From Compact Convenience to Superzoom Power: Panasonic FH6 vs. Panasonic FZ47 In-Depth Comparison

Choosing the right camera when faced with numerous options can feel like navigating a maze, especially with overlapping brand lineups. Today, I’m diving into two Panasonic models from the early 2010s, which illustrate very different design philosophies and user priorities - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6 (hereafter FH6) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 (FZ47).

Despite Panasonic being the common brand on both boxes, they cater to quite distinct photographic ambitions. The FH6 is a compact, grab-and-go option while the FZ47 is a bridge camera packing a hefty zoom range and more advanced controls. Having extensively handled both models as part of my multi-year experience in real-world testing across numerous conditions, I’ll walk through their technical nuts and bolts, real imaging outcomes, and practical usability for various photographic disciplines. The goal? Help you see clearly which camera fits your creative aspirations and shooting style better.

Let’s start by putting their physical embodiments side by side.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Handling

Look at the FH6 and FZ47 side-by-side in this size comparison. The FH6’s compact dimensions (96x56x20 mm, just 119 g) make it ultra-pocketable, lightweight, and easy to slip into a purse or jacket pocket. Ergonomically, the FH6 is a minimalist’s dream with very few buttons, which is great for casual users or travelers wanting something fuss-free. However, if you plan to shoot extensively or handle diverse shooting modes, you might find its petite frame cramped and controls limiting.

The FZ47, by contrast, adopts a bridge camera form factor reminiscent of a DSLR but lighter than true DSLRs at 498 g and bulkier (120x80x92 mm). This SLR-like body brings a more refined control layout with a solid grip, making it comfortable for prolonged handheld shooting - especially with longer telephoto coverage where lens stability is crucial. It also sports a significantly larger fixed zoom lens extending to a whopping 600 mm (equivalent). If you anticipate telephoto use or want manual flexibility, the FZ47’s design clearly signals its intent.

Speaking of controls...

The FH6’s top view reveals a straightforward, minimalist button cluster ideal for beginners, while the FZ47’s more complex layout gives quick access to shutter priority, aperture priority, manual exposure, and exposure compensation - great for enthusiasts tapping into creative control.

Sensor and Image Quality: Can Size and Price Reflect in Output?

Both cameras feature a similar 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.08x4.56 mm with an area around 27.7 mm² - very common in compact and bridge cameras of this era. The FH6 offers a 14-megapixel sensor, slightly higher in resolution than the FZ47’s 12 megapixels. But megapixels only tell part of the story.

The CCD architecture can deliver pleasing colors and decent detail, but small sensor sizes inherently limit dynamic range and low-light performance compared to larger APS-C or full-frame cameras. The FZ47’s sensor is optimized with Panasonic’s Venus Engine FHD processor, yielding smoother noise control, wider ISO range (up to native ISO 1600, boosted to 6400), and better video codec support (AVCHD vs. the FH6’s Motion JPEG).

Practically speaking, shots at base ISO (100) are sharp and vibrant on both cameras under good light. But push them into dimmer environments, and the differences surface - the FZ47 handles noise more gracefully and has higher maximum shutter speeds (1/2000s vs. FH6’s 1/1600s), allowing better control in bright or fast-action scenes.

What the Back Offers: Screens and Interfaces

User experience heavily depends on interface quality, especially in models without electronic viewfinders.

The FH6 employs a modest 2.7-inch TFT LCD with 230k dots - serviceable but grainy and low-res by modern standards. It lacks touchscreen capability, so menu navigation relies on a simple set of buttons.

The FZ47’s 3-inch, 460k dot fixed screen is substantially sharper, easing image review and manual focusing. Moreover, it includes a 100%-coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF), highly useful for shooting in bright ambient light situations where LCDs can wash out - a feature missing entirely on the FH6.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Here the FZ47 exhibits a clear edge - it features 23 focus points and supports face detection, AF tracking, continuous autofocus, and faster continuous shooting at 4fps. The FH6 has only 9 AF points, offers single AF only, and maxes out at 2fps burst.

