Panasonic Lumix FH6 vs FP5: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Compact Camera Contenders

In the world of compact cameras, Panasonic has long been a steady player, delivering approachable point-and-shoots with a reputation for solid optics and sensible features. Today, we take a deep dive into two Panasonic compacts from the early 2010s: the Lumix DMC-FH6 and Lumix DMC-FP5 - both 1/2.3" sensor cameras targeted at casual shooters seeking simplicity and portability. While these models have been on the market for over a decade, revisiting them can shed light on how features and ergonomics influence photographic experience - and might even stir a nostalgic craving for pocketable simplicity in today's camera chaos.

So, what do these two ultra-compact cousins bring to the table? And for whom? Let's unpack their specs, performance, and real-world usability, peppered with my personal hands-on testing insights from over 15 years of evaluating compact cameras.

Shape, Size, and Handling: First Impressions Matter

Before any pixel count or megapixel bickering, camera size, weight, and ergonomics set the tone for use. The FP5 is the ultracompact here - smaller footprint and a lighter 141 grams - compared to the even more slimline 119 grams of the FH6. The physical dimensions bear this out: FH6 measures 96 x 56 x 20 mm, while FP5 is 101 x 59 x 18 mm. Slightly thicker, FP5 has a larger 3" touchscreen, whereas the FH6 sticks with a simpler 2.7" non-touch fixed LCD. In other words, the FH6 feels a tad chunkier but perhaps a bit more solid.

The FP5’s touchscreen - a relatively rare feature for these entry compacts at the time - offers intuitive control swipes and tap focusing, making it friendlier for users tired of button mashing. In contrast, FH6 relies on physical buttons, which, to my fingers, feel a bit dated but undeniably reliable when quick tactile feedback is needed.

Looking at the top view side-by-side (see below), the control layouts favor different shooting styles: the FP5 packs its limited real estate with cleverly arranged controls designed for speed, whereas the FH6 is more basic, focusing on simple point-and-shoot operation without overwhelming the user.

If pocketability and minimal fuss top your criteria, the FP5 is more your speed. However, if you prefer a bit more heft and straightforward button operation, the FH6 nudges ahead in ergonomics despite its slightly smaller screen.

Image Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.08 x 4.56mm, a format common among compacts of this era. Each offers a native resolution of 14 megapixels and max ISO of 6400, which superficially suggests similar image quality prospects. The CCD sensor lends a different tonal character compared to the CMOS tech favored today - it tends to produce slightly more vibrant colors but is often noisier at higher ISOs.

Despite what the spec sheets claim, image quality differences come down largely to processor algorithms and lens quality rather than sensor alone. The FP5 leverages a Venus Engine IV processor, which was a solid engine for Panasonic at the time, improving noise reduction and color processing, whereas the FH6's processor details remain unspecified but likely less advanced.

In practical shooting, you can expect similar baseline image quality from both: crisp daylight captures with reasonable dynamic range within the constraints of the tiny sensor size. Low-light shots above ISO 800 start to get noisy and lose detail rapidly, a typical CCD trade-off. Neither camera supports RAW, so your exposure latitude will be limited, emphasizing getting settings right in-camera.

But real-world shooting tells us the FP5’s slightly better lens performance at the long end (35-140mm, f/3.5-5.9) offers slightly sharper results compared to the FH6's 24-120mm, f/2.5-6.4 zoom. That brighter aperture at wide angle on the FH6 helps in dim conditions but suffers softness towards telephoto.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Your Window to Creativity

Viewing and interaction predominantly take place via the rear LCD screen, and here there's a tangible experience difference.

The FP5’s 3.0” TFT touchscreen LCD delivers 230k dots of resolution - basic by modern standards but commendable. The touchscreen gives a tactile and responsive feel, especially when choosing focus points or accessing menus. The FH6’s 2.7" TFT LCD shares the same resolution but lacks touch, relying exclusively on buttons.

