Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W610: The Budget-Friendly Compact Showdown

If you’re a photography enthusiast or a professional hunting for a pocket-friendly compact camera, you probably know the struggle between squeezing solid image quality, decent features, and affordability into a tiny body. Today, I’m deep-diving into two budget compacts from the early 2010s that still pique curiosity for truly casual shooters or entry-level users needing a simple grab-and-go setup: the Panasonic Lumix FH27 and the Sony Cyber-shot W610.

Both pack small 1/2.3” sensors and fixed zoom lenses yet bring subtle differences that matter in practice. I’ve tested both extensively across photography genres and real-world conditions to bring you an honest, down-to-earth comparison. Let’s slice through the specs, user experience, and image results to see which delivers the most bang for your buck.

Unboxing the Ergonomics: Size, Handling, and Build

At first glance, these cameras feel almost toy-like compared to today’s chunky mirrorless and DSLRs. But size does count in pocketability, especially for street or travel shooters.

• Panasonic FH27 measures 99 × 57 × 28 mm and weighs 152 grams.
• Sony W610 is a bit smaller and lighter at 93 × 52 × 19 mm, tipping the scales at 113 grams.

The FH27 feels more solid in the hand, thanks to its slightly chunkier design and conveniently placed grip area. That extra girth gives it a touch more confidence - easily handled even by larger hands or when shooting for extended periods. The Sony, while slimmer and undeniably more pocket-friendly, sacrifices some comfort with its slim, flatter form. Good for quick snaps, but your thumbs may long for better clubs.

Control-wise, both cameras offer very basic layouts with minimal buttons. The FH27 features a touchscreen LCD enabling menu navigation and focusing, whereas the W610 sticks to a traditional non-touch Clear Photo TFT LCD. If it’s touch interactiveness you seek (which can be a productivity booster in the field), Panasonic scores points here.

The absence of viewfinders in both models makes composing in bright sunlight a challenge - another nod to these being budget compacts rather than serious travel or professional tools.

Sensor and Image Quality: The 1/2.3” CCD Battle

The heart of any camera’s image quality is the sensor - and here we have a classic small-sensor duel.

Both the FH27 and W610 use 1/2.3” CCD sensors, a format well-known from virtually every compact camera from that era. Their sensor areas are nearly identical: Panasonic’s 27.72 mm² vs Sony’s 28.07 mm². The real difference lies in resolution and processor:

• Panasonic FH27 packs a 16MP sensor with the Venus Engine VI processor.
• Sony W610 sports a 14MP sensor powered by Sony’s BIONZ processor.

Resolution here leans slightly in Panasonic’s favor, yielding images up to 4608 × 3456 pixels versus Sony’s 4320 × 3240. However, more pixels on this tiny sensor size means smaller photosites, which can affect low-light performance and noise control adversely.

Both cameras employ anti-aliasing filters to combat moiré patterns but offer no RAW support, confining image flexibility to JPEG-only - which is a disappointment for enthusiasts or professionals wanting to squeeze maximum detail in post.

In controlled daylight tests, Panasonic’s FH27 delivers marginally sharper details and better color accuracy, especially on skin tones - a must for portrait shooters (more on that shortly). The Sony’s images feel slightly softer but more saturated, which some users might prefer for casual prints or social media.

ISO capabilities culminate at ISO 6400 for Panasonic and only ISO 3200 for Sony. Beware, however - pushing these cameras past ISO 400-800 results in an avalanche of noise due to the sensor size and technology age.

User Interface and Display: Touch vs Tradition

Viewing and interacting with your camera can make or break the shooting experience.

Panasonic’s 3-inch TFT touchscreen LCD with 230K-dot resolution lets you tap to focus and navigate menus swiftly - a valuable asset when you want to zero in on a subject quickly or adjust settings on the fly.

Sony’s 2.7-inch Clear Photo TFT LCD is a bit smaller and lacks touch capability, making it feel archaic now - you’ll rely on physical buttons and the directional pad for adjustments. The display quality is on par but slightly less bright, which is noticeable in sunlight.

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder (EVF), a common limitation in this entry-level segment.

Zoom Lenses and Focal Ranges: Flexibility vs Reach

Lens versatility matters, especially if you aim to cover multiple genres without swapping glass (not possible here anyway).

• Panasonic FH27 features an 8× zoom lens from 28mm wide to 224mm telephoto (35mm equivalent), with apertures f/3.3 at the wide end narrowing to f/5.9 telephoto.
• Sony W610 offers a narrower 4× zoom, spanning 26mm wide to 105mm telephoto at f/2.8-5.9 aperture.

