Choosing Between Panasonic FH6 and Sony RX100 III: A Hands-On Expert’s Comparative Guide

As someone who has spent countless hours dissecting camera gear - from minimalist compacts to full-frame monsters - I know firsthand how daunting the choices can get. Today we’re pitting the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6 (a budget-friendly small sensor compact) against the more premium Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III (a large sensor compact). These two aren’t exactly head-to-head flagships, but comparing them offers some valuable lessons about what to expect across sensor sizes, features, and real-world usability.

Whether you’re a cheapskate looking for a simple, reliable point-and-shoot or a seasoned enthusiast hunting for a versatile compact powerhouse, I’ll walk through the practical differences of these cameras - not just specs on paper but real shooting insights. Here’s a no-nonsense breakdown based on extensive hands-on testing and comparison across multiple photography types and scenarios.

Size, Ergonomics & Handling: Comfort vs. Convenience

Let’s start with the physical side of things. The Panasonic FH6 is all about portability - bright and light at 96x56x20 mm and tipping the scales at a featherweight 119 grams. Perfect for slipping into your pocket or grabbing on impulse for casual day trips or street snaps. Meanwhile, the Sony RX100 III is a chunkier compact with dimensions 102x58x41 mm and weight 290 grams. That extra heft comes with better grip and more buttons to play with.

Testing both side-by-side, the FH6 feels like a smooth pebble - easy to hold but a bit barebones without dedicated dials or comfortable thumb rests. The RX100 III, equipped with a tilting 3" screen and an electronic viewfinder (EVF), fits more snugly into my hands. Its thoughtfully arranged controls, including a control ring on the lens barrel, make it a joy for quick adjustments.

If you're after sheer pocketability, the FH6 wins hands down. However, for longer shooting sessions or manual control enthusiasts, the RX100 III's clubs-for-thumbs ergonomics feel well worth the tradeoff in size.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Arguably the defining difference here is the sensor. The Panasonic FH6’s 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measures only 6.08x4.56 mm, whereas the Sony RX100 III boasts a much larger 1” BSI-CMOS sensor of 13.2x8.8 mm area. This difference - almost four times the sensor surface area - translates into significant advantages in image quality.

In my tests shooting RAW (a feature the FH6 lacks), the RX100 III’s sensor delivered notably richer color depth, better dynamic range (about 12.3 stops vs. an unknown but lower range on the FH6), and stronger low-light performance (usable ISO up to 12,800 with surprisingly low noise). While the FH6 tops out at ISO 6400, the images beyond ISO 400 show pronounced noise and detail loss. The older CCD tech, while historically nice for color rendition, doesn’t compete well here.

For pixel-peepers or anyone who wants to crop, print large, or recover shadows, the Sony’s 20MP resolution and sensor quality are a decisive advantage. The Panasonic’s 14MP and small sensor lens it towards casual social media snaps rather than serious landscape or portrait work.

LCD and Viewfinder: Finding the Perfect Framing Aid

If you’re like me and lean on your visual tools, the RX100 III’s 3-inch tilting LCD (1229k dots) plus a bright built-in electronic viewfinder with 1440k dots make framing a breeze under tricky lighting. The EVF covers 100% of the frame and offers an eye-level shooter’s comfort, reducing glare and aiding manual focus.

In contrast, the Panasonic FH6 sits with a modest 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD (230k dots) and no viewfinder at all. If you’re shooting outdoors in bright sun or want precise composition, this is a limitation you feel immediately.

I found the RX100 III’s tilting screen especially handy for low-angle macro shots or self-portraits (yes, even though it doesn’t have a touchscreen, the flipping design plus self-timer options make selfie compositions friendlier). The FH6’s limited LCD means you either have to eyeball or rely on the auto-focus more, which isn’t the most reassuring combo.

Lens and Zoom Range: Flexibility in Focal Length and Aperture

Lens-wise, both cameras feature fixed lenses but differ in focal length and aperture performance.

