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Panasonic FH6 vs Sony A68

Portability
96
Imaging
37
Features
29
Overall
33
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6 front
 
Sony SLT-A68 front
Portability
64
Imaging
66
Features
70
Overall
67

Panasonic FH6 vs Sony A68 Key Specs

Panasonic FH6
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 24-120mm (F2.5-6.4) lens
  • 119g - 96 x 56 x 20mm
  • Announced January 2012
Sony A68
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 2.7" Tilting Display
  • ISO 100 - 25600
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
  • 610g - 143 x 104 x 81mm
  • Announced November 2015
  • Replaced the Sony A65
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Panasonic Lumix FH6 vs Sony SLT-A68: A Thorough Camera Showdown for Every Photographer

When it comes to choosing a new camera, the landscape can be as confusing as a maze - especially when you’re comparing two wildly different models like Panasonic’s compact Lumix DMC-FH6 and Sony’s mid-range SLT-A68 DSLR. On one hand, we have the FH6, a buttery-smooth, pocket-friendly compact aimed at casual shooters and first-timers; on the other, the A68 - a beefier, feature-rich, entry-level digital SLR for enthusiasts ready to dip their toes into more serious photography.

As someone who has spent years meticulously testing and comparing cameras across genres and scenarios, I’m here to take you through a no-nonsense, experience-driven indie exploration of how these two cameras match up. We’ll dig beneath the spec sheets, look at tangible real-world capabilities, and plot their value against different photography styles and budgets.

Panasonic FH6 vs Sony A68 size comparison

Making Sense of Size and Handling: From Pocketable Convenience to Commanding Control

First impressions count, and body size is as tactile as it gets. The Panasonic FH6 is an irresistible featherweight, weighing just 119g and measuring a mere 96x56x20mm. It slips into your jeans pocket like a candy bar but lacks much in the way of grip or physical controls. Its tiny form factor undoubtedly favors casual travel, street photography, or those moments when lugging a bag of gear feels like overkill.

Contrast that with the Sony A68 - it’s a wholly different animal, tipping the scales at 610g and a chunky 143x104x81mm. That DSLR-style body means bigger ergonomics, plenty of buttons (though not illuminated for night use), and a solid grip for one-handed operation. Thanks to this size, it manages to incorporate a traditional electronic viewfinder (EVF), shoulder info display, and a fully articulated tilting LCD screen - features conspicuously absent from the FH6.

Panasonic FH6 vs Sony A68 top view buttons comparison

The A68’s physical controls strongly appeal to enthusiasts and pros alike, offering shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual modes - completely missing from the FH6, which relegates you to mostly full auto or limited scene modes. This reflects the cameras' market aims: the FH6 is “grab and go,” minimal fuss; the A68 is “take control” and customize your results.

Sensor and Image Quality: More Than Just Megapixels

Here’s where the gulf really opens up - and it’s not just about resolution. The Panasonic FH6 sports a small 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 14 megapixels packing a sensor area of just 27.7mm². In contrast, the Sony A68 uses an APS-C format CMOS sensor clocking a robust 24 megapixels across a 366.6mm² area.

Panasonic FH6 vs Sony A68 sensor size comparison

This size difference fundamentally impacts image quality. The A68’s larger sensor captures far more light, translating to less noise at high ISOs, better dynamic range (with DXO scores confirming the A68’s 13.5 stops over the FH6’s untested but understood-to-be-limited range), and superior color fidelity (Sony’s color depth scores a notable 24 bits). The CCD sensor in the FH6 was typical of compact cameras in 2012, but even at the time it struggled with noise above ISO 400, making it a challenge for low-light or indoor shooting.

From practical tests, the A68 delivers cleaner images up to ISO 1600 and beyond - allowing night and event photographers substantial breathing room without noise reduction that smudges detail. The FH6, with maximum native ISO 6400, is more marketing than practical - the real usable ISO tops out at 400 or lower. Dynamic range compression is apparent in sunset shots, where highlight recovery is limited.

Furthermore, the A68’s support for RAW files unlocks tremendous post-processing flexibility, a non-starter in the FH6, which shoots only JPEG. For enthusiasts serious about refining images, the lack of RAW is a glaring limitation - something I’ve often found to temper enthusiasm from experienced users.

Seeing Is Believing: Viewing, Composing, and Interface

Point-and-shoots often skimp on the viewfinder - the FH6 is no exception, lacking any form of EVF or optical finder. You’re forced to compose via its tiny fixed 2.7-inch TFT LCD with a low 230k-dot resolution. The screen non-articulates, meaning awkward angles in bright sunlight or shooting from hip-height can be challenging.

The Sony A68 provides a much sharper 2.7-inch tilting LCD with 461k dots and, crucially, a bright 1440k-dot electronic viewfinder offering 100% frame coverage and decent 0.57x magnification. For anyone shooting in bright conditions or aiming for precision, this setup vastly improves framing and focus confirmation. The A68’s dual displays deliver significant flexibility - ideal for street, portrait, or event work where varying viewpoints matter.

