Panasonic FP3 vs Sony RX100 VI: A Hands-On Comparison for Discerning Photographers

In the ever-broadening universe of digital cameras, understanding where each model fits can be overwhelming. Today, we dive deep into two cameras that, at face value, serve compact photography needs but differ vastly in terms of technology, capabilities, and creative potential. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 (hereafter “FP3”), introduced in early 2010, represents an early era of slim ultracompacts. Meanwhile, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI (“RX100 VI”), released in 2018, appeals as a powerhouse large-sensor compact packed with advanced features.

I’ve spent considerable time with both models, pushing each through a gamut of typical photographic scenarios and technical benchmarks. This article aims to provide an authoritative, experience-driven comparison, balancing technical know-how with on-the-ground usability insights - perfect for enthusiasts weighing legacy ultracompacts against modern advanced compacts. Let’s begin by examining their physical presence.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

The Panasonic FP3 is featherlight and pocketable, weighing only 155g with dimensions of roughly 99x59x19 mm. This ultra-slim profile gives it an indisputable travel-friendly charm but naturally caps physical controls and grip. It’s a camera designed to fit in a shirt pocket without a fuss.

Conversely, the Sony RX100 VI feels substantial at 301g and measures 102x58x43 mm. Despite being thicker, it comfortably nests in one hand with a palpable sense of durability. It’s no larger than a deck of cards but does sacrifice superfine portability for enhanced ergonomics - a trade-off welcome for longer shooting sessions.

If carry convenience is your top priority, the FP3 excels in sheer minimalism, making it ideal for everyday casual snapshots. For users who prize handling comfort and tactile engagement, the RX100 VI’s more robust construction and button layout present a major leap forward.

Inspecting the top control layers further clarifies their divergent design philosophies. The FP3 features a sparse array of buttons and no mode dials, reflecting its intent as a “point-and-shoot” device without manual overrides. Its shutter button and zoom rocker are small, requiring some finger gymnastics.

The RX100 VI sports dedicated dials, a zoom rocker around the shutter button optimized for quick focal length shifts, and several programmable control buttons. This arrangement is borrowed from Sony’s mirrorless line, making the RX100 VI a serious contender for photographers who like to fiddle with settings on the fly.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Small Sensor vs. Large Sensor Excellence

At the heart of any camera is its sensor, the decisive factor for image quality. The FP3 relies on a 1/2.3 inch CCD sensor (approx. 6.08x4.56 mm sensor area), pushing out 14 megapixels. While this was standard for compact cameras around 2010, the sensor size constrains light-gathering ability and dynamic range, especially in low light.

The RX100 VI, by contrast, uses a 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2x8.8 mm sensor area) with 20 megapixels. This sensor configuration yields roughly four times the surface area compared to the FP3’s chip, delivering superior noise performance, broader dynamic range, and sharper images overall.

In practical shooting, the RX100 VI’s sensor allows clean captures up to ISO 3200 and usable shots even at ISO 6400, whereas the FP3 maxes out at ISO 6400 but with significantly noisier results beginning around ISO 800. Landscape shooters and anyone after crisp detail in shadows should appreciate the RX100 VI’s sensor superiority.

Both cameras employ a standard anti-aliasing filter to control moiré patterns, although this occasionally softens fine detail. Nevertheless, the RX100 VI’s sensor and processor (Sony’s Bionz X) combine for impressive resolving power and color fidelity even under challenging lighting.

Autofocus Systems and Focusing Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Due to its vintage design, the FP3 features a contrast-detection autofocus system with 9 focus points and no face or eye detection. Focus acquisition is noticeably slower, particularly indoors or low contrast conditions, averaging about half a second or more. Continuous autofocus or tracking modes are absent, relegating it mainly to static subjects.

The RX100 VI raises the bar with a hybrid AF system combining 315 phase-detection points and contrast detection points. This system supports face and eye detection autofocus, plus sophisticated subject tracking. During bursts of action (more on speed shortly), autofocus is near instantaneous, rarely hunting.

This makes a striking difference for portraiture, wildlife, and sports photographers. Eye detection ensures tack-sharp focus on subjects, minimizing missed moments. The FP3’s lack of AF tracking means moving subjects risk falling out of focus, especially in dynamic scenes.

Overall, the RX100 VI delivers professional-grade AF performance in a compact body, whereas the FP3 adopts a straightforward approach for uncomplicated scenarios.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Composing and Reviewing Images

The FP3 sports a 3.0-inch fixed LCD with just 230,000 dots, one of the lowest resolutions seen even for cameras of its generation. Complemented by a touchscreen interface, it allows basic focusing and menu navigation, but the display sometimes feels pixelated and dim in bright daylight.

