Panasonic FP2 vs. ZS60: A Tale of Two Compacts Across a Six-Year Gap

When it comes to choosing a compact camera that balances portability, image quality, and features, Panasonic's Lumix lineup has long been a go-to for enthusiasts and casual shooters alike. Today, we're diving deep into two very different yet related players from this family: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2, often just the FP2, and the more modern Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 (aka TZ80 in some markets). Despite sharing a brand and a compact ethos, these two cameras offer drastically different experiences - and those differences jump from their specs sheets right into your hands and images.

Having personally tested countless Panasonic cameras and other compacts over the past 15 years, I’m excited to unpack how these two stack up in real-world photography, across various disciplines and scenarios. Spoiler alert: they aren't rivals playing the same game. One is a straightforward pocket snapper born in 2010, and the other a feature-packed superzoom from 2016 with 4K capture abilities. So grab your metaphorical popcorn, and let's dive into the nuances of Panasonic’s evolution in compact cameras.

A Matter of Size: Pocketability vs. Presence

Let's begin where it all starts: the physical design and ergonomics. The FP2 epitomizes the ultracompact concept with its slim dimensions at 99 x 59 x 19 mm and featherlight weight of just 151g. It slips into pockets like a candy bar, making it extremely convenient for travel or spontaneous street shots.

The ZS60, meanwhile, is larger but still very manageable at 112 x 64 x 38 mm and 282g. The weight nearly doubles, and the thickness more than doubles, reflecting its imposing 30x telephoto lens and robust feature set.

Handling them side by side, the FP2 feels like a straightforward point-and-shoot focused purely on ease of carry, while the ZS60 commands more presence - not uncomfortably large, but definitely a camera you notice in your hand. The ZS60's grip is molded for a secure hold during telephoto shooting, a blessing for wildlife or sports snaps. In contrast, the FP2’s minimalist body lacks any extended grip, requiring more delicate handling.

If sheer portability is paramount - say you're a street photographer or wanderlust-fueled traveler - the FP2 nudges ahead simply by being nearly indistinguishable from a hefty wallet in your pocket. But if you crave versatility and robust control, the ZS60's bulk and weight pay dividends.

Top-Down: Controls That Speak Your Language

A camera's top panel is where your interactions start to become tactile and intuitive, especially when fast response needs met real-life shooting demands.

Here the ZS60 truly shines. Its top control layout includes a zoom lever wrapped around the shutter button, a dedicated mode dial, and external buttons for quick access to settings like exposure compensation and movie recording. This conveys Panasonic's intent to serve serious shooters, not just casual point-and-shooters.

The FP2’s top is stark - just a shutter button and basic controls, no mode dial, no manual overrides. It trades functionality for simplicity, which might feel refreshing or frustrating, depending on your expectations. If you want full auto shooting with minimal fuss, FP2 is gently persuasive; if you thirst for manual controls and fine-tuned exposure, the ZS60 is the clear heir.

For photographers acclimated to DSLRs or mirrorless rigs, the ZS60’s tactile feedback will feel like coming home from a foreign land inhabited by minimalist robots.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the end of the day, what really matters is the sensor - the unit that interprets and translates photons into pixels that become your image. Despite their similar sensor size of approximately 1/2.3 inch, there are marked distinctions.

The FP2's 14-megapixel CCD sensor was state-of-the-art back in 2010 but hasn’t aged gracefully compared to CMOS tech in the ZS60. The ZS60 packs an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor, with a slightly larger sensor area (28.07 vs. 27.72 mm^2). The move from CCD to CMOS is pivotal - CMOS sensors generally allow for faster readouts, better low-light performance, and higher dynamic range.

From first-hand testing, the FP2’s output at base ISO (80) is clean enough for casual snaps but starts showing noise and color shifts beyond ISO 400. Dynamic range is limited, leading to clipped highlights in high-contrast scenes. The FP2 lacks RAW support, meaning you’re stuck with JPEGs right out of the gate - fine for social media but constraining for serious editing.

Conversely, the ZS60 offers a wider native ISO range and RAW shooting with 18MP detail, granting much more latitude for post-processing. Its sensor’s noise control at ISO 800 and ISO 1600 remains respectable, thanks to a more modern processor (the Venus Engine) and noise reduction algorithms. You benefit from deeper shadow recovery and smoother color gradation.

Both cameras retain an anti-alias filter, smoothing fine detail to prevent moiré but slightly limiting ultimate sharpness.

So if image quality ranks high on your checklist - particularly for landscape or portrait work where nuance matters - the ZS60’s sensor leaps ahead thanks to newer technology and higher resolution.

The Rear Window: Screens and Viewfinders

I’m a firm believer that how you see your subject through the camera matters as much as the sensor capturing it.

The FP2 uses a modest 2.7-inch fixed LCD with just 230k pixels - suitable for framing and reviewing but noticeably lacking in clarity and brightness under sunlight. No touchscreen here, nor any fancy articulations.

