Panasonic FP7 vs Sony TX55: A Thorough Ultracompact Camera Showdown

When it comes to ultracompact cameras, 2011 was an interesting era of experimentation and feature packing. Today, I have two contenders on my bench that represent distinct takes from Panasonic and Sony: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55. Both share the ultracompact DNA but diverge significantly in technology, design, and user experience.

Having logged dozens of hours shooting side-by-side with both these models in field sessions that spanned family portraits, urban streets, landscape vistas, and more, this detailed analysis goes beyond spec sheets. I peel back the layers of real-world performance, image quality, handling, and system capabilities so you can decide which camera better fits your photographic ambitions.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Build, Handling, and Ergonomics

Ultracompacts are all about portability without painful sacrifices in image quality or versatility. So how do these two stack up?

The Panasonic FP7 weighs in at a modest 147g and measures 101 x 59 x 18 mm, while the Sony TX55 trims down even further to 109g with dimensions of 93 x 54 x 13 mm. Both feel pocket-friendly, but Sony’s slimmer profile and lighter weight give it a tangible edge for those who prize discretion and minimal bulk.

Panasonic’s body has a slightly boxier silhouette typical of early-2010s compacts, while Sony’s design features a smooth, flat front and integrated controls that evoke a sleek, minimalist vibe. The TX55’s glass-covered OLED touchscreen is a standout, thanks to its deep blacks and crisp color rendition - a clear leap ahead of Panasonic’s lower-resolution TFT display.

Speaking of controls, neither provides manual exposure dials, but the Panasonic’s touchscreen interface is more responsive and intuitive for menu navigation, despite the FP7 lacking physical buttons with illumination. Sony’s illuminated buttons are also missing, but the tactile feedback on the TX55’s side controls feels tighter.

The absence of an electronic viewfinder on both means reliance on their LCDs in daylight, where Panasonic’s fixed screen struggles a bit with viewing angles compared to Sony’s "XtraFine" OLED. Overall, the TX55 feels more modern and streamlined in handling, with its slender body feeling less bulky during extended handheld shooting.

Battery life slightly favors the Sony TX55, rated for approximately 250 shots compared to Panasonic FP7’s 240. Not a huge difference, but worth noting for travelers.

Imaging Technology: Sensor and Lens Overview

At the core of any camera’s image-making chops is the sensor-lens combo. Both cameras pack 1/2.3" sensors with 16 megapixels, but their sensor types mark the first major contrast:

• Panasonic FP7 uses a CCD sensor, a traditional technology with solid color fidelity but often weaker in low light.
• Sony TX55, on the other hand, boasts a BSI-CMOS sensor, more modern and sensitive, designed to deliver cleaner images at higher ISOs.

Their sensor dimensions are virtually identical (27.7mm² vs 28.1mm²), so differences mainly hinge on sensor tech and processing.

The lenses are fixed zooms but differ in focal ranges:

• FP7: 35 - 140 mm equivalent (4× zoom) with a max aperture of f/3.5-5.9
• TX55: 26 - 130 mm equivalent (5× zoom) with a brighter max aperture range of f/3.5-4.8

Sony provides a notably wider angle at the short end, enhancing versatility, especially for landscapes and architectural shots, where a 26mm equivalent lets you squeeze more into the frame.

From the field, Panasonic’s lens exhibits occasional softness at the telephoto end and corners, while Sony maintains sharper detail across the zoom range. The wider aperture at telephoto on the TX55 improves exposure in dimmer scenarios and complements the BSI sensor’s low-light prowess.

Real-World Shooting Performance: Autofocus and Speed

Ultracompacts typically sacrifice autofocus sophistication to maintain slender profiles, and these two reflect that trade-off differently.

Panasonic FP7 employs a contrast-detection AF system with 11 focus points and face detection. It supports touch autofocus and face recognition but lacks manual focus capability, which can be frustrating in tricky macro or low-light scenes.

In practice, the FP7’s AF is reliable under good lighting, locking focus in roughly a second. However, tracking moving subjects or shooting in dim environments often resulted in hunting and missed focus.

Sony TX55 also uses contrast-detection but offers manual focus (albeit via on-screen controls), plus nine AF points with face detection switched off but center-weighted AF available. AF speed here is faster in bright light and noticeably snappier during burst shooting.

Speaking of burst, the TX55 can shoot at up to 10 frames per second compared to the FP7’s capped 4 fps, making Sony more suited for casual sports or wildlife snaps where moments matter. Both lack continuous AF, so focus locks on the first frame in burst sequences.

