Panasonic Lumix FH27 vs Sony Cyber-shot HX350: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small Sensor Compacts

When diving into the realm of small sensor compact cameras, especially those boasting impressive zoom capabilities, choices abound - but which model genuinely meets your needs? In this comprehensive comparison, I put the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27 side by side with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350. Despite both featuring 1/2.3" sensors and fixed lenses, these two machines, launched five years apart, cater to very different segments of the compact enthusiast market.

My insights come from extensive hands-on testing, across multiple photography disciplines - from landscapes to wildlife, even some casual portrait work. I’ll dissect their designs, tech, performance, and versatility to help you make an educated decision on whether your next compact investment should be the budget-friendly FH27 or the feature-packed HX350.

Size and Ergonomics: Compact Convenience or Comfortable Control?

When you first pick up the Panasonic FH27 and Sony HX350, the difference in their physical presence is immediately obvious.

The FH27 is truly pocketable - slim and light at just 152 grams and dimensions of approximately 99x57x28 mm, it slips easily into a jacket pocket or purse - perfect for travelers who want nothing bulky weighing them down.

In contrast, the Sony HX350 is a bridge camera par excellence, with a robust, DSLR-style body weighing 652 grams and measuring 130x93x103 mm. It demands space in your camera bag or a dedicated holster, but rewards you with superior grip, a deep handhold, and extensive physical controls to speed up shooting.

This size disparity dictates their usability. The Panasonic FH27 shines when discretion and portability are paramount, like casual street outings or family events, while the HX350 appeals when you want a handheld powerhouse with DSLR-like control for heavier shooting sessions.

Design & Control Layout: Simplicity vs Advanced Handling

Looking down from above, the two cameras reveal their design philosophies clearly.

The FH27 adopts a minimalist approach befitting its consumer-friendly market position. Controls are sparse and tailored for point-and-shoot ease - a power button, zoom toggle, shutter release, and a contrast-detection AF system relying heavily on touchscreen input. The fixed, non-articulating 3-inch TFT touchscreen is 230k dots - straightforward but a bit basic by today’s standards.

The HX350, by contrast, embraces mirrorless/DSLR ergonomics, with dedicated dials for shutter priority, aperture priority, manual exposure modes, custom buttons, along with a tilting 3-inch LCD that sports a much sharper 922k dot resolution. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 202k dot resolution and 100% coverage further enhances composition precision in bright conditions.

For photographers who love tactile, quick control - especially under changing lighting or dynamic shooting - the HX350 earns high marks. The FH27 suits beginners who value simplicity and touchscreen interactions over physical dials.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Modest Compact vs High-Resolution Zoom

Both cameras utilize a small 1/2.3-inch sensor - standard in the compact class - but with some crucial differences.

The Panasonic FH27 sports a CCD sensor offering 16 megapixels of resolution with a maximum native ISO of 6400. CCD sensors traditionally have less dynamic range and lower high ISO performance than CMOS counterparts, but the FH27’s Venus Engine VI processor compensates somewhat, especially at base ISOs.

Sony’s HX350 upgrades to a 20-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor. The slight increase in sensor area (28.07 mm² vs 27.72 mm²) and more modern technology translates to better light gathering efficiency, reduced noise at higher ISOs (max native ISO 3200), and improved dynamic range - vital for landscapes and low-light scenarios.

The HX350 supports multiple aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9), giving creative framing flexibility, while the FH27 sticks to a traditional 4:3.

Here’s a raw sensor size and tech comparison for context:

From my lab testing and side-by-side field shots, FH27 images exhibit pleasant colors in good light but show early onset of noise and limited shadow detail at elevated ISO. The HX350 performs noticeably better in low light and delivers sharper images at equivalent focal lengths, thanks to both sensor tech and superior lens quality.

Display and User Interface: Touchscreen vs Tilting Brilliance

The FH27’s 3-inch fixed touchscreen LCD is decent for framing and menu navigation, but its low resolution and static angle mean you’ll often struggle in bright sunlight or awkward compositions. The touchscreen is helpful for quick focus point selection and intuitive operation.

The HX350’s 3-inch tilting LCD with 922k dots offers much greater clarity and flexibility - ideal for shooting from high or low viewpoints. However, it lacks touchscreen control, which might feel less immediate for some users, especially beginners accustomed to finger taps.

Adding to real-world convenience is the HX350’s inclusion of a built-in electronic viewfinder. Although modest in resolution, it allows critical manual focusing and shooting in bright light where LCDs falter - something absent entirely on the FH27.

For more involved shooting, particularly outdoors or in challenging lighting, the HX350’s display and viewfinder combination greatly enhance usability and compositional confidence.

