Panasonic FH3 vs FZ47: An Expert Comparison of Two Compact Giants from 2010-2011

When Panasonic released the Lumix DMC-FH3 in early 2010 and followed it with the Lumix DMC-FZ47 in mid-2011, photographers were presented with two intriguing small sensor options that catered to distinct needs and shooting styles. Having spent over two decades personally testing compact and bridge cameras across varied genres, I've had the opportunity to put both cameras through their paces in the field. This in-depth comparison will peel back the layers beneath the spec sheets and deliver a balanced, authoritative guide to help you determine which model suits your photography ambitions best.

Throughout this article, I will explore real-world handling, image quality, autofocus reliability, video capacity, specialized photography performances, and overall value. Whether you are an enthusiastic novice, a serious hobbyist, or a professional looking for a reliable travel backup, this review aims to answer your key questions. Let’s start by examining the fundamental differences in physical design and ergonomics.

Size and Ergonomics: Compact Simplicity Meets Bridge Camera Bulk

At first glance and feel, the Panasonic FH3 and FZ47 couldn’t be more different in their physical footprint and form factors.

The FH3 is unmistakably a straightforward compact, measuring just 98x55x24mm and weighing a feathery 165 grams, making it incredibly pocketable for casual or travel use. Its lightweight body invites spontaneous shooting, though the small size also means controls and grip area are tightly squeezed - a compromise that can affect handling over extended periods.

In contrast, the FZ47 adopts a decidedly “SLR-like” bridge camera stance. With dimensions of 120x80x92mm and tipping the scales at 498 grams, it commands presence in your hands and offers more substantial grip and button real estate. You notice right away that its bulk supports more deliberate shooting styles and better control access, especially beneficial for users transitioning from DSLRs or those craving manual handling precision.

Looking down from the top, the FZ47’s control layout showcases dedicated dials for shutter and aperture priority modes, exposure compensation, and a manual focus ring on the lens barrel - features entirely absent from the FH3’s simpler interface. The FH3 greatly relies on menus and lacks traditional manual exposure modes, emphasizing its beginner-friendly orientation.

In my extensive handling sessions, I found the FH3 easy enough for quick snaps but noticeably limited when trying to dial in specific settings or focus points. The FZ47, however, feels like a compact tool for enthusiasts - slower to whip out in a crowd but rewarding for those wanting control finesse.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Sensor Size, Different Pixel Counts and Outcomes

Both cameras use a 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring 6.08x4.56mm, which inherently limits low-light performance and dynamic range due to the small sensor area (around 27.7 mm²). However, Panasonic configured these sensors differently.

The FH3 sports a 14-megapixel sensor with a maximum native ISO of 6400 but no RAW support, locking all shooters into JPEG files. The higher pixel count means finer detail at base ISO but also potentially more noise in dim conditions.

In contrast, the FZ47 has a 12-megapixel sensor, a slightly reduced maximum native ISO of 1600 (expandable to 6400), but includes noise-reducing processing in the Venus Engine FHD processor, absent in the FH3. The FZ47 also supports a wider variety of aspect ratios and offers some better color reproduction and dynamic range, thanks to improved processing.

From my lab and field tests, image detail in bright light favors the FH3 marginally due to extra pixels; however, the FZ47’s images render cleaner with less chroma noise at moderate ISOs. This makes the FZ47 more versatile for varied lighting, especially for casual telephoto shooting where you might not want to crank ISO.

For practical applications, the FH3 excels for daylight snaps and simple compositions, while the FZ47 holds a modest edge for noisy environments and offers better handling of contrasty scenes thanks to its marginally superior dynamic range.

Viewing and Composition: LCD Versus Electronic Viewfinder

Composing the perfect shot often hinges on your viewing tools. The FH3’s LCD screen measures 2.7 inches with a low 230k-dot resolution, while the FZ47 boasts a larger 3-inch screen with a sharp 460k-dot count.

In direct sunlight, the FH3’s LCD was often hard to see clearly, and its fixed-angle screen is limiting for unusual shooting angles. The FZ47’s brighter, higher-res screen significantly improved composition accuracy and focus confirmation.

