Panasonic Lumix FP3 vs Sony Cyber-shot WX150: A Detailed Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing the right compact camera can be a nuanced endeavor. With technology advancing at a breakneck pace, understanding the tangible differences between two models - even ones close in category - can save a lot of frustration and ensure you get the best tool for your photographic pursuits. Today, I’ll take a deep dive into two offerings from Panasonic and Sony: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 (FP3) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX150 (WX150). Both non-interchangeable lens cameras sit in the compact and ultracompact segment and target enthusiasts wanting easy portability with respectable image quality and features.

Having put these two through their paces across various photography genres, real-world environments, and technical benchmarks, I'll share my firsthand insights. Let’s break down their design, optics, sensor technology, autofocus performance, and more. By the end, whether your interest lies in travel, portraits, or even some casual wildlife or night photography, you’ll have clear guidance on which compact is the right fit.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size, Feel, and Usability

Starting with the tangible, physical presence: the Panasonic FP3 is an ultracompact fixed-lens camera introduced in 2010, pioneering pocket-ability with a slim 99x59x19 mm footprint and a featherweight 155g body. The Sony WX150 arrived two years later in 2012 but leans towards the compact rather than ultracompact class, measuring 95x56x22 mm and weighing 133g. The slight increase in thickness of the Sony helps accommodate more advanced internal components and a longer zoom range lens.

From a grip perspective, the FP3’s ultra-slim profile suits casual street or travel shooters who prize discretion and minimal bulk. However, its slimness comes with the tradeoff of a limited physical grip and smaller control surfaces, which can become fiddly for users with larger hands or when shooting briskly. The WX150 employs a modestly chunkier build that provides a more confident hold, especially during extended sessions, aided by a subtle front grip lip.

Examining the top panel layouts reveals a straightforward design on both. The Panasonic omits shutter priority or aperture control modes, relying on full auto or scene modes, and its buttons are integrated tightly onto the compact chassis. The Sony, benefiting from a slightly fresher design, introduces some manual exposure modes and dedicated controls that make direct exposure compensation accessible - this is a clear advantage for those wanting a bit more creative control in an easy-to-use package.

Neither camera features an electronic or optical viewfinder, so reliance on the rear LCD is mandatory. More on that in the next section.

Display and Interface: The User's Window to the World

Both cameras offer a fixed 3-inch rear LCD screen, but this is where the WX150 solidly edges out the FP3. Sony’s 461k-dot high-resolution ClearPhoto TFT LCD presents images with sharper details and better visibility in varied lighting, key for framing and reviewing shots on the go. Panasonic’s screen, fixed at a modest 230k dots and with a touchscreen interface, is serviceable but lacks the finesse and brightness needed for confident outdoor use in strong sunlight or shadows.

Interestingly, the FP3’s touchscreen responsiveness felt laggy in testing, especially given its contrast-detection autofocus system that benefits from live tapping for focus reassignment. The WX150 compensates by providing physical buttons and a more intuitive menu system, which overall feels snappier and more reliable.

For users shooting in situations demanding quick framing adjustments or menu navigation, the WX150’s screen and interface provide a better experience. The FP3’s touchscreen might appeal to entry-level users craving simplicity but frustrate those who want swift manual inputs.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras house 1/2.3-inch sensors - the industry standard for this class - offering roughly the same sensor area physically (Panasonic: 27.72 mm², Sony: 28.07 mm²). However, the type and number of sensor pixels markedly differ: Panasonic uses a 14MP CCD sensor, while Sony employs an 18MP BSI-CMOS sensor, which benefits from back-side illumination technology improving low-light sensitivity and dynamic range.

The Sony’s sensor also supports higher native ISO (up to 12,800 compared to Panasonic’s 6,400), which translates into more usable images in dim light, as confirmed in controlled lab tests and real-world comparisons. The lack of RAW support on both is a significant limitation for professionals or serious enthusiasts who prioritize post-processing flexibility, but Sony’s higher resolution means smoother prints and more cropping freedom.

In daylight landscapes, both models deliver decent sharpness and color accuracy typical of their sensor class. Panasonic’s CCD imparts a slightly warmer tone, which some users might find pleasing for portraits, though it lacks the crispness and punch found in the WX150’s CMOS output. The anti-aliasing filter on both reduces moiré but gently softens fine detail.