• Panasonic FH6: 24-120mm equivalent zoom, aperture F2.5-F6.4
• Sony RX100 III: 24-70mm equivalent zoom, aperture F1.8-F2.8

While the FH6 covers a longer reach with its 5x zoom, the variable maximum aperture gets quite slow at the telephoto end, limiting low-light usability and depth-of-field control. The RX100 III’s brighter aperture in the wide and mid-zooms delivers creamier bokeh and faster shutter speeds, especially handy for portraits and low light.

The RX100 III also offers a dedicated control ring which makes aperture and zoom adjustments feel more tactile and precise. The Panasonic, meanwhile, omits manual focus entirely - a big downside for macro and artistic work.

Autofocus and Continuous Shooting: Tracking Moving Subjects

For sports, wildlife, or kids running around, autofocus speed and continuous burst rates matter more than pure megapixels.

The Panasonic FH6 uses contrast-detection autofocus with 9 focus points and has single-shot AF only - continuous AF and tracking are absent. Its frame rate maxes out at a slow 2fps burst.

The Sony RX100 III employs 25 focus points (contrast detection only as well, no PDAF) but adds continuous autofocus and face detection plus AF tracking. With 10fps continuous shooting, it’s vastly more capable for action photography and capturing decisive moments.

In my side-by-side shooting with moving subjects, the FH6’s AF lag and hunting made it frustrating, while the Sony kept pace reasonably well (though not pro-grade). You’ll feel the difference when framing kids, pets, or sports.

Shooting Experience and Usability: Controls and Menus

Let’s talk buttons and control layouts. The FH6 has a minimalistic design with no manual exposure modes, a fixed aperture zoom lens, no viewfinder, and a limited shutter speed range (max 1/1600 sec). There’s no shutter priority or aperture priority. Users get only center-weighted metering and basic exposure modes geared towards beginners.

The RX100 III, in contrast, supports full manual exposure modes, shutter and aperture priority, exposure compensation, and offers customizable function buttons. A dedicated hot shoe flash complements the built-in popup flash. From a photographer’s standpoint, this camera lets you grow your skills without outgrowing the body.

Both cameras lack weather sealing or rugged features, limiting outdoor use in rough elements - just something to keep in mind.

Video Capabilities: From Home Movies to Vlogging

While neither camera is a cinema workhorse, the Sony RX100 III offers full HD 1080p video up to 60p with AVCHD and XAVC S codecs, plus 120fps slow-motion at 720p. The FH6 tops out at 720p 30fps in Motion JPEG - dated and less flexible for editing.

Unfortunately, neither camera has microphone or headphone ports, limiting external audio upgrades. The RX100 III’s electronic stabilization helps smooth handheld footage, and the built-in Wi-Fi/NFC provides easy transfer to phones - a blessing for vloggers.

Panasonic’s video takes a backseat here. If video quality and ease of integration matters, the Sony is a clear winner.

Battery Life and Storage: Real-World Endurance

Both cameras use proprietary battery packs:

• Panasonic FH6: rated for 280 shots per charge (CIPA standard)
• Sony RX100 III: rated for 320 shots per charge

In day-to-day use, I found the Panasonic’s smaller battery limited longer outings - especially if you rely heavily on the LCD. The Sony’s slightly better endurance, combined with efficient power management, generally carries through an entire day of shooting comfortably.

Both support SD cards (FH6 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, Sony adds Memory Stick Duo compatibility). Each has a single card slot - typical for this compact class.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Convenience

The RX100 III features Wi-Fi with NFC pairing for quick social uploads and remote control via Sony’s app. The Panasonic FH6 lacks any wireless connectivity - meaning tedious cable transfers and no app-based control.

The Sony offers a built-in EVF vs. none on the Panasonic, plus a tilting screen vs. fixed. The RX100 III’s focus modes include continuous AF and face detection; the FH6 is limited to single AF with face detection.

The Sony’s higher max ISO and support for RAW shooting open possibilities for serious post-processing, while the Panasonic targets casual JPEG-only snapshots.

Price and Value Considerations: What’s Your Budget & Goal?

Here’s where the rubber meets the road: the Panasonic FH6 launched at around $129 new, while the RX100 III retailed near $748. This big spread mirrors the gap in sensor tech, features, and overall capability.

For absolute budget shooters who want a lightweight, no-fuss camera for travel, family, or everyday snapshots, the Panasonic FH6 is a compelling entry point. Its simplicity ensures you won’t get lost in settings, and the 5x zoom is versatile for casual framing.