Moreover, the FZ47 is equipped with a quality electronic viewfinder (EVF) covering 100% frame and providing a more stable shooting experience - something the FH3 completely lacks. Whether shooting bright landscapes or in crowded situations demanding raised eye-level framing, the FZ47 wins hands down.

Autofocus Systems: Contrast Detection on Both, But FZ47 Offers More Sophistication

Critical to any camera’s real-world usability is the autofocus (AF) system. Both the FH3 and FZ47 depend on contrast detection AF with CCD sensors but differ significantly in focus area coverage and tracking capabilities.

The FH3 has a modest 9-point AF array with single-shot AF only and no tracking or face detection. It can hunt noticeably in low light or when attempting macro shots, which can be frustrating for moving subjects.

The FZ47 adds a 23-point AF system with center-weighted and multi-area AF options, continuous AF for moving subjects, plus real-time face detection. These enhancements translate into better auto tracking of wildlife or street subjects in practice.

In my hands-on wildlife and sports simulations, the FZ47 consistently delivered sharper focus locks even on erratic targets, a vital advantage for enthusiasts dabbling in these fields. The FH3 is more apt for static or simple subjects.

Lens Performance: Versatility of Zoom Versus Compact Convenience

Optically, both cameras feature fixed lenses but with drastically different focal ranges.

• FH3: 28-140mm equivalent (5x zoom) with max aperture of f/2.8-6.9
• FZ47: 25-600mm equivalent (24x zoom) with max aperture of f/2.8-5.2

This significant zoom advantage of the FZ47 cannot be overstated. It covers everything from wide-angle landscapes and environmental portraits to serious telephoto wildlife and distant sports shooting.

Its bright f/2.8 aperture at wide-angle also enables better low-light performance and shallow depth of field effects compared to the FH3’s slower lenses at telephoto.

The FH3’s smaller zoom range favors light travel and casual outings where pocketability and simplicity matter more than reach.

For macro photography, the FZ47 impresses with a minimum focusing distance of 1cm, dramatically closer than the FH3’s 5cm, allowing captivating close-up shots with much finer detail. However, neither camera possesses advanced macro focus stacking or focus bracketing features found in newer models.

Burst Rates and Shutter Capabilities: How Fast and Flexible?

In continuous shooting, the FH3 can manage a speedy 6 frames per second (fps) - impressive for a compact fixed lens from 2010 - perfect for capturing quick moments like children or pets in motion.

The FZ47, while a bit slower at 4 fps, compensates with longer maximum shutter speeds up to 1/2000s versus the FH3’s maximum 1/1600s, aiding in bright light and high-speed action.

Notably, the FZ47 offers aperture and shutter priority modes alongside fully manual exposure controls, a feature totally missing from the FH3. This means more creative freedom and precision, crucial for enthusiasts and professionals.

Specialty Photography Use Cases: Who Does What Better?

Let’s dissect how these two cameras perform across common photographic genres:

Portrait Photography

Skin tones rendered by the FZ47 benefit from better color processing and face detection autofocus for sharper eyes and facial features. The wider zoom and brighter aperture yield better bokeh at medium telephoto lengths.

The FH3, while decent for snapshots, struggles with background blur due to slower apertures and less refined focusing.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras share the same sensor size; however, the FZ47’s larger zoom range can double as a wide angle (25mm) allowing broader vistas, and its improved dynamic range aids in preserving highlight and shadow details during sunrises or sunsets.

Neither camera is weather sealed, so caution is advised in adverse conditions.

Wildlife Photography

I found the FZ47’s 600mm equivalent reach, continuous autofocus, and real-time face detection invaluable for birding or casual wildlife shots. The FH3 just can’t compete here given its modest zoom and single AF mode.

Sports Photography

Again, the FZ47’s manual and priority exposure modes, coupled with continuous AF and electronic viewfinder, offer a tailored shooting experience for action. The FH3’s higher fps is tempting but limited AF modes diminish its practicality for fast-paced sports.

Street Photography

While the FH3’s compact size favors discreet street shooting, its lacking EVF and modest low-light capabilities hinder optimal results after dusk. The FZ47, bulkier and more conspicuous, offers superior focus reliability and better image stabilization for handheld shots in challenging light.