Lens and Optical Performance: Zoom Reach and Sharpness

Here we see a fundamental divergence. The FP3 opts for a 35-140mm (35mm equivalent) 4x zoom range, F3.5-5.9 aperture lens. This focal length suits general snapshots and classic portrait distances but is limited for long telephoto or wildlife applications. Its macro focusing starts at 10cm, adequate for casual close-ups but not aggressive macro work.

The WX150 expands the zoom significantly to 25-250mm, a 10x power zoom allowing versatile framing - from wide-angle environmental shots to distant subjects - without changing lenses. Aperture drops slightly faster, F3.3-5.9, but given the longer focal length, this performance is respectable.

In practice, the Sony's zoom brings far more shooting flexibility, especially for travel and wildlife enthusiasts who may want an all-in-one solution without swapping hardware. The tradeoff is increased optical distortion and slight softness at the extreme telephoto end - quite common for slim zoom lenses in this class.

Panasonic’s lens, being shorter in zoom range, exhibits better sharpness and less chromatic aberration across its field. But the limitation in framing flexibility restricts exploration into more varied photo genres.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Eye Detection

Touching on the all-important AF systems underscores the evolution between these models. The FP3 uses contrast-detection autofocus with 9 focus points but lacks face or eye detection, and it does not support continuous autofocus or tracking. Autofocus speeds are generally slower, often struggling in low contrast or dim scenarios.

The WX150, meanwhile, incorporates a contrast-detection system augmented with face detection and tracking AF capabilities, including center-weighted modes. While it doesn’t boast phase detection (typical in higher-end models), it manages subject acquisition quickly and accurately, with fewer hunting episodes. In solid daylight, its response readily supports casual action photography and candid portraits.

For portraiture, the WX150’s face detection provides more reliable focusing on eyes and faces, significantly improving keeper rates, especially when shooting moving subjects or when speed is essential.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Capturing the Moment

Burst shooting ability is a classic indicator of a camera's readiness for action and dynamic scenes. The Panasonic FP3 offers 5 fps continuous shooting but only supports single AF per shot (no AF tracking in bursts). Conversely, the WX150 ramps this to 10 fps, essentially doubling burst speed and with superior autofocus tracking in burst mode.

Shutter speed coverage is similar on both, topping out at 1/1600s and low shutter speeds down to 1/60s or 1/30s, suitable for handheld night shots with stabilization.

The WX150’s swifter operational tempo, combined with a superior AF system, grants it better candid street and sports photography potential compared to the FP3’s more deliberate performance.

Image Stabilization and Macro Performance: Precision Close-ups

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization (OIS), essential for handheld shooting across focal lengths, especially at zoomed-in focal lengths or in low light.

In my tests, both delivered stabilized footage and reduced blur with steady results. Panasonic’s OIS seemed to have a slight advantage in macro scenarios due to its slightly closer macro focusing limit of 10 cm versus Sony’s 5 cm - although the WX150’s longer minimum focusing distance in telephoto mode impairs sharp close-ups at zoom extremes.

Precision focusing becomes crucial in macro and close-up photography. Neither camera offers manual focus or focus stacking capabilities, limiting control. However, the FP3’s touch-based AF did enable fast point selection for near subjects, albeit with occasional hunting. The Sony’s AF struggles slightly with extremely close subjects, reflecting in less sharp macro results.

Video Capabilities: Moving Images in a Compact Package

Video capture quality in compact cameras often differentiates them more than still image specs. The Panasonic FP3 offers HD video up to 720p at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format. The video is generally adequate for casual shooting but shows compression artifacts and limited dynamic range.

In contrast, the Sony WX150 supports Full HD 1080p recording at 60 fps, providing smoother motion capture and better detail preservation. Additionally, it offers AVCHD and MPEG-4 codecs, broadening editing compatibility and efficiency. Optical image stabilization benefits video shooting as well, helping reduce handheld shake.

Neither camera sports microphone or headphone jacks, limiting professional audio capture. But the WX150’s HDMI output allows for external monitoring or recording, a small nod towards more advanced users.