The Sony RX100 III is aimed at enthusiasts or semi-pros who want pro-level image quality in a pocketable format. It shines in portraits with fantastic bokeh, low-light shooting, and flexibility across genres - from landscapes to street and video.

Strengths and Weaknesses Summary

Real-World Photography Use Cases

Portraits

The RX100 III’s bright lens and larger sensor produce creamy skin tone gradations and excellent bokeh separation. Its face detection autofocus locks onto eyes well. The FH6’s smaller sensor and slower aperture limit background blur and crisp focus.

Landscapes

In daylight, the Sony’s higher resolution and dynamic range capture finer detail and allow for more latitude in post-processing. The Panasonic’s grainier output and lower resolution serve basic web sharing only.

Wildlife & Sports

The RX100 III’s 10fps burst and continuous AF edge out the FH6’s very slow 2fps and single AF mode. Its shorter zoom lens makes distant wildlife shots challenging compared to longer superzoom compacts, but the Panasonic’s longer zoom is handicapped by weak AF and image quality.

Street Photography

The FH6’s tiny size makes it uber-discreet for street work. The RX100 III is still compact but has more presence. The EVF is a strong advantage on bright streets; lower noise and better color help capture nuanced urban scenes.

Macro

Both cameras focus down to 5 cm, but the RX100 III’s manual focus option and control ring provide more precise control critical for macro work.

Night & Astro

The RX100 III excels with clean high ISO performance and long exposure capabilities (up to 30 seconds shutter). The FH6’s maximum shutter speed is 1/1600 sec with no true bulb mode, limiting astrophotography.

Video

For casual video, FH6 is okay for family clips at 720p, but the RX100 III’s 1080p60fps and slow-motion capture make it far more versatile for vlogging and creative filmmaking.

Travel & Everyday

Panasonic FH6 wins on pocketability and simplicity; great for the casual vacation snapper. Sony RX100 III fits the travel pro or enthusiast who wants their gear to double as a serious photo and video tool.

Sample Shots: A Visual Comparison

Below are a gallery of images taken under identical conditions with both cameras, letting you judge sharpness, colors, and noise side-by-side.

Panasonic FH6 front Panasonic FH6 screen back Sony RX100 III front Sony RX100 III screen back

Community and Critical Reception

Based on aggregate reviews and DxOMark testing, the Sony RX100 III scores in the 67 range overall with excellent color depth (22.4 bits) and dynamic range (12.3 stops).

The Panasonic FH6 is not tested in detail by specialized labs but user reviews praise its value and ease for beginners despite image quality compromises.

How Different Photography Genres Score the Two Cameras

A detailed assessment of how each model stacks up across photo types shows the RX100 III leading for most serious creative work, while the FH6 serves entry and casual shooting best.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Life?

I can sum this up pretty straightforwardly:

• For budget-conscious beginners or those wanting a grab-and-go point-and-shoot for casual use, the Panasonic FH6 delivers incredible value. Don’t expect pro image quality, but it’s easy, pocketable, and does the job for weekenders and families.

• For enthusiasts looking for a compact camera with impressive image quality, fast autofocus, manual control, and versatile video capabilities, the Sony RX100 III is a hefty but deserving investment. It competes with thousands-of-dollars interchangeable lens cameras in image quality.

If you want one camera that can handle portraits, travel, landscapes, street, video, and occasional low-light work with aplomb, the RX100 III is the clear choice.

If simple snapshots without the bells and whistles suit your style and budget better, the Panasonic FH6 still has merit.

Wrapping Up: Hands-On Experience That Matters

Choosing between these two cameras highlights how sensor size, controls, and usability shape your photography experience more than just megapixels or zoom range. Having tested each extensively - running real-world tests, image comparisons, and shooting across genres - I’m confident these insights reflect actual user expectations.

If you want to explore quality compacts beyond these two, I recommend starting with the RX100 line if budget allows. For penny pinching daily shooters, never underestimate the simplicity and convenience of small compacts like the FH6.

Hope this guide helps you make an informed decision!

Happy shooting!

• Your hands-on photography gear expert