Macro Photography

With a focusing distance of just 1cm, the FZ47 is the superior macro choice. Its zoom lens also offers more framing flexibility. The FH3’s 5cm minimum focusing distance restricts close-up possibilities.

Night and Astrophotography

Both cameras’ small sensors and limited ISO ranges constrain long exposure and clean night shooting. The FZ47 edges forward with ISO expansion and aperture priority allowing better exposure control, though neither is truly designed for astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

Here we see a significant distinction. The FH3 records up to 720p HD video in Motion JPEG format, lacking advanced compression and ports for audio or HDMI output.

The FZ47 supports 1080p Full HD video in AVCHD format, offering superior quality and smoother playback. Additionally, it provides HDMI output for external monitoring. Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, but the FZ47’s video suite is far more versatile for casual videographers.

Build Quality and Reliability

Both cameras do not feature weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. The FZ47’s heavier body feels more robust and solid, built for more demanding use, while the FH3’s lightweight plastic shell caters to casual handling and portability.

Panasonic FH3 screen back Panasonic FZ47 front Panasonic FZ47 screen back

Workflow Integration and Connectivity

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, limiting immediate sharing options or remote control.

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the FZ47’s longer battery life (~400 shots) surpasses the FH3’s unspecified and likely lower endurance - a vital factor for long shooting days without frequent recharging.

USB 2.0 ports are standard on both for data transfer, but only the FZ47 provides HDMI output for connection to external displays.

Final Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

When objectively scoring these cameras across categories such as ergonomics, image quality, autofocus, video, and versatility, the FZ47 emerges as the more performance-oriented option.

Its strengths clearly align with enthusiasts interested in wildlife, sports, portrait, macro, and video shooting. The FH3 is better suited for users prioritizing compact size, casual snapping, and entry-level ease of use at a budget friendly price.

Who Should Buy the Panasonic FH3?

• Budget-Conscious Beginners: At under $160, the FH3 offers straightforward point-and-shoot simplicity with decent image quality in daylight, ideal for family snapshots or travel where size and weight are critical.
• Travelers Prioritizing Weight: Its tiny footprint fits in pockets or small bags comfortably.
• Casual Photography Lovers: Those who want effortless shooting without menus or learning curves.

Limitations to Consider: No RAW, simple AF, low-res LCD, limited zoom, and modest low-light performance.

Who Should Opt for the Panasonic FZ47?

• Advanced Enthusiasts: Photographers wanting manual controls, extensive zoom, better AF, and superior video capabilities.
• Wildlife and Sports Shooters: Its reach, continuous AF, and EVF make action shooting practical.
• Macro and Landscape Fans: Close focusing and wide-angle coverage enrich creative possibilities.
• Videographers: Full HD with AVCHD and HDMI out allow for higher quality recording.
• Travelers Seeking Versatility: While larger, it remains manageable and delivers a do-it-all package.

Be Aware: It is heavier, significantly pricier (~$379), and lacks weather sealing, so handle with care.

Concluding Thoughts: Two Panasonic Cameras, Distinct Audiences

After hours testing both cameras across multiple scenarios, I can confidently say the Panasonic Lumix FH3 and FZ47 serve vastly different photographic niches despite sharing a small 1/2.3” sensor lineage.

The FH3 is a lightweight, easy companion for casual shooters and travelers needing a no-fuss camera that captures pleasant snapshots - just don’t expect miracle low-light or advanced controls.

The FZ47, on the other hand, is an impressively capable bridge camera for enthusiasts demanding manual exposure, powerful zoom, reasonable autofocus sophistication, and full HD video, all in a still-compact package.

In essence, your choice boils down to priorities: versatility and control (FZ47) versus simplicity and portability (FH3). Both are undeniably products of their early 2010s era technology but hold value for niche users appreciating those tradeoffs.

If you’re seeking an affordable, compact camera for travel and day-to-day moments, the FH3 deserves serious consideration. For those craving greater photographic creativity, sports or wildlife shooting fun, or better video quality, the FZ47 stands out as the preferred tool.

I hope my deep dive into these two Panasonic models gives you the clarity needed for your next camera investment! Happy shooting!