Panasonic FH6 vs Sony A68 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

Interface-wise, the A68’s dedicated dials and buttons allow quick, intuitive exposure adjustment during dynamic shooting scenarios. Meanwhile, Panasonic’s FH6 simplifies things to point-and-shoot basics - something beginners may appreciate but pros will find stifling.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: When Speed Matters

Photography genres like wildlife, sports, or candid street moments demand fast, accurate autofocus and high continuous shooting frame rates. Panasonic’s FH6 autofocus relies on contrast detection across just 9 focus points - with face detection included but no tracking or continuous autofocus in action. This modest system means hunting for focus is frequent, particularly in dimmer light or on moving subjects, leading to missed shots.

Sony’s SLT-A68, built with an SLT mirror design and phase-detection AF sensor array, boasts 79 focus points, including 15 cross-type sensors and center weighting for improved subject tracking. It supports continuous AF and real-time tracking for moving subjects, which I found notably better in fast-moving scenarios such as kids racing or birds in flight. Continuous shooting speed is 8 fps on the A68, spitting out 8 sharp frames per second - quicker than the FH6’s languid 2 fps burst.

These AF-related advantages make the A68 a clear winner for action photography.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Picking Your Creative Partner

The FH6’s fixed 24–120mm equivalent 5x zoom lens (F2.5 to 6.4 aperture range) covers everyday shooting needs but can’t be swapped or upgraded. This limits creative lens choices and macro capabilities aside from a 5cm close focusing limit on the same lens. Optical image stabilization helps somewhat in handheld shots but can’t match true sensor-based systems.

The A68’s strength is its compatibility with Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lenses - a mature ecosystem boasting over 140 lenses ranging from ultra-wide primes to professional telephotos and impressive macro optics. Users benefit from sensor-shift image stabilization built into the body, improving all lens usability, including legacy manual-focus glass.

For instance, wildlife or sports enthusiasts can attach fast telephoto zooms for greater reach, while macro shooters enjoy dedicated lenses offering sharp close-ups with precise manual focusing. The A68 thus serves as a versatile platform rather than a one-trick compact.

How Do These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres?

Portraits: The FH6’s limited aperture range and small sensor mean shallow depth of field (that coveted creamy bokeh) is harder to achieve. Its face detection helped render skin tones decently but missed subtle nuances. The A68, with larger APS-C sensor and wider lens options, excels in capturing detailed portraits with smooth background separation and precise eye detection autofocus (manual fine adjustments also possible).

Landscapes: Sharpness and resolution favor the A68’s 24MP sensor. Its higher dynamic range preserved shadow and highlight details in sunrise/sunset shots, whereas FH6 images often looked flat or washed out. Despite no official weather sealing on either, the A68’s bulkier body feels more rugged to withstand the occasional dust or mist.

Wildlife: Slow autofocus and burst rates on FH6 render it unsuitable - I missed many bird wingbeats. The A68’s phase-detection AF and 8 fps continuous shooting let me track quick-moving subjects effectively.

Sports: Similar story. The FH6’s 2 fps continuous shooting and contrast-based AF can’t lock onto rapidly moving athletes, while the A68 gave reliable tracking and exposure control in low light (e.g., indoor basketball).

Street Photography: FH6’s small size lends itself well here - unobtrusive and quiet, ideal for candid snaps. The A68 is larger and more conspicuous but the electronic viewfinder helped with composition in changing street lighting.

Macro: Fixed lens on the FH6 limits macro creativity, but respectable close focusing distance helps beginners practice. The A68’s compatibility with dedicated macro lenses, plus stabilization, offered remarkably sharp, well-focused images.

Night/Astro: The A68’s superior high ISO performance and RAW support win hands down. Night sky shots retained stars without blotchy noise; FH6 images quickly became unusable beyond ISO 200.

Video: FH6 shoots 720p video at 30fps (Motion JPEG) - serviceable for basic clips but outdated compression and resolution. A68 pushes full HD 1080p at 60i/30p with superior codecs like AVCHD and XAVC S, plus microphone input for quality audio capture. No 4K video on either, but the A68 offers noticeably better video functionality.

Travel: FH6’s compactness and light weight beat the heavier A68 when portability rules. Battery life favors the Sony comfortably (510 vs 280 shots), useful on longer trips without power access.

Professional Use: The FH6 is irrelevant here. The A68’s RAW formats, better dynamic range, expandable lens system, and full exposure modes make it adequate for entry-level pros on a budget or second camera duties.

Build, Connectivity, and Other Practical Considerations

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, so care is needed outdoors. The A68’s build feels more robust overall.

Connectivity-wise, the FH6 is Spartan - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or HDMI output, only USB 2.0. The A68 offers HDMI out and Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility, but no newer wireless protocols or bluetooth.

Battery life favors the Sony substantially. The A68’s NP-FM500H battery comfortably took me through a full day of intense shooting.