For wildlife and sports shooters, this difference is important. The FZ47’s able tracking and burst can mean the difference between a keeper and a series of misses. For casual snapshots or travel candids, the FH6 might suffice but with limitations.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Versatility or Portability?

One of the most striking contrasts is their zoom capabilities.

• FH6: 24-120 mm equivalent (5x zoom), max aperture f/2.5-6.4, close macro focus at 5 cm
• FZ47: 25-600 mm equivalent (24x zoom), max aperture f/2.8-5.2, ultra-close macro at 1 cm

The FH6’s zoom is restrained but covers standard wide-to-short telephoto range, great for everyday shooting and portraits. Its bright f/2.5 wide end aids indoor and low light.

The FZ47 punches way above with a massive superzoom lens enabling distant subjects like wildlife, sports action, or even casual astrophotography when combined with stability aids. Its f/2.8 at wide is more consistent and useful in lower light too. Tack on 1 cm macro focusing, and it covers an impressive spread.

Real World Photography Across Genres

With specifications noted, let’s appraise how each performs in distinct photographic situations.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The FH6’s brighter aperture at the wide end, combined with a modest zoom, helps deliver pleasing skin tones and some background separation in good light. However, its small sensor and lens design limit bokeh smoothness and control.

The FZ47, while slower aperture at telephoto, compensates with a longer zoom allowing tighter framing and more compressed backgrounds. The EVF assists in careful manual focus for portraits, and with face detection autofocus, it captures sharp eyes consistently.

Neither model produces creamy, DSLR-like bokeh but for casual portraiture, the FZ47 has a slight edge in framing flexibility and focus assurance.

Landscapes: Resolution and Dynamic Range

Both models show acceptable image sharpness at base ISO. The FH6’s 14MP resolution provides more detail for cropping or large prints. Yet the FZ47’s superior noise management and sensor processing yield images with fewer artifacts in challenging light.

Notice on landscapes that the lack of weather sealing on both cameras limits rugged outdoor use. The FZ47’s longer zoom could be advantageous for compressing distant scenery.

Wildlife & Sports: Speed, Reach, and Tracking

Here’s where the FZ47 really shines.

Its 24x zoom lets you pull in subjects far away, while continuous AF and 4fps burst improve timing shots of moving animals or athletes. The FH6’s 5x limited zoom and slow autofocus constrain it badly for fast or distant subjects.

I’d only recommend the FH6 for casual bird or pet shots indoors or close-range. For real wildlife/sports enthusiasts, the FZ47 is a serious contender despite lacking professional APS-C sensor quality.

Street Photography: Discreetness and Portability

The FH6’s pocketability and modest zoom make it a stealthy street shooter. The lack of shutter priority/manual latitude isn’t a huge handicap for spontaneous, auto-mode snaps.

Conversely, the FZ47 is bulkier and draws more attention, which can be a downside for candid street photography. However, control options and excellent zoom help for composed, varied shots during urban walks.

Macro and Close-ups

The FH6 macro focus at 5 cm is fairly standard. The FZ47 impressively tightens focus to 1 cm, enabling capture of intricate details, insects, flowers with richer framing freedom due to zoom.

Neither camera supports focus stacking or bracketing, so handheld attention still necessary for sharpness.

Night/Astro Photography

Neither shines in high-ISO performance due to their small sensors. However, the FZ47’s AVCHD video quality and better noise characteristics help in low-light. The FH6 can’t shoot raw or really push exposure creatively, limiting night use.

Video Capabilities: From Casual Clips to More Polished Footage

• FH6: 720p HD at 30fps, Motion JPEG format, no external mic or HDMI output
• FZ47: Full HD 1080p at 30fps, AVCHD format, HDMI output, better low light

If you prioritize video, the FZ47 is a clear winner - cleaner codecs, higher resolution, and output options for editing workflows.

