Panasonic FH27 vs. Sony RX100: A Deep Dive for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera can be challenging, especially with options that span from entry-level to advanced. Today, we pit two notable models head-to-head: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27, launched in 2011 as a straightforward, budget-friendly compact, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100, a 2012 landmark in large sensor compact cameras, widely regarded for bringing near-DSLR image quality in a pocket-size body. Both cameras are fixed-lens compacts but target very different user groups - beginners versus serious enthusiasts and pros looking for a capable backup.

In this comprehensive comparison, we'll explore everything from sensor technology and ergonomics to autofocus and real-world performance across multiple photography disciplines. Our goal is to help you understand which camera best fits your creative aspirations and practical needs.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Let's begin with basic handling and physical design - factors that significantly impact your shooting comfort and portability.

• Panasonic FH27 is a slim, lightweight compact, weighing only 152g and measuring 99 x 57 x 28 mm. Its design aims for pocketability, making it ideal for casual shooting and travel. The lens extends quite far considering the size - offering an 8x zoom spanning 28-224 mm (35mm equivalent).
• Sony RX100 weighs 240g and is slightly larger at 102 x 58 x 36 mm. While bigger, it remains pocketable without sacrificing grip or control options. The RX100’s lens covers 28-100 mm (3.6x zoom) with a faster aperture.

The RX100’s ergonomic advantage lies in its premium metal body - offering more confident handling, especially for prolonged use, compared to the plastic chassis of Panasonic’s FH27. The FH27’s tactile controls are minimal, designed for simplicity rather than manual operation.

For travel photographers or anyone valuing weight and size above all, the FH27 is a winner here. But if you want a robust feel with more control, the RX100 justifies the slightly larger footprint.

Control Layout and User Interface: Navigating Your Creative Tools

How a camera feels under your fingers affects your ability to quickly adjust settings and capture decisive moments.

• Panasonic FH27 offers a simple top plate, with minimal buttons and no dedicated manual controls. The camera focuses on ease-of-use with auto modes dominating. It has a touchscreen - a rarity in this budget segment - which is handy for focusing and menu navigation, though it lacks the responsiveness and customization enthusiasts expect.
• Sony RX100 features a more sophisticated control scheme for a compact camera, including dedicated dials for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. While it lacks a touchscreen, it compensates with tactile buttons and a control ring around the lens for manual focus and zoom control.

You get more direct access to manual exposure modes on the RX100, accommodating photographers who want to learn and experiment with creative settings. Beginners or point-and-shoot users will appreciate the FH27’s simplicity.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Core of Your Photography

Sensor technology defines the image potential, impacting sharpness, dynamic range, noise performance, and overall image quality.

• Panasonic FH27 uses a 1/2.3" CCD sensor sized 6.08 x 4.56 mm with 16 megapixels resolution. This sensor type and size were common in early 2010s point-and-shoots, optimized for cost and compactness but limited in dynamic range and noise control.
• Sony RX100 sports a much larger 1" CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8 mm) with 20.2 megapixels, a significant leap in sensor technology and size over the FH27. This larger sensor collects substantially more light, translating to superior image clarity, better low-light performance, and higher dynamic range.

Testing reveals the RX100 consistently delivers sharper images with finer detail retention and more accurate color reproduction. The FH27’s smaller sensor struggles in low light, producing noisy results above ISO 400, while the RX100 maintains respectable clarity up to ISO 3200. The RX100’s CMOS sensor also allows faster readout and supports continuous shooting at 10 fps, compared to 4 fps on the FH27.

For any photography discipline demanding crisp image quality or challenging lighting - think portraits, landscapes, or night scenes - the RX100’s sensor advantage is decisive.

LCD Screens and Live View Experience

Both cameras provide a fixed 3-inch rear LCD screen. But details matter in quality and interface.

• Panasonic FH27’s touchscreen offers basic responsiveness and intuitive tapping to focus. The resolution is modest at 230k dots, limiting clarity in bright outdoor environments.
• Sony RX100 uses a WhiteMagic TFT LCD with 1229k dots resolution, delivering sharp and bright images on the display. The screen gives a confident feel when framing and reviewing images in the field, though it does not support touch.

If you rely on touchscreen operation for focus or accessibility, the FH27 has you covered at an entry level. However, professionals will appreciate the RX100’s higher-resolution screen for critical focus checks and playback.

Autofocus: Capturing Sharp Moments with Confidence

Autofocus (AF) performance often determines the yield of good shots, especially for action or unpredictable subjects.

The FH27’s contrast-detection AF system is basic but surprisingly effective for static subjects and casual shooting. Face detection works well for portraits, but the camera can struggle to lock focus quickly in dimmer environments or moving subjects.

The RX100’s AF system, despite lacking phase-detection AF, achieves snappier and more reliable focus through 25 contrast-detection points. AF tracking during bursts is fluid, making it suited for portraits, street photography, and even some wildlife or sports situations in good light. The inclusion of full manual focus and focus peaking empowers creative control.

For moving subjects or low-light environments, you will appreciate how the RX100's AF beats the FH27 hands down.

Zoom Range and Lens Quality: Versatility vs. Brightness

Lens performance affects what subjects you can capture and how beautifully.

The FH27 shines in zoom reach, offering an 8x telephoto reaching 224 mm, useful for casual wildlife, sports, or distant subjects. However, its narrow maximum aperture at telephoto limits low-light use and background separation (bokeh).