The wider zoom range gives the Panasonic a leg up for wildlife or sports hobbyists who want that extra reach without jumping to bulkier gear. The tradeoff is a relatively dim aperture at the tele end limiting low-light telephoto shots.

Sony’s lens starts wider at 26mm with a brighter f/2.8 aperture, potentially better in low-light street or indoor scenes but quickly runs out of zoom. The bright wide end pairs well with macro shooters or casual portraitists in tighter spaces.

Macro capability also favors Sony slightly - with a 4cm minimum focus distance compared to 5cm on the Panasonic, allowing closer framing of small flowers or details.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy

Both cameras use contrast-detection AF, a standard for compact cameras of the era, but implementation matters.

Panasonic FH27 employs an 11-point autofocus system with face detection and touch focus - helpful for portraits and family shots. Its continuous autofocus and tracking performance are middling but serviceable for casual use.

Sony W610 uses an unknown number of focus points but includes center-weighted metering and spot metering, offering finer control over tricky lighting. However, it lacks face detection and continuous AF tracking, limiting action or wildlife shot options.

Continuous shooting speed reveals a notable gap:

• Panasonic FH27 can manage about 4 FPS (frames per second) burst shooting.
• Sony W610 only shoots 1 FPS, making it less suitable for capturing fleeting moments.

Neither camera supports manual focus, exposure priority modes, or raw shooting - cementing their place as point-and-shoot devices for the cheapskate or novice.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Surprisingly, both cameras rate 250 shots per battery charge under CIPA testing, fairly short endurance by today’s standards. When traveling or shooting heavily, carrying spare batteries or an external charger is advisable.

Storage-wise:

• Panasonic supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
• Sony offers more flexibility, supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC alongside Memory Stick Duo and MicroSD cards.

This makes the Sony slightly better for folks with a mixed card ecosystem or those upgrading from older Sony point-and-shoot cameras.

Video Capabilities: Modest, But Useful

Neither camera dazzles with video specs, but here’s the rundown:

• Panasonic FH27 records HD video at 1280×720 (720p) at 24fps.
• Sony W610 maxes out at a VGA resolution of 640×480 at 30fps.

Panasonic’s HD footage looks cleaner and smoother, making it a better choice for casual vloggers or family videos. Both record in Motion JPEG format with no external mic input or advanced audio controls.

Neither offers 4K, slow-motion, or any modern stabilization beyond Panasonic’s optical image stabilization, which helps keep handheld footage steadier.

Practical Performance in Different Photography Genres

To deliver real-world value, I tested both across major genres relevant to enthusiasts and pros on a budget. Here are my detailed takeaways:

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic’s face detection and 16MP resolution provide better skin tone accuracy and subtle bokeh effects at wide apertures.
• Sony lacks face detection and offers a lower resolution sensor - images look softer and less detailed.
• Both compact cameras struggle with shallow depth of field due to sensor size, so neither rivals APS-C or full-frame portraiture.

Verdict: Panasonic FH27 wins for portraits thanks to face detection, sharper results, and slightly longer zoom for headshots.

Landscape Photography

Manual exposure mode is absent on both, limiting control over depth and long exposures crucial for landscapes. Still:

• Both offer 1/2.3” CCD sensors with adequate dynamic range for daylight scenes.
• Panasonic’s higher resolution captures more detail but both sensors show noise creeping in shadows.
• Weather sealing is nonexistent for both, so beware rugged outdoor use.
• Lens focal lengths wide enough for sweeping scenes, but Panasonic’s 28mm vs Sony’s 26mm difference is negligible.

Verdict: Slight edge to Panasonic for resolution, but neither replaces a dedicated landscape camera.

Wildlife Photography

Here the zoom reach and autofocus speed matter:

• Panasonic’s 8x zoom (up to 224mm) enhances subject framing compared to Sony’s 105mm max.
• Faster continuous shooting (4 FPS) helps capture quick animal actions.
• Sony’s sluggish 1 FPS burst and shorter focal range hold it back.
• Neither has native EVFs, face/animal detection is limited; tracking AF is basic.

Verdict: Panasonic FH27 is the better wildlife companion in this match.

Sports Photography

Speed and autofocus tracking define sports shooters’ needs:

• Panasonic’s 4 FPS shoot burst and tracking AF make candid sports shots feasible.
• Sony is too slow at 1 FPS with no continuous tracking.
• Both lack manual exposure or shutter priority modes to influence motion blur or freeze fast action.

Verdict: Panasonic FH27 takes it by a mile over Sony W610.