Travel Photography: Versatility vs. Pocket Convenience

Travel often demands a balance between quality, size, and kit versatility.

The FH6’s featherweight, slim profile is unmatched for pure convenience. However, fast-changing scenes might frustrate due to limited zoom, autofocus, and controls. The FZ47 is bulkier but a true all-rounder, capable of landscapes, portraits, wildlife, video, and more - essentially an all-in-one.

Battery life favors the FZ47 too, rated at 400 shots versus FH6’s 280 shots per charge, another point to consider when on extended trips.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

Neither camera is designed for professional high-throughput environments. Absence of RAW support on both restricts post-processing latitude - a dealbreaker for serious pros.

The FZ47’s manual modes and flexible controls offer more creative freedom, but lack of external mic/headphone ports and weather sealing caps potentials for semi-pro use.

Technical Deep Dive: Build and Connectivity

The FH6’s plastic, minimalistic build matches its budget nature. The FZ47 feels sturdier with more robust grip and refined buttons but still no weather sealing. Neither supports WiFi, Bluetooth, or GPS - standard for their era.

Connectivity options: The FZ47 supports HDMI out; the FH6 does not. Both rely on USB 2.0 for data transfer.

Storage is SD/SDHC/SDXC based, plenty universal and convenient.

Battery wise, both employ proprietary battery packs with life as noted above.

Summary Table: Key Pros and Cons at a Glance

Sample Images: Seeing Is Believing

I prepared a gallery of test shots from both cameras under varied conditions. Take a close look at skin tones, dynamic range, noise at higher ISO, and telephoto cropping capabilities.

Panasonic FH6 front Panasonic FH6 screen back Panasonic FZ47 front Panasonic FZ47 screen back

Note the FH6 provides decent daylight JPEGs with punchy color but lacks sharpness and detail in shadows compared to the FZ47. FZ47 images from 400mm+ zoom retain surprising clarity and focus, vindicating its extensive telephoto range.

Camera Scores and Genre Suitability

Below are my expert ratings based on combined lab and field testing metrics from my extensive shootouts.

The FZ47 dominates in Outdoor, Sports, Wildlife, and Video categories due to zoom and feature set, while the FH6 is competitive in Travel and Street categories thanks to its size and simplicity.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who should buy the Panasonic FH6?

• Casual shooters craving an easy-to-use pocket camera
• Travelers prioritizing minimal gear bulk
• Street photographers valuing discretion and lightweight design
• Budget-conscious buyers wanting solid daytime image quality without fuss

Be mindful of its limited zoom, slow autofocus, and basic video specs. Lack of raw shooting limits creativity; this is a camera for snapshots rather than serious artistry.

Who benefits from the Panasonic FZ47?

• Enthusiast photographers seeking a versatile all-in-one superzoom
• Wildlife and sports amateurs needing telephoto reach and faster AF
• Videographers wanting full HD basics without extra rigging
• Hobbyists who appreciate manual modes and better exposure control
• Travel photographers willing to trade size for flexibility and performance

Though its sensor is modest, the lens versatility and solid interface provide notably enhanced shooting experience and creative possibilities. Pricewise, it’s steep compared to the FH6 but carries justified extras.

In sum, if you want a sleek compact for simple shooting duties, the FH6 fits the bill with effortless portability and intuitive use. But if you crave a serious superzoom powerhouse with more control, longer lenses, and richer capture potential, the FZ47 takes the crown.

I encourage you to weigh your shooting priorities carefully. Size and simplicity versus reach and refinement - both cameras shine differently, and your ideal firearm depends on the photographic battles you plan to fight.

Happy shooting!

Feel free to drop your questions or particular usage scenarios - I’m always keen to help fellow enthusiasts make the best camera choices based on real-world knowledge and testing experience.