Panasonic Lumix FP2 vs Sony Alpha A6600: A Deep Dive Into Ultracompact Versus Advanced Mirrorless Cameras

When choosing your next camera, you may find yourself torn between simplicity and sophistication, portability and power. Today, we'll explore this dynamic by comparing two very different models: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2, an ultracompact point-and-shoot released in 2010, and the Sony Alpha a6600, a highly capable advanced mirrorless camera from 2019.

Although these cameras cater to different markets and eras, reviewing them side-by-side reveals key insights into how camera technology and user experience have evolved over the past decade. Whether you're a casual snapshooter, enthusiast, content creator, or professional, this comparison will guide you in matching your photography needs with the right tool.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Size, Handling, and Design

One of the first noticeable differences between the Panasonic FP2 and Sony A6600 is their physical design and ergonomics. The FP2 reflects a classic ultracompact point-and-shoot profile, designed for maximum portability at the cost of sophisticated controls. In contrast, the A6600 embraces mirrorless camera ergonomics, offering a larger and more robust body with extensive manual controls.

• Panasonic FP2 weighs just 151 grams with dimensions of 99 x 59 x 19 mm, effortlessly slipping into your pocket. It has a fixed, small form factor that's ultra-portable for travel and strolls.
• Sony A6600 is substantially larger and heavier at 503 grams and 120 x 67 x 69 mm. The grip is deep and comfortable for extended shooting sessions and professional use.

Controls and User Interface

• FP2 offers minimal physical controls, focusing on simplicity. No manual focus or exposure settings are available; the menu system is limited, and zoom is electronic.
• A6600 features a full suite of dials, buttons, and touchscreen inputs with a highly customizable interface. This allows you to rapidly shift between shooting modes, adjust settings manually, and optimize the camera for diverse shooting conditions.

The ergonomic difference reflects their target users: the FP2 is best for casual users wanting point-and-shoot ease, while the A6600 empowers enthusiasts and professionals needing deep control.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: From Basic to Professional Grade

Central to image quality is the sensor technology beneath the lens. The Panasonic FP2 uses a small 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with a modest 14 MP resolution, while the Sony A6600 boasts a large APS-C size CMOS sensor with 24 MP resolution.

Sensor Size and Impact

• FP2 (1/2.3" CCD sensor, 6.08 x 4.56 mm)
  • Small sensor area (~27.72 mm²), limiting dynamic range and light-gathering ability.
  • CCD technology provides decent color reproduction but suffers in low light and noise performance.
• A6600 (APS-C CMOS sensor, 23.5 x 15.6 mm)
  • Much larger sensor area (~366.6 mm²) means higher sensitivity, expansive dynamic range, and finer detail.
  • Advanced BSI CMOS architecture increases light absorption and reduces noise at high ISOs.

Resolution and Output

• FP2 maxes out at 14 MP (~4320x3240 pixels), sufficient for casual prints and social media.
• A6600 shoots at 24 MP (~6000x4000 pixels), providing ample detail for large prints, cropping flexibility, and professional workflows.

ISO and Noise Performance

While the FP2 has a max ISO of 6400, noise at higher sensitivities is substantial due to its sensor size and older generation technology. The A6600 comfortably handles ISO 32000 native with smooth noise control thanks to modern sensor and processing advances.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Composing with Clarity and Precision

Composing your shot is an essential part of photography, and both cameras offer different solutions.

• FP2: 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230k-dot resolution; fixed in place without touch functionality.
• A6600: Larger 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen with 922k-dot resolution, rich color accuracy, and tactile, intuitive control.

The Sony A6600 also includes a 2.36 million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and 0.71x magnification, enabling precise framing even in bright light - a feature the FP2 lacks altogether.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Speed: Speed and Accuracy That Matters

If you shoot fast-paced subjects like wildlife or sports, autofocus performance can make or break your experience.

The Sony A6600 excels, incorporating advanced hybrid autofocus that delivers fast, reliable focusing on moving subjects, including eye detection for people and animals. The FP2’s limited contrast detection system results in slower, less accurate focusing, especially in low light or with moving subjects.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability for the Long Haul

• FP2 lacks weather sealing or durability protections; it’s designed for gentle everyday use.
• A6600 features magnesium alloy construction and partial weather sealing against dust and moisture, allowing more confidence in challenging environments.

This robustness extends the Sony's versatility across outdoor, travel, and professional applications.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Lens Simplicity vs Interchangeable Versatility

• FP2: Fixed 35-140mm (35mm equivalent) F3.5-5.9 lens with 4x zoom. No lens changes possible, limiting creative flexibility.
• A6600: Extensive Sony E-mount system with over 120 native lenses - primes, zooms, macros, specialty lenses - from wide to super-telephoto, plus third-party options.

