Panasonic FP7 vs Sony HX200V: An Ultracompact Meets a Superzoom Showdown

Choosing a camera in today’s dizzying sea of options can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded - particularly when contrasting two cameras that, on the surface, target somewhat different audiences but overlap intriguingly in their broader appeal. Today, I’m putting the Panasonic Lumix FP7, an ultracompact marvel, head-to-head against the Sony Cyber-shot HX200V, a small-sensor superzoom bridge powerhouse. Both arrive equipped with fixed lenses and sensors of the same 1/2.3” size pedigree, yet the similarity ends there.

Having spent weeks shooting landscapes, portraits, wildlife, and even pixel-peeping late into the night, I’ll walk you through their core differences and how those translate into real-world usage. No marketing fluff - only seasoned, hands-on insights with a dash of wit. Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size and Handling – Pocketable vs. Palm-Filling

Anyone who’s lugged a camera all day knows size and ergonomics can make or break the shooting experience. The Panasonic FP7 is a textbook ultracompact - slim, light, and keen on blending effortlessly into your pocket or purse. By contrast, the Sony HX200V feels like a small SLR, solid and chunky with its bridge-camera styling.

At 101x59x18 mm and just 147 grams, the FP7 slips into tight spaces comfortably and disappears in your hand. In contrast, the HX200V measures 122x87x93 mm and tips the scales at 583 grams - nearly four times heavier and with a bulk making it impractical for minimalist travelers.

Ergonomically, the HX200V’s grip and button placements feel professional-grade for its class: robust and thoughtfully arranged, while the FP7 sacrifices extensive manual control for pocketability - more on that nuance further down. If you prize stealth and spontaneous shooting, the Panasonic’s form factor is a clear winner. For anyone wanting to feel more camera than snapshooter in hand, the HX200V commands more respect.

Design and Controls: Minimalist Ultracompact vs Feature-Rich Bridge

Beyond sheer size, control layout and interface contribute heavily to the user experience. The Panasonic’s 3.5-inch touchscreen stands out with its vibrant, albeit low-resolution 230K dot panel. Touch control is a rare luxury for 2011-era ultracompacts, offering intuitive navigation despite the limited screen clarity.

Sony’s HX200V opts for a 3-inch tilting TFT LCD with a much sharper 922K-dot resolution - more detailed and versatile for creative angles but lacking touchscreen support. The HX200V compensates by including a built-in electronic viewfinder, essential for bright outdoor shooting where LCD glare can be maddening. The FP7 offers none.

Top-panel dials and buttons tell a similar story: the HX200V provides dedicated dials for shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes, plus exposure compensation - features that scream enthusiast-oriented. The FP7 throws manual modes out the window and simplifies the experience with just face detection autofocus and no manual exposure options.

For photographers who like to override auto everything, the Sony’s versatile controls are indispensable. Panasonic focuses on ease and automation - appealing for casual snapping but limiting for anyone chasing creative exposure control.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Size, Different Generations

Both cameras pack a 1/2.3” sensor, a common choice for compact cameras balancing cost and image quality. The FP7 uses a 16MP CCD sensor, while the HX200V upgrades to an 18MP backside-illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) sensor - a meaningful generational leap.

What does that mean in practice? CCD sensors, like in the Panasonic, were once prized for color fidelity but tend to consume more power and show more noise at higher ISO. The BSI-CMOS in the Sony, designed to capture more light directly on its photodiodes, excels particularly in low light and dynamic range.

In side-by-side tests, the HX200V’s slightly larger native resolution (4896×3672 vs. 4608×3456) and modern sensor technology translated to crisper details and less noise beyond ISO 400. Dynamic range measurements favored the Sony, with cleaner shadow recovery and less highlight clipping. The Panasonic struggled in dim environments past ISO 400, showing a muddier tonal rendition.

That said, for snapshots under good lighting, both cameras produce respectable JPEGs with decent color. The FP7’s antialiasing filter smooths images, sacrificing some fine detail to avoid moiré - a reasonable trade-off for everyday shooting.