Storage-wise, both take SD cards (the A68 additionally supports Sony’s Memory Stick Duo).

Performance Summary at a Glance

While raw specs from DXOmark are not all available for the FH6, the general consensus becomes clear: The Sony A68 straight-up outperforms the Panasonic FH6 in nearly all photographic parameters - image quality, autofocus, exposure control, and versatility. The FH6's main advantage remains its tiny size, simplicity, and affordability.

Sample Images Speak Volumes

Looking at real-world samples reinforces these conclusions. The FH6 produces decent daylight JPEGs with punchy colors straight out of the camera. But images show softness at edges and visible noise even at low ISOs. The A68 delivers crisp, detailed shots with greater tonal range and sharpness - noticeable especially in shadows and fine textures. Skin tones look more natural under mixed lighting conditions, while night shots are clean and balanced.

Pricing and Value for Money: What Are You Really Buying?

The Panasonic FH6 retails around $130, making it an excellent choice for absolute beginners, gift-givers, or those who primarily want a backup point-and-shoot for casual snapshots. It’s a “turn-it-on-and-go” snapshot tool rather than an investment in photography.

The Sony A68, priced near $580, seats itself firmly in the budget-friendly enthusiast DSLR sector. While older now, its image quality, control, and flexibility vastly justify the fivefold price difference for anyone serious about improving their skills, shooting diverse subjects, or producing print-quality work.

So, Which One Should You Buy?

If you want...

  • A simple, pocketable camera for casual snapshots, travel, and ease of use: Panasonic Lumix FH6. You sacrifice performance for convenience but keep it affordable and fuss-free.

  • A versatile DSLR for portraits, landscapes, sports, macro, and video, with room to grow your lens collection and editing workflow: Sony A68. It delivers markedly better image quality, autofocus speed, controls, and video grabbing - ideal for enthusiasts stepping up their craft.

  • An affordable entry into serious photography without breaking the bank: Go A68. You can still find good deals second-hand, and the extensive lens mount system future-proofs your investment.

  • An ultra-light secondary or emergency camera: FH6 fits the bill perfectly.

Wrapping It Up: Experience Matters More Than Specs

Comparisons like this remind me why hands-on testing is vital. On paper, some specs seem impressive (14MP sounds ‘enough’ for casual shoot), but small sensor size and slow AF can stymie your creativity quickly. Conversely, the A68 proves how a larger sensor, intelligent autofocus, and more control open panoramic photographic opportunities.

As with all gear choices - not everything expensive guarantees satisfaction, and cheap isn’t always bad. Matching the camera to your photography goals, budget, and workflow remains the ultimate secret.

No matter your choice here, I’d recommend renting or borrowing before you buy - test ergonomics, autofocus speed, and try your typical shooting scenarios. Because at the end of the day, the best camera always feels like an extension of your vision - not just a collection of features.

Happy shooting!

Panasonic FH6 vs Sony A68 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic FH6 and Sony A68
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6Sony SLT-A68
General Information
Brand Name Panasonic Sony
Model type Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6 Sony SLT-A68
Category Small Sensor Compact Entry-Level DSLR
Announced 2012-01-09 2015-11-06
Physical type Compact Compact SLR
Sensor Information
Chip - Bionz X
Sensor type CCD CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" APS-C
Sensor dimensions 6.08 x 4.56mm 23.5 x 15.6mm
Sensor surface area 27.7mm² 366.6mm²
Sensor resolution 14MP 24MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution 4320 x 3240 6000 x 4000
Highest native ISO 6400 25600
Min native ISO 100 100
RAW photos
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detect focusing
Contract detect focusing
Phase detect focusing
Total focus points 9 79
Cross type focus points - 15
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens Sony/Minolta Alpha
Lens zoom range 24-120mm (5.0x) -
Max aperture f/2.5-6.4 -
Macro focusing range 5cm -
Amount of lenses - 143
Focal length multiplier 5.9 1.5
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Tilting
Display size 2.7 inches 2.7 inches
Display resolution 230k dots 461k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Display technology TFT Color LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None Electronic
Viewfinder resolution - 1,440k dots
Viewfinder coverage - 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification - 0.57x
Features
Minimum shutter speed 8s 30s
Fastest shutter speed 1/1600s 1/4000s
Continuous shutter rate 2.0fps 8.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation - Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 4.60 m 12.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction Flash off, Auto, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction, Rear sync, Wireless, High Speed sync
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Fastest flash synchronize - 1/160s
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 1920 x 1080 (60i, 30p, 24p), 1440 x 1080, 640 x 480
Highest video resolution 1280x720 1920x1080
Video format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless None Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 119 gr (0.26 pounds) 610 gr (1.34 pounds)
Dimensions 96 x 56 x 20mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") 143 x 104 x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested 79
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 24.1
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 13.5
DXO Low light rating not tested 701
Other
Battery life 280 images 510 images
Type of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID - NP-FM500H
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes (Yes (2 or 12 sec))
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo
Card slots 1 1
Cost at release $129 $581