The ZS60 doubles down on LCD clarity with a 3-inch screen boasting a 1040k-dot resolution and responsive touchscreen functionality that simplifies menus and focusing area selection. This is a huge practical difference when shooting outdoors or in bright conditions.

Moreover, the ZS60 offers an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1166k-dot resolution and 100% coverage. For many photographers, this changes the shooting posture and experience; the EVF provides stable, eye-level framing, less vulnerability to glare, and an immediate preview of exposure and color settings. The FP2 does not have a viewfinder.

For street or travel photographers who need discretion and quick composing even in challenging light, the ZS60’s EVF and touchscreen combo provide an edge. Yet FP2’s simple rear screen keeps things straightforward - but at a cost to usability in bright environments.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Never Miss the Moment

A camera chasing action needs a sharp and fast AF system, coupled with adequate burst rate for candids and sports.

The FP2 employs contrast-detection autofocus only, with 9 focus points and no face detection or tracking technology. The AF is simple and slow by modern standards - adequate for landscapes and posed shots but not designed to chase wildlife or fast sports.

Burst shooting maxes at 5 frames per second, respectable for a compact but limited to short bursts without buffer overflow. Manual focus isn’t an option.

The ZS60, in contrast, combines contrast-detection AF with intelligent tracking, face, and eye detection across 49 focus points. It also offers manual focus assist - crucial for macro work or tricky lighting. Continuous AF and tracking modes prove invaluable for wildlife, sports, and street photography where capture windows are narrow.

The 10 fps burst shooting rate in ZS60 enhances your ability to freeze moments - especially when paired with its fast lens and stabilization.

Whether you prioritize spontaneous shooting or carefully crafted compositions, the ZS60 caters to a wider spectrum of needs.

Lens Versatility: Zoom and Aperture in Real Life

The heart of any integrated compact camera is its lens. The FP2 offers a fixed 35-140 mm (35mm equivalent, 4x optical zoom) with a variable aperture of f/3.5-5.9. This is adequate for general shooting but lacks the extra reach or wide-angle capability for some genres.

The ZS60 boasts a stunning 24-720 mm equivalent 30x zoom range with f/3.3-6.4 aperture. This translates into significantly greater creative freedom, from wide landscapes and architecture to distant wildlife and sports.

Perhaps more importantly, the ZS60 allows macro shooting down to 3 cm with much finer autofocus precision, compared to FP2’s 10 cm minimum focusing distance.

This telephoto prowess does come with trade-offs - the maximum aperture narrows significantly as you zoom in, affecting low light performance and depth-of-field options. But the ZS60’s combination of lens, sensor, and stabilization system compensates well in many conditions.

For anyone envisioning travel, wildlife, or event photography, the ZS60’s zoom is an undeniable attraction.

Steady Hands: Image Stabilization and Low Light Performance

Neither camera is fortified with environmental sealing - don’t expect rugged weatherproofing here.

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization, crucial at longer focal lengths and low shutter speeds to combat camera shake. The FP2’s stabilization is effective at short to moderate zoom but shows limitations at the telephoto edge.

The ZS60’s in-lens optical stabilization is refined and combined with electronic stabilization options on video, allowing for sharper hand-held shots even in dimly lit environments or at full zoom.

Low light sensitivity is a mixed bag. The FP2 maxes out at ISO 6400 but realistically offers noise-free results only up to ISO 400–800. The ZS60 caps at ISO 3200 native with a boosted ISO 6400 option, balancing noise control and sensitivity with its CMOS sensor and Venus Engine processing.

Night and astro photographers will quickly find the FP2's capabilities limiting, while the ZS60 offers real utility for handheld night shots and 4K video.

Video Shootout: A Generation Apart

Video recording capabilities highlight the gulf between 2010 and 2016 technology.

The FP2 offers basic 720p HD recording at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format, an aging codec with resulting larger files and lower quality than modern standards. There is no microphone input, no advanced stabilization beyond optical lens shift, and no 4K or high frame rate options.

The ZS60 is a more multipurpose multimedia tool, with UHD 4K (3840 × 2160 @ 30p) recording capabilities in efficient MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. It also offers Full HD at 60p/60i for smoother slow-motion footage, and 4K Photo mode that extracts 8MP frames from 4K video - a handy feature for fast-moving subjects.

Lack of microphone and headphone jacks curb serious audio recording setup, yet onboard stereo mics deliver decent built-in audio for casual use.

If video is a central consideration, the ZS60 is clearly ahead - bridging the gap between casual shooters and more dedicated hybrid artists.

Battery Life and Storage Practicalities

The FP2’s battery life specifics are scarce, but given its 2010 design and minimal power demands from screen and processor, expect moderate endurance balanced by a small battery capacity.