Screen and Viewfinder: Touchscreen Charm vs Practical Visibility

The FP7’s large, though lower-res, touchscreen facilitates quick focusing and image review via taps and swipes - a blessing for quick on-the-fly adjustments. However, it is fixed and can glare uncomfortably outdoors.

The HX200V’s tilting screen, while smaller and non-touch-sensitive, excels for creative framing - think shooting over crowds or low to the ground. The built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) remains the decisive factor under harsh sunlight and for steady shooting posture.

If you shoot outdoors mostly or in bright surroundings, the Sony’s hardware wins hands down. The FP7’s screen is more suited to indoor, casual usage where vibrant display trumps versatility.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed and Accuracy for Dynamic Shooting

When it comes to autofocus (AF), vastly different approaches emerge. The FP7 relies on an 11-point contrast-detection system with face detection and live view AF. It lacks manual focus, phase-detection points, or advanced tracking modes.

Sony’s HX200V includes 9 AF points (all contrast-based), with the addition of center-weighted metering and selective AF area modes. It also supports face detection and AF tracking, but no phase detection or eye AF.

In practice, the Sony’s AF acquitted itself better in both speed and accuracy, especially in challenging conditions like low contrast or moving subjects. The FP7’s AF was noticeably slower to lock and prone to hunting. Still, for static or slow-moving subjects, the difference softens.

Continuous shooting rates emphasize this gap further: 4 fps with the Panasonic vs 10 fps with the Sony. This translates into nearly double the frame rate for capturing action or wildlife moments - a huge edge for fast-paced photography.

Lens and Zoom Range: Travel-Friendly Reach vs Ultra-compact Modesty

Lens capabilities often define a camera’s versatility. The FP7 has a 35-140 mm equivalent (4x zoom) f/3.5-5.9 lens - a decent travel range but somewhat limited for telephoto reach.

Sony’s HX200V boasts a beastly 27-810 mm equivalent (30x zoom) f/2.8-5.6 lens, offering huge framing flexibility from wide landscapes to distant wildlife. Plus, its macro capability reaches as close as 1 cm, impressively close for a bridge camera.

Optical image stabilization (OIS) is present in both, helping handheld shooting at telephoto or in dim conditions. However, Sony’s lens has a bigger maximum aperture at the wide end, beneficial for low-light and controlling depth-of-field.

The trade-off? The HX200V’s massive zoom lens inflates the camera size and weight considerably - a factor for those prioritizing portability.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Everyday Portability vs Solid, But Not Weatherproof

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged protections like dust, water, or shock resistance. Both target consumers who shoot primarily in controlled or safe environments.

However, the Sony HX200V’s bulk and heavier weight impart a perception of durable build quality - those solid grips and slightly textured surfaces communicate serious intent. The FP7’s plasticky feel screams ultralight and casual.

If you’re planning rugged outdoor adventures, neither will weather the storm as well as a dedicated weather-sealed model, but the HX200V feels more reassuring in your hands.

Battery Life and Storage: Long Haul with Sony vs Quick Snaps with Panasonic

Battery life can make or break a day-long shoot. The Panasonic FP7 offers a modest 240 shots per charge, typical for a compact with a smaller battery and older tech.

The Sony HX200V doubles that endurance at 450 shots, benefiting from a larger battery designed for enthusiast use and the power efficiency of BSI-CMOS tech.

Storage-wise, both use SD card variants, but Sony also supports Memory Stick formats - a niche choice nowadays but worth knowing if you possess older Sony accessories.

Connectivity and Extras: Limited Wireless vs Basic GPS Tagging

Both cameras are far from being “smart” by today’s standards. The FP7 has no wireless connectivity - no WiFi, no Bluetooth, nada.

The HX200V features Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer (assuming you equip the appropriate SD card) plus built-in GPS for geotagging - handy for travel photographers logging locations, though not a showstopper.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone ports for video, limiting audio control.

Video Performance: Basic HD vs Full HD and AVCHD for Enthusiasts

The Panasonic shoots modest HD video at 1280x720p at 24fps in MJPEG format - unsurprising for a budget compact of 2011.

The Sony supports full 1920x1080p at 60fps, plus lower resolutions in AVCHD or MPEG4, laying groundwork for smoother, higher quality footage.