For casual video, the WX150 takes the win hands-down with higher resolution and versatile codec support.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Connectivity is lean on both. Panasonic FP3 lacks wireless features or GPS. The WX150 includes Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility (a proprietary SD card solution), permitting limited wireless image transfer - useful but modest compared to modern Wi-Fi-enabled cameras. Neither camera supports Bluetooth or NFC.

Both offer USB 2.0 for data transfer, but only Sony includes HDMI output. Battery life is better reviewed for the WX150, rated at approximately 240 shots per charge, versus no official Panasonic figure, but my experience suggests FP3’s battery endurance is generally lower, consistent with its entry-level focus.

For seamless integration into modern workflows, neither camera excels by today’s standards, but the WX150’s better battery life and HDMI output edge it slightly ahead.

Durability and Outdoor Suitability

Both models lack environmental sealing, dustproofing, waterproofing, or shockproofing. Weight and size imply gentle handling is advisable for outdoor conditions. For travel and casual shooting, neither camera is built for extreme environments, but the slimness and portability favor casual travelers who want a no-fuss compact.

Final Performance and Genre-Specific Scores

Panasonic FP3 front Panasonic FP3 screen back Sony WX150 front Sony WX150 screen back

Evaluating performance across photography types:

• Portraits: WX150’s superior face detection and higher resolution contribute to noticeably better skin tone reproduction and eye sharpness.

• Landscapes: Similar performance but WX150’s higher resolution and wider wide-angle deliver more expansive framing options.

• Wildlife: WX150 wins with its 10x zoom and faster continuous shooting.

• Sports: WX150’s higher fps and AF tracking make it the clear choice.

• Street: FP3’s compactness offers discretion; however, the WX150’s faster AF and wider lens make it versatile too.

• Macro: Slight edge to FP3 for closer focusing in wide setting.

• Night/Astro: Both limited by sensor size and lack of manual controls, but WX150’s better high ISO handling is preferable.

• Video: WX150 outperforms easily.

• Travel: WX150 balances size, zoom, and battery for longer outings.

• Professional: Neither truly suits professional workflows, but Sony’s manual exposure modes afford more control.

Who Should Choose What?

Panasonic Lumix FP3:

• Best for those who prioritize ultimate portability in an ultracompact form factor.
• Casual snapshot shooters who want uncomplicated touchscreen controls and suspect a limited zoom range is acceptable.
• Photographers who do not require advanced video or manual exposure control.
• Budget-conscious buyers happy with 14MP images and HD video.

Sony Cyber-shot WX150:

• Ideal for enthusiasts seeking a versatile zoom range in a compact body.
• Users who want better image quality, improved autofocus with face detection, and smooth Full HD video.
• Travel photographers who value zoom reach and longer battery life.
• Those wishing for some manual control over exposure and better stills/video integration.
• Casual wildlife and street photographers who need faster shooting speeds.

Conclusion: The Right Compact Companion Depends on Your Priorities

In this 2010 vs 2012 compact camera showdown, Sony’s Cyber-shot WX150 strikes a more balanced formula, expanding on the foundation the Panasonic FP3 laid in ultracompact portability. The WX150’s improved sensor tech, extended zoom, capable AF, superior video, and better ergonomics mark it as the more versatile camera for a wider range of photographic scenarios.

That said, the FP3 remains a respectable pick for users whose main priority is pocketability and straightforward operation in daylight or well-lit environments, with the tradeoffs firmly understood.

Both cameras exemplify design and feature choices from their eras, and while neither can match today’s compact mirrorless or smartphone camera performance, they each served distinctly different user needs well in their day.

For modern buyers, I’d lean toward the WX150 if versatility, image quality, and speed matter. But if you prioritize minimalist, light travel and casual point-and-shoot simplicity, the FP3 still holds charm.

Whichever you choose, testing the handling in person - if possible - is invaluable. Compact cameras are all about how well they fit your hands and your shooting style.

Your next compact camera should fit not only your photographic aspirations but also your daily habits and creative ambitions. With this detailed rundown, I hope you feel empowered to make a choice that keeps your passion for photography alive and well.