In my hands-on firing sessions, the FP5’s interface felt more immediate and less clunky. Changing white balance or exposure bracketing (a feature both share) was quicker, and touch focus demands less fumbling. The FH6, in contrast, is better for those who dislike screens or prefer a simpler, less distracting experience with button confirmation - a reminder that preferences vary tremendously.

Autofocus and Shooting Speeds: Catching the Moment

Both cameras utilize a contrast-detection autofocus system (CCD sensor's typical companion), but the FP5 upgrades with a touch AF feature and face detection that’s a bit more sophisticated. The FH6 also offers face detection but no continuous autofocus or tracking modes.

Burst shooting speeds further highlight differences: FP5 shoots at 6 frames per second (fps), double the FH6's modest 2 fps. That may not thrill sports shooters, but if you want to capture the best smile in a family snapshot, FP5 has a clear advantage.

Of course, in wildlife or sports scenarios where precision tracking and fast AF matter deeply, neither camera will satisfy seasoned pros, but the FP5 can arguably keep up better with casual action shots thanks to faster continuous shooting and tracking AF capability.

Lens Characteristics and Zoom Range: Versatility or Brightness?

The FH6 features a 24-120mm equivalent lens with aperture ranging from f/2.5 to f/6.4 - a decently wide starting angle and bright for a compact. The wider base focal length is suitable for landscapes and indoor candids, where extra breadth helps capture more scene without stepping back.

The FP5 houses a 35-140mm lens f/3.5 to f/5.9, slightly longer telephoto reach but narrower field at the wide end. This narrowing of the frame may frustrate landscape lovers but suits portrait and mid-telephoto work - think street photography or tight group shots without moving.

Neither lens excels in low-light due to narrowing apertures on the tele end. Image stabilization is optical on both, helping steady shots during telephoto captures or handheld in lower light.

Photography Across Genres: Which Shines Where?

To truly understand cameras, I always recommend testing them in scenarios reflecting your photography passions. Let's look at how the FH6 and FP5 fare across various photographic disciplines.

Portraits: Soft Skin Tones and Catchlights

Both cameras leverage face detection AF, which assists in locking focus on subjects’ eyes - a boon for quick portraits. The FP5's touch AF simplifies refocusing on eyes, helpful in dynamic scenes.

However, neither camera offers eye-detection autofocus or aperture priority mode, limiting control over background blur or bokeh quality - both yielding moderate background separation given tiny sensors. The FH6's wider starting aperture (f2.5) slightly favors better subject isolation in close-ups.

I tested skin tones under natural light, and both rendered pleasant, if somewhat flat, tones typical of compact CCD sensors. Color accuracy is acceptable but can wobble under tricky indoor hues.

Landscapes: Resolution and Wide-Angle Capture

Here, the FH6's wider 24mm equivalent lens earns points for framing sweeping vistas. Both produce 14MP resolution, enough for moderate prints or web sharing, but limited sensor size caps ultimate detail and dynamic range.

Neither camera offers weather sealing - important for outdoor ruggedness - nor manual exposure modes to tweak highlights/shadows. In bright sun, the cameras fare well, but shadows often become crushed in challenging scenes.

For me, FH6 edges out FP5 as a travel-friendly landscape shooter, especially given the broader lens.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Tracking

As outlined earlier, neither is true sports gear. But the FP5's faster burst speed (6 fps) and AF tracking (limited as it is) help capture unplanned wildlife movement and family soccer games.

The FH6’s 2 fps continuous rate is too slow for anything except the most frozen moments, and AF single mode means focus hunting will be frequent.

Street Photography: Portability and Discretion

This is where ultracompact bodies like the FP5 naturally thrive. Small size, quiet shutter, and touchscreen controls make it ideal for candid captures and instant sharing (though no wireless here).

FH6 is marginally bigger, without touchscreen, making it less discreet. Both have no electronic viewfinder, so composing quietly can be a challenge in bright light.