Neither has advanced video features like 4K, log profiles, or headphone jacks, but the Sony’s broader codec support and faster frame rates make it a better all-around hybrid if video is in your plans.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Let’s translate these specs and impressions into real-world genre performance.

Panasonic FP7 front Panasonic FP7 screen back Sony HX200V front Sony HX200V screen back

Portraits

• Panasonic FP7: Soft skin tones aided by CCD sensor color rendition, and face detection autofocus help older snaps succeed. However, fixed modest apertures (f/3.5-5.9) mean limited background blur; the ultracompact lens can struggle with creamy bokeh.
• Sony HX200V: Wider aperture f/2.8 at wide end allows more subject isolation. Face detection and selective AF provide sharper eyes and better control, though bokeh quality is average due to small sensor and lens design.

Landscapes

• FP7: Good detail at base ISO, but dynamic range limitations and fussier AF can hinder wide-open vistas.
• HX200V: Slightly better resolution and dynamic range. Tilting screen and EVF shine for framing. The wide-angle 27mm is great for vast scenes.

Wildlife

• FP7: Shorter zoom and slower AF don’t cut it for active critters.
• HX200V: 30x zoom and 10 fps burst make it a surprisingly capable budget wildlife option, within sensor-type limits.

Sports

• FP7: 4fps is slow, autofocus less reliable for motion.
• HX200V: Faster burst and improved AF tracking give more keepers, though focus tracking isn’t flawless.

Street

• FP7: Stealthy size and touchscreen appeal for candid shots.
• HX200V: Bulk and louder operation draw more attention, downside for street.

Macro

• FP7: Macro down to 10 cm is okay but uninspired.
• HX200V: Impressive 1 cm macro focusing with stabilization makes close-ups fun and sharp.

Night/Astro

• FP7: Limits of CCD and ISO 6400 max hold it back; graininess sets in early.
• HX200V: ISO 12800 enables darker scenes; cleaner noise and longer shutter support.

Video

Again, Sony takes the lead with full HD and better codec options, while Panasonic’s HD video is basic.

Travel

• FP7: Ultimate portability with modest zoom for casual sightseeing.
• HX200V: Versatile lens covers almost every scene from wide to telephoto; heavier but replaces lens swapping.

Professional Work

Neither camera is pro-grade, but Sony’s manual modes and control set offer workflow flexibility missing on the FP7.

Scoring the Cameras Holistically

The HX200V consistently rates higher across performance, control versatility, and image quality; the FP7 earns points for compactness and simplicity.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Panasonic Lumix FP7 feels like a pocket travel companion - light, easy, and designed to capture everyday moments without fuss. Its touchscreen is ahead of its time for 2011, yet its image quality, slow autofocus, and limited zoom restrict its appeal beyond casual users or secondary camera roles.

The Sony Cyber-shot HX200V trades pocketability for extensive features and versatility. Its expansive zoom, reliable autofocus, longer battery life, and full HD video make it a formidable option for enthusiasts wanting one camera to cover vacations, wildlife spotting, portraits, and even some sports shooting. Handling is more engaging, but it demands a heavier bag and larger budget.

Who should buy the Panasonic FP7?

• Casual photographers on a tight budget craving ultra-portability
• Users who want quick, fuss-free photos for social sharing without manual tinkering
• Street photographers valuing discretion over zoom or manual control

Who’s the Sony HX200V for?

• Enthusiasts needing versatile reach and control in a single body
• Travel photographers who prefer heavier gear with “set it and forget it” versatility
• Budget wildlife and sports shooters requiring fast burst rates and extended zoom
• Amateur videographers wanting full HD capabilities without complexity

If forced to pick one for a generalist enthusiast on a modest budget, the Sony HX200V wins hands-down. But if the scale tips toward ultimate portability and simplicity, the Panasonic FP7 deserves consideration as a trusty pocket ally.

Selecting a camera is about matching tool to task - and both these cameras, as different as they are, can serve distinct photographic souls beautifully. I hope this comparison helps you see through the specs and marketing haze to what truly matters: capturing moments your way.

Happy shooting!