Lens and Zoom: Flexibility at the Core

Arguably the most striking difference between these two cameras lies in their zoom capabilities.

• Panasonic FH27: 28-224mm equivalent zoom (8x optical) with a maximum aperture range of f/3.3 - f/5.9.
• Sony HX350: 24-1200mm equivalent zoom (massive 50x optical) with a maximum aperture range of f/2.8 - f/6.3.

This enormous zoom range on the HX350 transforms it into a multi-purpose tool, ideal for wildlife photographers needing reach or travel photographers reluctant to carry multiple lenses.

The FH27’s zoom range is more restrained, better suited for casual everyday shooting and moderate telephoto needs like portraits and environmental details.

Sony’s lens also includes a critical macro focus range down to 1 cm, allowing true close-up shots with impressive sharpness. Panasonic’s 5cm minimum macro focus is decent, but the results won’t rival dedicated macro lenses or the HX350's capability.

Image stabilization is present on both: optical stabilization on both cameras helps tackle handshake - especially important at telephoto lengths. However, HX350’s more sophisticated IS system and sensor-shift technology provide noticeably steadier images, especially in video mode or long reach shots.

Autofocus System and Speed: Simple Detection vs Versatile Precision

Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus, standard for sensors of this class, but there are distinctions in operation.

The FH27 supports 11 focus points with face detection and touch focus on the touchscreen, but it lacks continuous autofocus, limiting its suitability for fast-moving subjects. There is also limited or no manual control over focus zones.

The HX350 offers single, continuous, and selective autofocus modes, engaging a broader array of AF points (though exact numbers are unspecified). It includes center-weighted and spot metering and face detection, giving users more versatility. Manual focus is also available - a boon for macro or landscape photographers who prioritize precise focus control.

Continuous shooting rates further underscore these differences: Panasonic manages 4 fps in burst mode, whereas Sony reaches a significantly faster 10 fps, beneficial for sports or wildlife action.

Performance in Photography Disciplines: Where Each Shines

Portrait Photography

For portraits, fine skin tone rendition, effective eye detection, and pleasing background blur (bokeh) matter.

• FH27: The maximum apertures (f/3.3 - f/5.9) limit shallow depth-of-field effects, and the 28mm wide angle at the short end is less flattering for close-up portraits due to minor distortion. Face detection is functional but somewhat basic. Without RAW support, options for post-processing skin tones are constrained.

• HX350: Slightly faster aperture at the wide end (f/2.8) aids low-light and subject separation. The longer zoom range (up to 1200mm) allows tight framing - ideal for candid portraits. Face detection autofocus is more refined, and manual focus support enlightens users who want creative control.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters often demand dynamic range, high resolution, and weather sealing.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or dustproofing - so neither is ideal for harsh outdoor conditions. The HX350’s better sensor and increased megapixels give sharper, more detailed captures with richer color gradations - significant for capturing expansive scenes.

The FH27’s lower dynamic range and resolution make it less suited to demanding landscapes but perfectly acceptable for snapshots.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands fast autofocus, long reach, and rapid burst shooting.

The HX350 dominates here with its monster 1200mm zoom, 10fps burst shooting, and continuous autofocus. This is a serious all-in-one wildlife tool in the small sensor category.

The FH27, with only 224mm zoom, 4fps burst, and limited AF flexibility, is best reserved for casual subjects or very stationary wildlife.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, but often faster-paced and requiring tracking accuracy.

The HX350’s manual controls, fast burst mode, and continuous AF make it capable of capturing sports action well. The FH27’s slower burst and lack of continuous AF mean missed moments are likely.

Street Photography

Size and discretion are vital here.

The FH27’s small form factor and quiet operation (no loud mechanical focus or zoom) make it far less intrusive on the streets. Quick touchscreen focus selection makes grab shots easy.

The HX350’s bulkier size and louder zoom can draw unwanted attention, though its electronic viewfinder helps in bright light.

Macro Photography

Close focusing precision and magnification count.

Sony again leads with its 1cm macro range and manual focus support. I found its macro shots impressively detailed, usable for serious hobbyists.

Panasonic’s 5cm closer focus limit and lack of manual focus make macro attempts more limited and less precise.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance, noise control, and long exposures matter most.

The HX350’s BSI CMOS sensor outperforms the FH27’s CCD sensor by a significant margin in noise control at high ISO, with maximum ISO 3200 vs 6400 (though the latter's noise overwhelms usability).

Faster shutter speed ranges (up to 1/4000s) and exposure compensation on the HX350 give better control.

Neither camera has specific astro features or very long exposure modes.

Video Capabilities

The FH27 records at up to 1280x720 (24fps) in Motion JPEG - outdated and limited.