The RX100 VI improves dramatically with a 3.0-inch tilting LCD boasting 1,229,000 dots. The display is vibrant, sharp, and ideal for ambiguous angles in creative shooting. The tilting design also allows selfie-style framing, a thoughtful touch missing on the FP3.

Notably, the RX100 VI incorporates a pop-up electronic viewfinder (EVF) featuring 2,359,000 dots with 100% coverage and 0.59x magnification. This EVF is a game changer in bright sunlight or when seeking precise composition. The FP3 lacks any kind of viewfinder, making it less viable for outdoor shooting with harsh glare.

Both screens offer live view, but the RX100 VI’s superior resolution and EVF expand its effectiveness for professional and enthusiast users.

Lens Specifications and Optical Performance: Versatility vs Simplicity

The Panansonic FP3 bundles a 35-140 mm equivalent lens (4x zoom) with max apertures of F3.5-5.9. While lightweight and compact, this optic is limited by its relatively slow aperture range and moderate zoom reach. Optical image stabilization helps reduce blur from hand shake, but image quality degrades visibly at maximum zoom and in low light.

The RX100 VI rocks an ambitious 24-200 mm equivalent zoom lens (8.3x zoom) with an aperture from F2.8 to F4.5. Sony engineered this lens to balance reach and brightness, delivering impressively sharp images throughout the focal range. Optical stabilization benefits handheld shooting, particularly critical at the long telephoto end for wildlife or sports.

Macro capabilities also differ: the RX100 VI focuses down to 8 cm, allowing close-up detail with ease, while the FP3’s minimum focus distance is about 10 cm, respectable but less versatile.

For travel photographers or those craving a one-lens solution, the RX100 VI’s zoom range and speed outclass the FP3’s modest fixed zoom.

Burst Rates and Shutter Speeds: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Continuous shooting can be the difference between a keeper and a missed opportunity. The FP3 shoots at 5 frames per second (fps) max, which sufficed for casual snapshots in 2010 but lags behind today’s standards.

Obsessive sports or wildlife shooters will gravitate toward the RX100 VI’s blistering 24 fps at full autofocus speed. This rapid-fire capability, paired with highly effective tracking AF, allows capturing fleeting action with precision. Shutter speeds on the RX100 VI span from 30 seconds to 1/2000s mechanical, and an electronic shutter extends this to an astounding 1/32000s silent shooting.

The FP3 maxes out a more conservative 1/1600s shutter speed, no electronic shutter included. This restricts its utility in bright environments or for creative motion freezing.

Video Capabilities: From Basic Clips to 4K Footage

Video recording on the FP3 is a rather basic affair: maximum resolution is 1280x720p at 30 fps, encoded in Motion JPEG format. There are no microphone or headphone ports, and the onboard optical stabilization is a plus but cannot overcome the limited codec and resolution.

Sony’s RX100 VI fully caters to modern multimedia creators. It shoots 4K UHD video at 30p using the efficient XAVC-S codec with bitrates up to 100 Mbps, yielding smooth, high-quality footage. The camera includes advanced video features like zebra patterns, focus peaking, and clean HDMI output for external recorders. Built-in optical image stabilization and rapid autofocus during video recording help maintain sharpness and smoothness.

While the RX100 VI does not have an external mic port, its internal processing and stabilization make it a more viable choice for casual video production compared to the FP3’s woeful capabilities.

Battery Life and Storage: Endurance for the Field

Battery technology has improved substantially over the years, and it shows when you compare these cameras. The FP3’s battery life is unspecified and likely modest given its age and small battery size. Anecdotally, expect under 200 shots per charge, making carry of spare batteries advisable.

The RX100 VI uses the NP-BX1 lithium-ion battery and rates approximately 240 shots per charge, per CIPA standards. Though this is average for a compact, users who shoot frequently or video extensively will want backups or USB charging on the go.

Both cameras accept SDXC cards, but the RX100 VI supports additional formats like Memory Stick Pro Duo, expanding compatibility.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Connectivity options mark a generational gulf between these two cameras. The FP3 lacks any wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS - reflecting its era. Sharing images means removing the SD card or connecting via USB 2.0, which is quite slow by today’s standards.

The RX100 VI features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth along with NFC support, allowing seamless image transfers to smartphones or remote control via Sony’s PlayMemories app. This is invaluable for fast social sharing or tethered workflows.

Regarding software integration, the RX100 VI also supports RAW image capture (unavailable on the FP3), providing much greater flexibility for post-processing professionals.