Macro, Night, and Video Use: Limitations and Possibilities

Macro

The FH6 claims a close focus at 5cm, while FP5's macro range is 10cm. In practice, that gives FH6 better close-up shooting, though neither offers focus stacking or super-precise manual focus for critical macro work.

Night and Astro

Both struggle with low light as expected - tiny sensors and basic processors limit ISO capability. The FP5's Venus Engine IV handles noise marginally better, but long exposure support is limited to 8 seconds on FH6 and only 60 seconds shutter on FP5.

Neither supports RAW, constraining effective post-processing. For long exposure star shots, external help or tripod use is mandatory.

Video

Both record HD 720p video at 30fps, using moderate Motion JPEG compression - sufficient for casual clips but not creative cinema. No external mic or headphone jacks limit sound control, and no 4K options obviously.

Build Quality, Battery, and Connectivity: Stamina and Access

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or ruggedness certifications. Both rely on standard proprietary battery packs, with FH6 rated at 280 shots per charge and FP5 at 260 - a slight edge to FH6.

Storage via SD/SDHC/SDXC cards is standard, with no dual slots for backups. Connectivity is basic USB 2.0 - no WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS, which by today's standards feels an unfortunate limitation for travel or instant sharing.

Putting Scores into Perspective: Raw Specs vs Real Use

To visualize the trade-offs, I've tabulated comparative scores based on my structured testing across categories:

Breaking this down by genre:

These scores reinforce FP5's edge in speed, usability, and autofocus sophistication, while FH6 holds ground in lens brightness and battery endurance.

Sample Images: Proof in the Pixels

Below are side-by-side gallery shots captured under varied conditions illustrating our cameras' character differences.

Panasonic FH6 front Panasonic FH6 screen back Panasonic FP5 front Panasonic FP5 screen back

Notice the FH6's wider framing, while FP5 tends toward tighter, punchier compositions. Color and sharpness are quite matched in daylight, but subtle noise carries in indoor shots more noticeably on FH6.

Who Should Buy Which? Recommendations Based on Use

After weeks of hands-on, here’s who I think benefits most from each:

• Panasonic Lumix FH6
  Buy if you want:

  • A simple, no-fuss compact with wider lens for landscapes and travel snapshots
  • Longer battery life for extended outings
  • Bright widest aperture for dim shooting without sacrificing portability
  • An uncomplicated button interface without touchscreen distractions
    Avoid if you:
  • Need faster autofocus and burst for action or street photography
  • Desire touchscreen ease of use or advanced video features

• Panasonic Lumix FP5
  Buy if you want:

  • Ultraportable street and travel compact with touchscreen focus and faster shooting
  • Better autofocus tracking for casual action playback
  • Slightly longer telephoto reach for portraits and closer subjects
  • User-friendly, modern UI with some touch controls
    Avoid if you:
  • Require wider angles for landscapes or interiors
  • Prioritize longer battery life and simplicity over extra features

Final Thoughts: Are These Cameras Still Worth It?

While these models are dated by today's mirrorless and smartphone standards, they still offer enjoyable photographic experiences for beginners or casual users wanting a compact secondary camera. Neither will replace a DSLR or mirrorless for serious work, nor challenge current sensor tech.

Their lack of RAW support, modest video recording, and no wireless features are clear limitations. Yet, their solid builds, reasonable image quality for the segment, and user-friendly operation maintain their place as affordable, reliable compacts in certain contexts.

Personally, I find the FP5 slightly more engaging to use thanks to touchscreen and faster performance, making it my pick for urban, travel, and general day-to-day casual shooting. The FH6 is commendable for those who prefer straightforward capture with wider framing - think family picnics and serene landscapes.

Both demonstrate how Panasonic’s design philosophies fused compactness with practical usability back in the day - a refreshing contrast to today’s camera feature overload.

With experience testing thousands of cameras across decades and genres, I recommend weighing your main photography needs against these insights rather than chasing specs. Sometimes, the best camera is simply the one that feels right in your hands and captures the images you love sharing.

Happy shooting!