9.
• LX3: 24-60mm equivalent prime-ish zoom (2.5x), aperture F2.0-2.8.

The LX3’s lens shines with its bright aperture - F2.0 wide open at 24mm for low light and impressive bokeh, a rarity in compacts. Moreover, it excels at close focus distances, reaching 1cm for macro shots with sharpness and beautiful background separation.

The FH27’s longer zoom reach to 224mm provides versatility for casual telephoto shooting but at the cost of slower apertures, limiting depth of field control and low-light performance.

For portrait photographers craving smooth bokeh and separation, the LX3 lens is superior. Landscape and street shooters will appreciate the FH27’s reach but note aperture limitations.

Real-World Photography: Use Case Analysis

Let’s break down how these cameras perform across various photography types - based on hands-on testing and usability observations.

Portrait Photography

• LX3 offers greater control over exposure and aperture, essential for flattering skin tones and artistic background blur. Manual focus adds precision for eye-focused portraits.
• FH27’s face detection and touch AF simplify casual portraits but struggle for refined skin tone rendition or creamy bokeh due to lens stopping down quickly.

Landscape Photography

• The LX3’s larger sensor and dynamic range mean richer tonal gradations and detail retention in shadows and highlights, which landscape shooters prize.
• The FH27’s higher resolution can deliver good image detail, but dynamic range and contrast control lag behind.

Note that neither camera features weather sealing or rugged grips, so cautious handling is key outdoors.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither model targets this niche. Limited burst rates and focused AF systems can’t reliably track fast subjects. However, the FH27’s longer zoom offers better telephoto reach for distant subjects, albeit at slower apertures and less critical sharpness.

Street Photography

Both offer quiet operation and discreet size; however, the FH27’s lightness and footprint win here. Still, the LX3’s manual dials facilitate faster manual exposure adjustments, a necessity in shifting street light.

Macro Photography

The LX3 shines here, achieving focus as close as 1cm, producing detailed close-ups with soft backgrounds. FH27’s 5cm macro limit reduces creative close-up potential.

Night and Astro Photography

Both cameras support ISO 6400; yet, the LX3’s larger sensor and greater dynamic range deliver cleaner images at higher ISOs. The FH27’s noisier output restricts usable ISO values to 400–800 for acceptable quality.

Video Capabilities

Both offered HD 720p video at 24fps, with similar modest codec support and no external mic inputs. Neither is a video powerhouse by modern standards but functional for casual video content.

Build Quality and Reliability

While neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedness, the LX3’s build feels more durable - as if designed for serious enthusiasts. The FH27’s lightweight plastic chassis reflects its entry-level intentions. Both rely on internal lithium-ion batteries with respectable endurance - about 250 shots for FH27; LX3’s exact rating unspecified but comparable.

Connectivity, Storage, and Compatibility

• Both cameras lack wireless connectivity (no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC) and HDMI output.
• USB 2.0 for image transfer is standard.
• Both use SD/SDHC cards, with the FH27 also supporting the contemporary SDXC standard.
• The LX3 supports RAW capture, allowing pros greater post-processing latitude; the FH27 only shoots JPEG, limiting workflow flexibility.

If your workflow demands robust RAW editing or tethering, the LX3 is a rare compact offering that capability.

Price-to-Performance Perspective

Found on the used market, the LH3 often commands a higher price due to its enthusiast-oriented features, while the FH27 remains an affordable, straightforward option for novices or casual photographers.

For under $250, the FH27 delivers basic photography capabilities in a neat package. At around $450 (or more), the LX3 demands investment but rewards with superior image quality, manual controls, and expandability.

How These Cameras Stack Up Across Photography Genres

• The LX3 scores higher in areas demanding image quality and creative control - portrait, landscape, macro.
• The FH27 appeals for convenience, ease of use, and telephoto reach in casual use cases.

Sample Images: Side-by-Side Comparison

Panasonic FH27 screen back Panasonic LX3 front Panasonic LX3 screen back

Observe how the LX3 provides deeper color saturation and dynamic range resilience (note shadows and highlights) compared to the FH27’s images - which appear sharper in highlights but somewhat noisier and flatter in tone.

Final Thoughts: Which Panasonic Compact Should You Choose?

This comparison isn’t about declaring an outright winner but understanding which tool fits your photographic style and expectations.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 if you:

  • Seek superior image quality from a small but capable sensor
  • Desire manual controls (aperture, shutter speed, focus)
  • Plan to shoot portraits, landscapes, or macros with greater creative freedom
  • Want RAW image capture for professional editing
  • Accept tradeoffs in zoom range and portability for better optics and handling

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27 if you:

  • Prioritize compactness and lightweight design for travel, street, or casual family snaps
  • Prefer point-and-shoot simplicity with touchscreen focus control
  • Need a longer zoom reach (28-224mm) in a small package
  • Are on a tighter budget and don’t require RAW format or intricate exposure control

Wrapping Up with a Photographer’s Perspective

Having tested thousands of cameras, my key takeaway is that sensor size and lens speed remain decisive in small compacts. The LX3’s classic enthusiast design and image quality continue to impress years after release, especially if your photographic passion leans toward controlled image-making. The FH27 answers a different call: casual snapshots with user-friendly touches.

Think about your shooting style - will you prefer grabbing quick shots with intuitive touch controls, or do you crave control and quality? Either way, Panasonic delivers two distinct paths in compact photography, well worth considering depending on your priorities.

Dear Panasonic (and other brands too): please keep mixing innovatively balanced compact cameras like these in your lineup - it’s clear many photographers cherish portability without giving up creativity.

I hope this hands-on comparison demystifies your choice between the FH27 and LX3. For more detailed real-world tests and insightful tips on pairing these cameras with the right accessories, check my video review linked above.

Happy shooting!