Comparing Panasonic Lumix FH27 vs. Sony RX100 II: Compact Cameras Under the Microscope

Choosing a compact camera can feel like navigating a maze of confusing specs and marketing hype. I've spent countless hours in hands-on testing, dissecting nuances that hardly jump off datasheets, so let's take a deep dive into what really matters when comparing the Panasonic FH27 and the Sony RX100 II. Both tiny shooters aim to unlock convenience without sacrificing control or image quality - but do they? Spoiler: The difference in price brackets is reflected, but surprisingly, each has its own charms.

Body and Handling: Ergonomics in Your Pocket

At first glance, the Panasonic FH27 and Sony RX100 II seem similar - both compact cameras designed to slip into a jacket pocket or purse. Yet my tactile experience revealed important contrasts. The FH27 measures 99 x 57 x 28 mm and weighs just 152 grams, making it among the smallest budget compacts I've handled. The RX100 II is a bit chunkier at 102 x 58 x 38 mm, tipping the scales at 281 grams. This difference isn’t trivial; the RX100 II feels far more substantial, lending a sense of robustness and confidence when shooting.

Panasonic’s FH27 sports a simple fixed 3” touchscreen - adequate but minimal. The Sony counters with a 3” tilting screen boasting much higher resolution (1229k dots versus Panasonic’s modest 230k), contributing to better image review and framing flexibility in tricky angles. Controls on the RX100 II are notably richer: manual exposure modes, a physical command dial, an intuitive custom button layout - I felt immediately in command. The FH27, in contrast, offers very limited manual control - no shutter or aperture priority modes, and autofocus options that feel... well, rather basic.

For photographers who like to tweak settings on the fly, RX100 II is clearly the ergonomically smarter choice. If you want a no-fuss snapper that just works, the FH27’s straightforwardness might appeal, though the tradeoff is less creative control.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

This is where the cameras’ core philosophies diverge sharply. The FH27 uses a tiny 1/2.3" CCD sensor with 16MP resolution, standard fare for entry-level compacts from its era (2011). The RX100 II raises the stakes with a dramatically larger 1" CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm and packing 20MP. Larger sensors typically yield better dynamic range, low light performance, and cleaner images overall.

Why does sensor size matter? I tried both cameras under varied lighting - bright outdoors, dim cafes, and night streets - and the gap was unmistakable. The RX100 II produced images with noticeably finer details and smoother gradations in shadow and highlight areas. Its sensor coupled with Sony’s image processor delivers a solid extended ISO range (160 to 12800 native, expandable to 25600), whereas the FH27 tops out at 6400 ISO with throwback noise levels.

Color sensitivity also favored the RX100 II. Its 22.5-bit color depth measured by DxO (compared to untested but presumably lower values for Panasonic) means richer, more nuanced skin tones and natural hues - a critical advantage for portrait and lifestyle shooters.

Autofocus and Speed: Capturing the Moment

From wildlife squawks to kids’ irresistible grins, autofocus is mission critical. The RX100 II shines here with 25 contrast-detection AF points and face detection that locks quickly and accurately. Panasonic’s FH27, although endowed with face detection too, has only 11 contrast-detection points and lacks continuous autofocus during burst shooting.

Speaking of burst rates, the FH27’s 4 fps is modest and limited to single AF mode, causing lag in fast-moving subjects. RX100 II doubles that speed at 10 fps with full AF tracking - noticeably better for sports and street photography. My field test chasing a dog at the park showed the Sony’s tracking made all the difference between keeper and missed shot.

While neither offers phase-detection AF or blazing dual pixel tech, RX100 II’s refined contrast detection system still gives it an edge in responsiveness and reliability.

Lens and Zoom: Range and Aperture

On paper, Panasonic FH27 promises an 8x zoom from 28-224mm (35mm equivalent) with f/3.3-5.9 aperture, quite a flexible range for travel snapshots. The RX100 II sports a shorter zoom - 28-100mm (3.6x) but compensates with a faster lens opening of f/1.8-4.9. Faster apertures mean better control of depth-of-field and improved low-light performance without cranking ISO.

That fast f/1.8 wide end is a notable boon for portraits and low-light shooting, allowing creamy bokeh and selective focus effects that are tougher with smaller apertures. The FH27’s slower aperture plus tiny sensor means flat depth-of-field in most conditions.

Screen and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shots

Panasonic’s fixed 3” TFT touchscreen (230k resolution) felt cramped and lacked detail during composing and reviewing photos. Meanwhile, Sony’s Xtra Fine WhiteMagic tilting screen with nearly 5 times the pixel density offered sharp previews and flexible angles, ideal for street shooters and vloggers. While neither has a built-in viewfinder, the RX100 II supports optional electronic viewfinders - a pretty neat add-on missing (or unsupported) on the FH27. If you prefer eye-level composure or shoot in bright sunlight, that adaptability counts.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Video recording is another battleground where Panasonic and Sony differ significantly. FH27 supports HD Video at 720p 24fps in Motion JPEG format - a compressed codec that struggles with smoothness and detail retention. The RX100 II records Full HD 1080p video up to 60fps with AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats and offers slow sync flash during recording.

Moreover, the RX100 II excels with optical image stabilization to counter handheld shake, delivering noticeably steadier footage. Lack of microphone and headphone inputs limits professional audio capture on both, but Sony’s better video specs and frame rates are preferable for casual video enthusiasts and travel bloggers.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Conveniences

Panasonic FH27 feels a bit old-school here: no wireless connectivity, just USB 2.0 and SD card slot. Sony RX100 II, however, comes with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, enabling easy image transfer and remote shooting via Sony’s app. In real-world use, this built-in wireless transforms workflow, letting you upload or share images quickly - a must-have in today’s always-on social media culture.