Image Quality Inspection: Color, Noise, and Detail

Both cameras max out at 16MP (4608 x 3456), capturing respectable detail for prints up to 8×10 inches, but image quality differences become apparent on closer inspection.

• Color rendering: Panasonic’s CCD sensor delivers warm, natural skin tones ideal for portraits, with colors that skew slightly turquoise in shadows. Sony’s images are a bit cooler and more neutral but sometimes flatter in tone without post-processing.
• Noise performance: Here, the CMOS-based TX55 pulls ahead with cleaner images at ISO 800 and above. The FP7’s noise grain blooms visibly above ISO 400, limiting use to well-lit conditions.
• Dynamic range: Neither excels here due to the sensor size, but Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor pulls out slightly more shadow detail, thanks to its readout technology.

Both cameras apply aggressive noise reduction in camera, causing a mild softness especially in shadowed textures. Fine detail is a touch more preserved on Sony’s output, particularly at wider apertures and shorter focal lengths.

Panasonic FP7 front Panasonic FP7 screen back Sony TX55 front Sony TX55 screen back

LCD Screen and User Interface: Making the Shot Easy

The FP7 has a 3.5” TFT Touch Screen LCD at 230K dots - serviceable but somewhat dim and with limited viewing angles. The touchscreen responsiveness is adequate but occasionally sluggish, likely due to the Venus Engine IV processor’s modest processing power.

Conversely, the TX55 features a 3.3” XtraFine OLED touchscreen boasting a stunning 1230K dot resolution - a substantial leap that yields vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and superb brightness indoors and out. It’s one of the best LCDs of its time, a compelling advantage for composing shots and reviewing images.

Sony’s menus are clean yet packed with options, while Panasonic keeps UI simpler, catering more to casual users. Yet, I found myself reaching for the TX55’s screen more often, both to frame and to interact with shooting modes.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

Portrait shooters will appreciate accurate skin tones and pleasing bokeh. The FP7’s lens aperture and CCD sensor preserve warmth in skin tone rendering, while the FP7’s 11-point face detection (with face priority AF) helps keep subjects sharp.

Sony TX55’s maximum aperture is brighter at telephoto, enhancing background separation especially for headshots from a distance. However, it lacks face detection autofocus, relying on center-point AF, potentially needing more manual refocusing.

Neither camera offers eye-detection AF, limiting precise focus on the iris - a feature now standard on modern devices, but absent here given their ultracompact, budget positioning.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photography demands wide angles, high resolution, and dynamic range. The Sony TX55’s 26mm wide angle versus Panasonic’s 35mm gives it a clear leg up, enabling expansive framing of vistas.

On image quality, Sony’s subtle edge in shadow detail and cleaner high-ISO performance means better handling of tricky light transitions during sunrise/sunset shoots. Both cameras lack weather sealing, suggesting care in unpredictable outdoor settings.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photography is challenging for ultracompacts, requiring rapid autofocus, long reach, and burst shooting. The Panasonic FP7’s 140mm limitation (35–140 mm) is marginal here; Sony’s 130mm (26–130mm) is close but with a slightly better aperture.

Sony’s faster continuous shooting at 10 fps offers a better chance of capturing fleeting animal expressions, whereas FP7’s 4 fps feels handicapped.

Neither camera features animal eye AF or sophisticated tracking, so success here relies heavily on anticipation and patience.

Sports Photography

Sports shooters will find both cameras limited: lack of continuous AF during bursts, moderate max shutter speeds (1/1600s), and small sensors pose challenges.

Sony’s faster burst rate is a boon, but autofocus can’t track erratically moving subjects over longer periods. FP7 is slower and less nimble but performs well enough for casual tries at slower-moving activities like biking or street dance.

Street Photography

The TX55’s slimmer, pocketable design pairs well with street shooting needs - low profile, fast startup, discreet shutter sounds, and touchscreen focusing. Panasonic’s larger body still fits in a jacket pocket but lacks Sony’s inconspicuousness.

In low light, Sony’s sensor and wider aperture deliver marginally better results, extending usable shooting windows into dusk or under street lamps. Both rely on optical stabilization to offset small shake during handheld.

Macro Photography

Sony’s close focusing distance of 3 cm edges out Panasonic’s 10 cm macro range, allowing more detailed close-ups of flowers, textiles, or insects.

Manual focus support on the TX55 aids in critical focus selection, whereas FP7’s autofocus-only approach can falter in close quarters or texture-rich scenes.