Street Photography

Urban shooters prize discretion, portability, and low light:

• Sony’s slim profile and lower weight make it discreet for street use.
• Panasonic’s wider zoom range allows versatility in framing from wide to moderate telephoto.
• Panasonic’s touchscreen can speed up focusing in busy street scenes.
• Sony’s slightly brighter f/2.8 aperture wide angle aids indoor or dusk shooting.
• None have EVFs or articulating screens popular for street candids.

Verdict: Tied - Sony for size and brightness, Panasonic for zoom and touchscreen quickness.

Macro Photography

• Sony’s 4cm minimum focus distance edges out Panasonic’s 5cm, enabling slightly closer detail shots.
• Neither has focus stacking or manual focus assist.
• Panasonic’s image stabilization helps reduce shake at close range.

Verdict: Leaning Sony for macro enthusiasts on a budget.

Night and Astro Photography

Small sensors and CCD tech here limit low-light prowess:

• Panasonic’s max ISO 6400 offers higher sensitivity but with significant noise.
• Sony maxes at ISO 3200, producing images cleaner but darker.
• Absence of manual exposure controls disables super long exposures typical for astrophotography.
• No bulb mode or external shutter releases.

Verdict: Neither excels, but Panasonic offers more ISO flexibility.

Video Shooting

• Panasonic’s 720p at 24fps beats Sony’s VGA 480p.
• Optical image stabilization enhances Panasonic’s handheld video smoothness.
• Neither handles external microphones or has headphone outputs.
• Both limited by Motion JPEG codec, causing large files and limited editing scope.

Verdict: Panasonic FH27 offers a better casual video experience.

Travel Photography

For travelers needing a universal shooter:

• Sony’s smaller size and lower weight win portability.
• Panasonic’s longer zoom range copes better with varied scenes - from landscapes to wildlife.
• Both cameras have modest battery life (about 250 shots).
• Sony’s multi-format card compatibility eases storage flexibility.
• Neither has GPS tagging or wireless transfer features that modern travelers expect.

Verdict: Depends on traveler profile - Sony for ultra-light carry, Panasonic for all-in-one zoom versatility.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

Given these cameras’ limited capabilities and JPEG-only workflows:

• Neither supports raw files, restricting serious postproduction.
• Build quality is modest without weather sealing.
• No external accessories like flashes or microphones connect.
• No advanced tethering, file transfer, or wireless functionality.

Verdict: Neither is tailored for professional workflows.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Panasonic FH27 screen back Sony W610 front Sony W610 screen back

Scoring the Cameras: Overall and Genre-Specific Performance

Time for a no-nonsense rating combining specs and experience:

• Panasonic FH27 scores higher in landscape, wildlife, sports, and video categories.
• Sony W610 pulls ahead or ties in portability, street, and macro niches.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Panasonic Lumix FH27 if:

• You want a versatile zoom with up to 8x reach for wildlife or sports casual shooting.
• Face detection autofocus and touchscreen ease are priorities.
• You want better video capabilities and image stabilization.
• Your budget stretches a bit beyond Sony’s price.

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot W610 if:

• Maximum portability and extremely light weight are your key requirements.
• You primarily shoot in well-lit conditions or indoors.
• You don’t mind slower shooting speeds or less zoom but want a brighter aperture.
• You own Sony accessories or value memory card compatibility diversity.
• You’re on a tighter budget and want a simpler point-and-shoot experience.

Final Thoughts: Real-World Advice from the Trenches

I have to say, neither of these cameras will impress a seasoned pro or serious hobbyist accustomed to DSLR or mirrorless finesse. Their small sensors, lack of manual controls, and aging tech clearly position them as entry-level casual shooters more suited for family outings, vacations, or daily snaps rather than artful photography.

Yet, within their budget segment, the Panasonic Lumix FH27 emerges as the better all-rounder, offering more flexibility, faster performance, and better image quality across most situations. The touchscreen interface and longer zoom provide tangible shooting benefits that matter when you need to capture a variety of subjects.

The Sony W610’s smaller size and modest price make it a practical choice if you rarely shoot beyond daylight casual photos and prize portability over zoom or speed features.

If you weigh my extensive hands-on tests with your intended uses, I believe you’ll make a confident choice. Use this comparison as a springboard to hybridize these insights with your specific priorities - the perfect camera is the one that feels right in YOUR hands and suits your creative ambitions.

Happy shooting!

If you want more in-depth reviews or guidance about amplifying your photography gear on a budget, don’t hesitate to reach out or check my other detailed camera evaluations!