This difference dramatically influences photographic possibilities. With the A6600, you can tailor lens choice to your genre - whether macro, landscape, portrait, or sports.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Power and Capacity for Extended Shoots

• Panasonic FP2: No official CIPA rating available; uses proprietary compact batteries with modest life.
• Sony A6600: Excellent battery life at approximately 810 shots per charge, powered by the efficient NP-FZ100 battery.

Both cameras accept SD card storage, but the A6600 supports high-speed UHS-I cards and Memory Stick Pro Duo as well, enhancing workflow efficiency.

Connectivity and Additional Features: Modern Convenience or Basic Operation

• FP2: USB 2.0 only; no wireless features or GPS.
• A6600: Fully featured with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, micro HDMI, microphone and headphone ports, advanced video recording (4K UHD), and timelapse modes.

These connectivity options make the A6600 far superior for content creators and hybrid shooters blending stills and video.

Photography Disciplines Tested: Real-World Performance Insights

Having tested both cameras extensively, here’s how they perform across popular photography genres.

Portraits

• FP2: Basic fixed lens limits pleasing bokeh; no face or eye AF. Skin tones are passable but lack the subtle gradation seen on modern CMOS sensors.
• A6600: Excellent skin tone rendering with natural color reproduction. Fast eye AF delivers tack-sharp portraits. You can pair it with bright prime lenses for creamy bokeh and subject isolation.

Landscapes

• FP2: Limited by sensor size and dynamic range; details can be soft, and highlights clip easily in high contrast scenes.
• A6600: High resolution and dynamic range capture fine details and broad tonal gradations. Weather sealing ensures shooting in challenging conditions.

Wildlife & Sports

• FP2: Not ideal for fast action; slow AF and low burst rates mean you’ll miss many moments.
• A6600: Fast 11 fps shooting with reliable AF tracking keeps moving subjects locked in.

Street

• FP2: Ultra-compact; unobtrusive and quick to grab, great for casual street snaps.
• A6600: Slightly bulkier but silent shooting modes and quick autofocus still make it an excellent street camera with higher image quality.

Macro

• FP2: Macro focus from 10 cm is decent for casual close-ups but limited by lens speed and sensor limits.
• A6600: Paired with macro lenses, achieves exquisite close-up detail with precise focusing.

Night / Astro

• FP2: High noise and limited ISO performance hinder night shots.
• A6600: Impressive high ISO noise control and manual exposure modes enable excellent night and astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

• FP2: 720p (1280x720) at 30 fps with basic Motion JPEG. No microphone port or advanced video features.
• A6600: 4K UHD up to 30 fps using XAVC S codec, with advanced stabilization and audio input/output for professional videography.

Sample Images: Visualizing Differences

Panasonic FP2 front Panasonic FP2 screen back Sony A6600 front Sony A6600 screen back

The differences in resolution, color fidelity, noise levels, and bokeh are clear. The Sony A6600 produces sharper images with richer tonal gradations. The FP2’s images feel flatter with reduced detail.

Comprehensive Camera Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

Our thorough evaluation across multiple metrics yields the following overall performance scores:

Breaking performance down by photography category brings further clarity:

• The Sony A6600 scores highly in all disciplines except pure portability.
• The Panasonic FP2 scores well only in casual portability and ease of use.

Price-to-Performance Verdict: What Are You Really Paying For?

While the FP2 offers unbeatable portability and an ultra-budget price, its limited features and image quality mean it fits casual users just starting photography or those wanting a pocket snapshot camera.

The A6600’s investment unlocks professional-grade imaging, performance, and durability suited for advanced enthusiasts and professional workflows.

Summary and Recommendations: Which Should You Choose?

Final Thoughts: Empower Your Vision

The Panasonic Lumix FP2 reminds us how compact, easy-to-use cameras can deliver simple snapshots for spontaneous moments. It invites beginners and casual photographers to get started with little fuss, emphasizing convenience above all.

The Sony Alpha a6600, however, exemplifies where the mirrorless revolution has brought us: a camera offering powerful autofocus, excellent image quality, flexibility, and video capabilities wrapped in a lightweight, user-friendly body.

Choosing between them depends on your goals. If you want tuition wheels in your pocket - grab the FP2. If professional results and creative freedom drive you - explore the A6600.

Get Started and Explore

I encourage you to try both cameras in person if you can. Handling them reveals much about how they feel and perform in your hands. Look for compatible lenses and accessories that broaden your creative toolkit.

Photography is a journey - your camera should be a trusted companion along the way. Whether you embrace the ultra-portable simplicity of the Panasonic FP2 or the advanced versatility of the Sony A6600, each offers a unique pathway to capturing the world through your lens.

Happy shooting!