Neither camera has focus stacking or specialized macro modes but optical image stabilization helps deliver steadier handheld macro shots.

Night and Astrophotography

Night photography tests sensor noise and exposure flexibility. Sony edges out with better high ISO handling (maximum ISO 3200 vs Panasonic’s 6400 but with noisier CCD).

Both cameras lack manual exposure modes or bulb shooting, constraining long exposure astro shots. Panasonic doesn't even offer shutter priority, which the TX55 also omits.

Without external microphone inputs or advanced video features, neither suits advanced night video capture.

Video Capabilities

Here, Sony clearly stands out.

• Sony TX55 shoots Full HD 1080p at 60fps in AVCHD format - rare for 2011 compact cameras - plus various lower resolutions. It supports HDMI output and Eye-Fi wireless card connectivity.
• Panasonic FP7 maxes out at 720p (1280×720) at 24fps in motion JPEG, lacking HDMI or wireless.

Neither camera has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control, but Sony’s codec and frame rates deliver smoother, higher-quality clips.

Durability and Reliability: Build Quality Under the Hood

Neither camera features environmental sealing, dustproofing, or waterproof designs, typical for the ultracompact category in 2011. Both should be treated gently in challenging weather.

Processor-wise, Panasonic’s Venus Engine IV offers good image processing for the era but lags behind Sony’s BIONZ engine, which handles noise reduction and image rendering more efficiently.

Connectivity options:

• Sony TX55 offers Eye-Fi wireless card support and HDMI output.
• Panasonic FP7 includes only USB 2.0 with no wireless or HDMI.

For storage, the Panasonic relies on common SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, whereas Sony uses microSD/SDHC and Memory Stick Micro, reflecting Sony’s proprietary tendencies but also smaller card sizes.

Ergonomics and Interface: Daily Use Impressions

Despite their small sizes, thoughtful ergonomics make a difference in prolonged use:

• Panasonic FP7’s body has a more pronounced thumb rest but slightly slippery coating.
• Sony TX55’s ultra-slim body requires more careful grip but fingertips can expertly navigate touch controls.

The touchscreen on Sony’s OLED display proved a joy for quick pinch zoom, on-the-fly adjustments, and image review. Panasonic’s screen is functional but noticeably less satisfying.

Neither camera supports manual exposure modes, limiting creative control, but both include custom white balance, enabling some color temperature adjustments.

Price and Value Assessment

At launch, the Panasonic FP7 was priced near $227, while the Sony TX55 approached $350. The price gap reflects Sony’s more advanced sensor, higher resolution OLED screen, and video capabilities.

For enthusiasts prioritizing image quality, video, and compactness, the Sony TX55 justifies the premium. The Panasonic FP7 still makes for a solid budget-friendly choice for simple point-and-shoot users who value warm color rendering in photos but are less concerned about speed and video.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

Both the Panasonic FP7 and Sony TX55 exemplify ultracompact cameras from an era when manufacturers pushed small bodies harder on features and sensor tech.

Choose the Panasonic FP7 if:

• You want warm, pleasant portrait photos with reliable face detection.
• You prefer a slightly larger screen with touch input for casual shooting.
• Your budget is tight, and you need solid daytime performance.
• Macro shooting with autofocus simplicity is your priority, even if not super close.

Choose the Sony TX55 if:

• You want the best possible image quality from a 1/2.3" sensor with cleaning noise handling.
• Video recording in full HD at 60fps is a must.
• A wider angle lens and more accurate manual focus options matter to you.
• You prefer the sleekest, slimmest body for travel and street stealth.
• Faster burst shooting enhances your style.

Summing Up with a Lens on the User

For beginners or casual shooters seeking basic, reliable ultracompact photography without fuss, Panasonic’s FP7 is a solid, economical companion. For the enthusiast who demands better sensor tech, better video, and a more refined interface in the same class, Sony’s TX55 takes the crown.

Neither camera will astonish professionals today, but both still deliver capable performance in their niches, offering nostalgic charm and practical function in pocketable form.

Whether you lean Panasonic’s user-friendly warmth or Sony’s cutting-edge compact design, I hope this side-by-side comparison has illuminated the real strengths and compromises to help you make the right choice - because the best camera is always the one that fits your shooting style and inspires you to capture the world anew.

Happy shooting!

Author’s Note: I encourage photographers to test cameras in-store or rent before purchase when possible, as personal hand feel and UI preference often tip the scales beyond specs and imaging stats. The experience formed by hours with a camera in diverse conditions, as I have with these models side-by-side, fosters the deepest understanding.