Real-World Photography Across Genres

Analyzing their core specs is essential, but how do these cameras fare in popular photographic genres? Let’s break down practical usage.

Portrait Photography

The Sony RX100 VI’s advanced autofocus with eye and face detection significantly eases portrait work, especially in candid or dynamic situations. Its fast-aperture lens produces pleasing background separation (bokeh) compared to the FP3’s slower lens optics. Skin tones render naturally, thanks to the 1” sensor’s broader dynamic range and color depth.

The FP3 can capture decent portraits in ideal lighting but lacks autofocus sophistication, resulting in more missed focus in low light or moving subjects.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters benefit greatly from the RX100 VI’s higher resolution (20 MP vs. 14 MP), superior dynamic range, and better high ISO performance for dawn/dusk scenes. Unfortunately, neither camera offers dust/water sealing, but the RX100 VI’s rugged feel inspires more confidence outdoors.

The FP3’s sensor struggles with shadow detail and produces noisier images at higher ISOs, limiting its suitability for demanding landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports

Burst speed and autofocus performance are critical here. The RX100 VI clobbers the FP3 with 24 fps continuous shooting, hybrid AF with tracking, and a long zoom lens (200 mm equivalent). These features make it surprisingly effective as a compact all-rounder for wildlife and sports enthusiasts who need portability.

The FP3’s slow AF and modest zoom mean you’ll miss many crucial moments in these fast-paced situations.

Street Photography

The FP3’s slim size and discreet operation have merits for street photographers seeking invisibility. However, limitations in autofocus speed and image quality dampen excitement.

The RX100 VI is bulkier but still pocketable, and its silent electronic shutter supports unobtrusive shooting. Faster AF and tilting screen are also pluses for street work.

Macro Photography

With focus distances close to 8-10 cm and optical stabilization, both cameras allow casual macro shooting. The RX100 VI has the edge with slightly closer focusing and sharper results, making it more versatile for detail-rich images.

Night and Astrophotography

The FP3’s CCD sensor, higher noise at ISO 6400, and limited manual exposure modes preclude serious night or astro use.

The RX100 VI supports manual exposure, longer shutter speeds, and improved ISO handling, enabling creative low-light photography. It’s not a specialist astro camera, but manageable for casual night shooters.

Video Work

As mentioned, the RX100 VI offers professional features like 4K video, higher bitrates, and advanced focus, absent from the FP3’s basic VGA to 720p clips.

Travel Photography and Professional Use

Considering battery life, lens range, and connectivity, the RX100 VI is a robust travel companion, covering diverse lighting conditions and subjects well. Its raw shooting and Wi-Fi streamline professional workflows too. The FP3 can serve as a simple backup or casual traveler’s camera but isn’t suited for critical work.

Putting It All Together: Performance Ratings and Genre Analysis

Panasonic FP3 front Panasonic FP3 screen back Sony RX100 VI front

Comparing sample images highlights how the RX100 VI outperforms in sharpness, dynamic range, and noise control. The FP3’s photos look muddier with less punch, especially under challenging conditions.

An aggregate score emphasizing autofocus, image quality, speed, and user experience favors the Sony RX100 VI by a large margin.

When dissected by photography type, the RX100 VI leads across all categories except for pure portability and simplicity, where the FP3’s minimalism still appeals.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Panasonic FP3 - For Casual Shooters on a Budget or Ultra-Compact Seekers

If your photography needs mostly involve daylight snapshots, easy automatic exposure, and a camera you can forget about in your pocket, the Panasonic FP3 suffices. It’s lightweight, simple, and affordable for those who prioritize convenience over image quality or technical versatility. However, its outdated sensor, sluggish autofocus, and basic video limit creative freedom.

Sony RX100 VI - For Enthusiasts and Professionals Wanting a Compact Powerhouse

The RX100 VI demands a hefty investment but rewards with exceptional image quality, blazing autofocus, versatile zoom, and video capabilities. It suits travel, street, wildlife, and even advanced video creation. Though lacking weather sealing, its solid build, tactile controls, and wireless workflow support make it a formidable companion for serious photography on the go.

In conclusion, these cameras cater to very different markets. The FP3 is a relic that still fills the pocketability niche, while the RX100 VI embodies the evolution of compact cameras into professional-grade tools. I recommend the RX100 VI unequivocally for ambitious photographers seeking a compact all-in-one. Meanwhile, those with minimal demands and tight budgets can consider the FP3 purely as a no-frills snapshot device.

I hope this deep dive clears the fog for your next compact camera purchase. Happy shooting!