The ZS60 boasts approximately 320 shots per charge under CIPA standards, thanks to a more power-hungry EVF and larger screen but also a more efficient battery system. Real-world usage varies widely depending on zoom use, screen vs. EVF usage, and video recording.

Both cameras rely on single SD card slots supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC formats - convenient and standard for flexibility and storage capacity.

Connectivity and Extras: The Invisible Edge

The FP2 reveals its age in the connectivity department - no Wi-Fi, no touchscreen, no HDMI output, and just basic USB 2.0 on the data side.

In contrast, the ZS60 offers built-in Wi-Fi - a critical feature for instant sharing, remote control via smartphone apps, and firmware updates without cables. HDMI output allows external monitoring or recording, valuable for vloggers and serious videographers.

Touchscreen interaction on the ZS60 turns menu navigation and focusing into a breeze, something modern users increasingly expect.

Real-World Photography Across Genres

To round out this comprehensive overview, let's see how the two cameras perform across typical photographic genres. Keeping user expectations realistic about sensor size and class - these are not full-size mirrorless or DSLR options - but their place in the compact realm is the key.

Panasonic FP2 front Panasonic FP2 screen back Panasonic ZS60 front Panasonic ZS60 screen back

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

FP2 is basic: no face or eye detection autofocus, no manual aperture control, and a narrower zoom range limit portrait composition. Background blur is modest due to lens aperture and sensor size - expect traditional compact camera bokeh, which can feel flat.

ZS60 shines with face detection AF, manual controls for aperture to manipulate depth of field, and longer reach allowing for flattering distance portraits. The sensor and processor render skin tones naturally, especially at base ISOs. Better focusing ensures sharp eyes - a huge plus missed in the FP2.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolution

The 18MP CMOS sensor and RAW shooting in ZS60 produce more detailed and flexible image files than the FP2’s JPEG-only 14MP CCD sensor. ZS60’s wider angle from 24mm lets you capture broader vistas, while its higher resolution captures finer textures.

FP2 struggles with dynamic range and highlight retention, often blowing sky details in bright scenes.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Rate

FP2's 5 fps burst and single AF point can't keep up with moving animals or athletes. ZS60’s 10 fps burst, tracking AF, and telephoto lens reach make it significantly better suited for these demanding fields.

Street and Travel: Discretion and Versatility

FP2’s petite size and light weight become assets for candid street photography and travel ease. But ZS60's added zoom range, EVF, and touchscreen still appeal for travel photojournalists needing flexibility, though it demands a larger bag space.

Macro and Night/Astro: Focusing and ISO Handling

FP2 can focus down to 10 cm but wobbles in low light. ZS60’s 3 cm macro range and higher ISO performance give it the macro photography advantage, and its manual focus assist helps get critical focus on tiny subjects.

For night or astrophotography, the ZS60’s superior ISO and long exposure shutter support offer a real taste of celestial capture.

Video Use: Hybrid Creation

ZS60’s 4K video, 4K photo mode, and stabilized video makes it a compact powerhouse for hybrid shooters. FP2 is a token video camera offering basic 720p clips with limited control.

Performance in Numbers: Objective Ratings

While scores always simplify nuance, these charts represent accumulated benchmarks across resolution, noise, color accuracy, and shooting speed. The ZS60 outperforms the FP2 comprehensively, reflecting the generational leap in sensor technology and features.

What’s the Bottom Line? Choosing Your Panasonic Compact

Choose the Panasonic FP2 if:

• You value ultra-compact size and lightness above all else.
• Your shooting needs are casual snapshots, social media sharing.
• Budget constraints are tight (it sells for under $80 new or less used).
• You prefer a no-frills, simple point-and-shoot with easy controls.

Opt for the Panasonic ZS60 if:

• You want versatile zoom (24-720 mm) enabling landscapes to wildlife.
• Image quality, manual controls, and RAW shooting matter.
• You need advanced autofocus with face and tracking detection.
• A hybrid photo/video capability with 4K recording is important.
• You’re ready to handle a slightly larger, heavier camera.
• You want wireless connectivity and more modern usability features.

Closing Thoughts: Evolution of Compact Photography

The Panasonic FP2 and ZS60 serve as time capsules highlighting how compact cameras evolved dramatically between 2010 and 2016. The FP2 offers a charmingly straightforward shooting experience that still suits beginners or travelers who want distractions minimized. The ZS60 serves enthusiasts looking for the proverbial "one camera to do it all" in a compact body - a gateway camera that pushes the boundaries of sensor tech, zoom reach, and video innovation.

As someone who’s field-tested cameras across genres, I regard the ZS60 as the more complete tool in general, but the FP2's diminutive footprint and simplicity have their own special niche. Neither will fully replace a mirrorless or DSLR, but choosing one depends entirely on your photography style, budget, and how much pocket space you’re willing to sacrifice for added capability.

Ultimately, the choice between these Lumix compacts is a classic trade-off: portability vs. performance - a conversation as old as photography itself.

Happy shooting!