Both accept SD and SDHC cards, but the Sony also supports Memory Stick Duo formats. Battery life is another plus for Sony with approximately 350 shots per charge versus Panasonic’s 250, a meaningful difference for day-long outings.

Real-World Photography Disciplines: Which Camera Triumphs?

Let’s see how these technical factors play out across popular photography types.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The Sony RX100 II wins hands down here. Its larger sensor and faster lens deliver flattering skin tones and the ability to create shallow depth-of-field portraits with smooth background blur - something no tiny-sensor compact camera can approximate. I found Panasonic FH27 portraits flat and lacking dimensionality, acceptable for casual snaps but not for serious portraits.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Detail

Landscape shooters will appreciate RX100 II’s superior dynamic range (12.4 EV measured) and resolution (20MP vs 16MP) that produce expansive detail throughout highlights and shadows. The FH27’s limited sensor area and CCD tech lead to noisier shadows and less tonal subtlety, particularly in twilight shots.

Weather sealing? Neither camera offers significant protection, so outdoor use demands care. The RX100 II’s build quality feels more robust for rugged travel.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Speed

For fleeting wildlife or sports action, Sony’s faster 10fps continuous shooting with AF tracking makes the crucial difference. Panasonic’s 4fps and sluggish AF are more in line with point-and-shoot snapshot needs than fast-paced reportage.

Street Photography: Discretion and Agility

The Panasonic FH27’s smaller size and ultra-lightweight body make it a more discreet and less intimidating presence on the street. However, the RX100 II’s compactness is still commendable, and its superior image quality gives it the edge if you can live with the slight bulk.

Low-light street shooting benefits from RX100 II’s faster aperture and higher ISO capabilities, revealing nuanced shadows and ambient glow without resorting to flash.

Macro Photography: Close Focusing and Stabilization

Both cameras offer close focusing at about 5cm, but Sony’s superior sensor and lens allow for richer detail and sharper macro shots. Optical image stabilization on both helps mitigate hand tremors, but the RX100 II’s system is more sophisticated.

Night and Astro Photography: Low Light Performance

Sony RX100 II outclasses the FH27 dramatically at night. The ability to shoot at ISO 3200+ with lower noise and longer shutter speeds paired with manual exposure modes lets you explore nightscapes and even astro shots with a tripod.

The Panasonic’s fixed exposure modes and noise levels at high ISO make it a poor candidate for serious nocturnal photography.

Video Filmmaking: Steady and Detailed Footage

For casual video creators, RX100 II’s Full HD 60p capability and image stabilization offer a smooth cinematic feel unseen in Panasonic's limited 720p MJPEG offering. No microphone inputs on either mats, so external audio remains an afterthought.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Endurance

Sony’s blend of image quality, manual control, tilting screen, and wireless features caters superbly to travel photographers who want a capable do-it-all in a pocket. Panasonic FH27 can deliver point-and-shoot convenience and longer zoom range at a fraction of the price, but the compromises show in demanding travel scenarios.

Panasonic FH27 screen back Sony RX100 II front Sony RX100 II screen back

Build Quality and Reliability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized durability. However, the RX100 II’s metal body and solid hinge mechanism feel more durable in daily use. The FH27's plastic shell and buttons are adequate but far from reassuring for heavy users.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life is decent on both, but Sony’s RX100 II leads with approximately 350 shots per charge compared to Panasonic’s 250. For storage, both rely on SD cards with no dual slots - standard for compacts.

Price and Value: What Does Your Dollar Buy?

The Panasonic FH27 retails around $229, making it an attractive entry point for beginners or those seeking simple travel companions without fuss or hefty investment. The Sony RX100 II, priced near $600 (and often higher on the used market given its cult status), demands a bigger commitment but delivers pro-grade performance in a compact shell.

When looking at the total performance package, Sony's RX100 II scores substantially better on image quality, speed, autofocus, and usability metrics - an investment justified if these features align with your photography aspirations.

Tailoring the Choice: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose Panasonic Lumix FH27 if:

• You're a casual photographer prioritizing pocketability and ultra-affordability.
• You want a simple, point-and-shoot experience with minimal manual controls.
• Travel light and snap fun memories without fuss.
• Budget constraints are tight, and image quality expectations are modest.

Choose Sony RX100 II if:

• You desire near-DSLR image quality in a compact format.
• Enjoy manual controls, RAW shooting, and video beyond basic snapshots.
• Require fast and accurate autofocus for action, wildlife, or street work.
• Appreciate wireless connectivity and a flexible tilting high-res screen.
• Value durability and battery life for extended use.
• Willing to invest in quality optics and sensor tech for long-term satisfaction.

Final Thoughts: No Perfect Camera, But Plenty to Love

Comparing the Panasonic FH27 and the Sony RX100 II is less about finding a clear “winner” and more about matching priorities. The FH27 is a charmingly simple and ultra-compact shooter perfect for casual photography or backups, while the RX100 II punches well above its weight class, offering tools and image quality edging into enthusiast territory.

As someone who’s tested thousands of cameras over the last decade and a half, I can say the RX100 II remains a celebrated classic for a reason - it encapsulates the sweet spot between pocket portability and creative expression. The FH27 serves a useful niche for budget-conscious users needing a capable yet straightforward shooter.

Whatever you choose, reliable performance and ease of use matter most. After all, a camera in your hand that feels good and inspires shooting is worth far more than any spec on paper.

Thank you for joining me on this detailed exploration! For more reviews rich with hands-on insights and practical tips, stay tuned. Happy shooting!