HX350 records Full HD 1080p with options for MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs, giving better quality and file efficiency. Optical stabilization aids video smoothness, though no mic or headphone jacks on either.

If you plan to shoot video seriously, HX350 clearly fits the bill.

Travel Photography

Travel requires versatility, battery life, and compactness.

• FH27’s 250-shot battery life and very compact size make it an easy companion for casual travelers.

• HX350’s 300-shot battery life and big zoom lens offer all-in-one versatility, but at the cost of added weight and bulk.

Depending on your style and luggage constraints, either could be preferred.

Professional Use

For professional workflows requiring RAW files, professional controls, and reliability:

Both cameras lack RAW support and weatherproofing, making them unsuitable as primary workhorses. The HX350’s manual controls add flexibility but don’t compensate for its sensor limitations relative to higher-end mirrorless or DSLR systems.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both cameras share the absence of weather sealing. Constructed mostly of plastic, the FH27 feels light and modest in durability. The HX350’s bridge design, while larger and heavier, has a more solid, substantial build suitable for careful outdoor use but still no protection against moisture or dust.

Battery Life and Storage Options

The FH27 offers around 250 shots per charge, while the HX350 marginally improves that to 300 shots, both fairly limited compared to modern mirrorless cameras but sufficient for casual use.

Storage-wise, both accept SD cards; additionally, the HX350 supports Memory Stick Pro Duo. Given the commonality of SD cards, this does not confer much user advantage but offers flexibility for legacy users.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC connectivity - which is a significant drawback if instant image sharing is important to you.

The HX350 includes HDMI output, enabling direct connection to TVs or external recorders - absent in the FH27.

Price-to-Performance: Value Considerations

At an affordable approx. $229, the Panasonic FH27 is a basic, entry-level option delivering respectable image quality and ease of use within a very modest budget.

The HX350, introduced in 2016, generally retails at a higher price point (typically $400+), reflecting its richer feature set, longer zoom range, and advanced controls.

Your investment should be guided by photographic ambitions: the FH27 is a terrific beginner’s or casual travel camera, whereas the HX350 is better suited for those who want a versatile, powerful all-in-one without switching lenses.

Sample Shots and Real-World Image Quality Evidence

To put pixel-level arguments aside and see the cameras in action, I’ve gathered sample images shot in identical lighting scenarios - portrait, landscape, and telephoto zoom.

Panasonic FH27 screen back Sony HX350 front Sony HX350 screen back

Notice how Sony’s HX350 delivers crisper detail across large zoom distances and smoother gradations in skies and shadows. Panasonic’s FH27 samples appear softer, with some noise creeping in at 100% crops but vibrant color reproduction at base ISO and wide-angle shots.

Overall Performance Ratings

Synthesizing all testing metrics, user feedback, and personal hands-on experience, our expert panel scores each camera across image quality, handling, features, and value.

As expected, the Sony HX350 scores higher due to improved specs and versatility, but the FH27 remains a strong contender for budget-conscious casual users.

Genre-Specific Strength Rankings

Looking deeper, camera efficiencies vary by photographic style - from the street photographer’s need for stealth to wildlife shooters craving reach and speed.

Our detailed genre performance breakdown shows this contrast clearly:

The FH27 excels in street and casual travel where minimal bulk is appreciated, while the HX350 pulls ahead in zoom-heavy domains - wildlife, sports, landscapes, and video.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Suits Your Vision?

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix FH27 if:

  • You want a truly pocketable camera that’s affordable and easy to master.
  • Your photography revolves around casual snapshots, travel, family events, or street scenes where discretion matters.
  • Budget constraints and simplicity outweigh appetite for manual controls.
  • You don’t mind limited zoom or basic video functionality.

• Choose the Sony Cyber-shot HX350 if:

  • You require a versatile zoom powerhouse capable of reaching distant subjects, such as wildlife or sports.
  • Manual and advanced exposure controls are important to your creative process.
  • You demand better image quality and video performance in a compact (though not pocketable) form.
  • You appreciate an electronic viewfinder and high-resolution tilting LCD for compositional flexibility.

Closing Reflections

While neither camera competes with mirrorless or DSLR image quality, both serve well-defined niches within the compact zoom category. In my experience, user preferences hinge as much on handling style and zoom needs as pure specs.

My hands-on testing - including controlled lab evaluations and diverse shooting scenarios - confirms the Sony HX350 as a more capable advanced compact (still far from perfect), whereas the Panasonic FH27 remains a convenient no-fuss camera for daily use.

Whether you prioritize reach and control or portability and ease, these insights should help you choose a small sensor compact tailored to your photographic lifestyle.

This analysis was compiled after rigorous side-by-side assessments, ensuring photography enthusiasts receive candid expert advice rooted in real shooting experience and technical scrutiny.