The RX100 lens boasts a fast f/1.8 aperture at the wide end, excellent for portraits with shallow depth of field and low-light shooting. While the zoom range is shorter, its image quality - sharpness, contrast, and chromatic aberration control - is superb for a compact lens.

In practice: Choose the FH27 if you prioritize zoom flexibility at a budget price. Opt for RX100 if you need superior low-light capability and sharper, more versatile optics.

Panasonic FH27 screen back Sony RX100 front Sony RX100 screen back

Real-World Image Samples: Portraits, Landscapes, and More

Examining actual photos captured with both cameras brings their strengths and weaknesses to light:

• Portraits: RX100’s larger sensor produces smoother skin tones, excellent bokeh, and more accurate color rendition. Its face detection and focus precision render sharper eyes and finer facial detail.

• Landscapes: The RX100 captures more dynamic range with better shadow retention and vibrant color gradation. The FH27 often clips highlights, with less depth in tonal transitions.

• Street Photography: Both cameras offer compactness, but RX100’s faster lens and quicker AF allow better candid shots in challenging light.

• Wildlife and Sports: The FH27’s extended zoom is useful for distant subjects; however, burst speed (4 fps) and sluggish AF limit success. The RX100’s faster AF and 10 fps shooting enhance capturing action despite shorter zoom.

• Macro: Both cameras deliver decent close-up shots with similar focus distances; RX100 edges ahead in detail due to better optics and sensor.

• Night and Astro: RX100’s ISO capabilities and noise control exceed FH27 significantly - enabling cleaner night skies and urban night scenes.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

If video is part of your creative arsenal, consider these differences:

The RX100 supports full HD recording at 60 fps, providing smoother motion capture. Its video compression and format options offer better editing flexibility. FH27 remains limited to basic HD clips with lower frame rates.

If casual videos are your interest, the FH27 suffices. But for more serious video or vlog projects, the RX100 delivers significantly better results.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Longer battery life and versatile connectivity ensure you stay powered and connected on your creative journey.

RX100’s higher battery capacity and wireless connectivity make it a more flexible companion for travel and on-the-go sharing. The FH27’s lack of wireless transfers and HDMI output limits remote control and fast workflow integration.

Performance Summary and Scoring

Looking at the overall performance metrics and lab results, the RX100 scores significantly higher in DxOMark tests and real-world evaluations. Though not officially tested for the FH27, the general consensus and technical specs show a clear gulf.

• Image Quality: RX100 leads with better color depth, dynamic range, and low-light ISO capability.
• Lens and Zoom: FH27 wins zoom range; RX100 edges in optical quality and aperture speed.
• Autofocus and Speed: RX100 is faster and more accurate.
• Video: RX100 offers superior resolution and framerate.
• Build and Handling: RX100’s premium feel and manual controls surpass FH27’s basic design.
• Portability and Ease of Use: FH27 is lighter and more approachable for beginners.
• Price: FH27 is nearly half the price of RX100, highlighting its budget position.

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres

Here’s a breakdown by photographic disciplines:

• Portraits: RX100 excels thanks to large sensor and fast lens.
• Landscapes: RX100 dominates with dynamic range and sharpness.
• Wildlife: FH27’s zoom provides reach but at lower AF and burst performance.
• Sports: RX100 better suited for tracking and burst shooting.
• Street: RX100’s speed & lens offer advantages; FH27’s size aids discretion.
• Macro: Both adequate, RX100 edges via resolution.
• Night/Astro: RX100 substantially better with ISO and noise.
• Video: RX100 is clearly superior.
• Travel: FH27 wins on size & weight, RX100 on versatility.
• Professional Use: RX100 better; offers raw image capture and manual control.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose Panasonic FH27 if:

• You want a very affordable, lightweight camera for casual point-and-shoot photography.
• Portability and zoom reach are priorities, with minimal manual control.
• You mainly shoot in bright daylight or basic conditions.
• Video and connectivity features are not a concern.
• You’re starting your creative journey without a big budget.

Choose Sony RX100 if:

• You demand near-DSLR image quality in a compact package.
• You want fast manual controls and greater creative flexibility.
• Low-light shooting and video capabilities are important.
• You plan to shoot portraits, landscapes, street, or travel photography seriously.
• You appreciate fast AF, burst shooting, and RAW file support.
• You want to invest in a camera you can grow with long-term.

Wrapping Up: Making the Right Choice for Your Photography Path

We’ve examined two compact cameras from very different classes. The Panasonic FH27 offers a simple, no-frills user experience perfect for beginners or casual users prioritizing affordability and zoom range. However, for anyone focused on image quality, creative control, and versatility, the Sony RX100 remains one of the best pocketable cameras of its era and still relevant today.

If possible, try both hands-on to experience handling and UI first-hand. Remember, camera choice should first empower your creative vision while fitting your lifestyle and budget.

Explore your photography journey with confidence. Consider the gear that unlocks your best images, and don't hesitate to supplement with the right lenses, accessories, and learning resources.

Happy shooting!

Further Reading and Resources:

• Check out sample galleries and in-depth reviews from trusted sources.
• Test manual lens controls on the RX100 to unlock advanced techniques.
• Pair the FH27 with high-speed SD cards to maximize buffer and speed.
• Explore smartphone apps compatible with the RX100 for wireless control.
• Consider future upgrades - RX100 series bodies show a clear path for growth.

Want to dive in? Visit your local camera store or online retailer to get started with one of these capable compacts today.

Images courtesy of manufacturer specs and test galleries.