Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic LZ20

Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic LZ20: A Definitive Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing your next camera can be overwhelming, especially with the variety of models aimed at different shooting styles and budgets. Today, we dive deep into two Panasonic contenders: the ultra-compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and the small sensor superzoom Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. Both target casual shooters stepping up their photography game but differ markedly in design, features, and shooting versatility. Drawing on hands-on testing experience with these and similar cameras, we’ll help you understand how each performs in various photography disciplines, and which suits your creative journey best.

Getting to Know Your Contenders: Panasonic FS42 and LZ20 at a Glance

Before we jump into in-depth analysis, here’s a quick specs snapshot to orient the discussion:

From this overview, it’s clear these cameras target different user needs - one championing pocket portability, the other a versatile zoom range at affordable prices.

Designing for Your Hands and Travel Bag

How the camera feels in your hands and transports impacts your shooting experience hugely. The FS42 is an ultracompact with minimal weight and slim dimensions (98x55x22 mm at 132 g). It will easily fit into any pocket or small bag, making it the perfect companion for quick casual shots and travel where size matters.

In contrast, the LZ20 is much larger and heavier (120x76x80 mm; 499 g), sporting a DSLR-style bridge camera body. This design accommodates its extended zoom and bigger screen but comes at the expense of portability. The grip is pronounced and offers better handling for longer telephoto shooting sessions.

Ergonomically, the LZ20 offers more physical control buttons and an exposure compensation dial, ideal for photographers who want to adjust settings on the fly without digging into menus. Meanwhile, the FS42’s control scheme is simpler, lacking manual exposure modes or dedicated dials - best suited for point-and-shoot ease.

If you favor spontaneity and travel light, the FS42 feels like a natural choice. If you prefer shooting with more control and extensive zoom options during excursions, the LZ20’s bulk is justified.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Parsing Pixels and Performance

Sensor size and resolution are foundational to image quality. The FS42 sports a 10 MP 1/2.5" CCD sensor, while the LZ20 ups the ante with a 16 MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor. The increased resolution on the LZ20 enables more detail capture, which also benefits large prints and cropping flexibility.

Both sensors are smaller than APS-C or full-frame found in higher-end cameras, which means they are more prone to noise at higher ISO settings and can struggle with dynamic range in contrasty scenes. However, the LZ20’s slightly larger 1/2.3" sensor does offer modestly better light capture, theoretically leading to cleaner images in low light.

Practical testing confirms the LZ20 delivers slightly sharper images with better detail retention, especially at base ISO 100-200. The FS42's images appear softer with less dynamic range, and its maximum ISO 1000 pushes noise levels quite quickly.

Neither model supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility, so getting exposure right at capture is crucial. The LZ20’s exposure compensation and manual modes help here; the FS42 depends entirely on automated exposure.

The Art of Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Accurate and quick autofocus (AF) is critical for candid shots, wildlife, and sports photography. The FS42 uses a basic single-point contrast detection AF with no face or tracking features, limiting its usefulness for moving subjects or complex scenes.

The LZ20 enhances autofocus capability with 9 AF points, center-weighted tracking, and face detection. Although this is still contrast detection (slower than phase detection in DSLRs), it performs noticeably better in acquiring and maintaining focus on subjects - particularly useful for casual wildlife and sports photography at moderate action speeds.

Neither camera provides animal eye AF, burst speed is low (2 fps for FS42, 1 fps for LZ20), so neither excels for fast-paced sports or wildlife photography demanding rapid frames per second.

In summary,

• For static subjects or simple snapshots, FS42’s AF is sufficient.
• For modest action or subjects requiring face detection, LZ20 holds a clear advantage.

Exploring Photography Genres: How Each Camera Performs

Let's explore how these cameras serve various photographic disciplines based on their specs and tested performance.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Background Blur

Portraits benefit from accurate skin tone rendition, sharp eye focus, and pleasing bokeh. Neither camera’s small sensor nor fixed aperture lenses create substantial background separation like larger sensors or prime lenses can.

• FS42’s lens offers a wider f/2.8 aperture at the wide end, good for lower light and mild subject isolation.
• LZ20 tapers to f/3.1 wide but extends much longer in reach, ideal for tighter facial framing from farther away.

Neither offers eye detection autofocus, making manual focus tricky since they lack touchscreens or focus peaking.

Recommendation: Both cameras serve casual portrait shooters but won’t satisfy those seeking professional portrait aesthetics or shallow depth of field.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

High resolution and wide dynamic range benefit landscape shooters. The LZ20's 16 MP sensor captures more detail to print large or crop in, and its longer zoom can frame distant scenes creatively.

Neither camera features weather sealing - a drawback if you shoot outdoors in challenging conditions.

Tip: Use manual exposure and bracketing on the LZ20 to maximize image quality. FS42 lacks exposure compensation, so getting exposures right will be guesswork.

Wildlife Photography: Zoom Reach and AF Reliability

Here, reach and AF matter most. The LZ20 impresses with a 21x zoom (25-525 mm equivalent), perfect for photographing animals at a distance. Optical image stabilization helps reduce telephoto shaking.

The FS42’s 4x zoom (33-132 mm equivalent) is insufficient for most wildlife scenarios.

However, burst shooting is sluggish on both models, making action capture difficult.

Verdict: The LZ20 is clearly better suited for casual wildlife photography.

Sports Photography: Tracking and Frame Rates

Both cameras lack fast frame rates and professional-grade tracking. The FS42’s 2 fps continuous shooting and single AF point are limiting. The LZ20’s 1 fps and basic tracking may catch slow moving subjects but won’t keep up with faster action.

If you’re focused on sports, consider a more robust camera system. However, between these two, LZ20's manual exposure modes offer some creative control.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

The FS42’s compact size, subtle design, and quick operation make it ideal for street photographers valuing discretion and portability. Low light performance is modest, so shoot in good daylight or accept some noise.

The LZ20’s bulkier body and longer lens draw more attention and require a bag or strap, reducing stealth.

Macro Photography: Focusing Precision and Magnification

The FS42 focuses to 5 cm in macro mode, while the LZ20 reaches even closer at 2 cm - both quite respectable for casual close-up shots.

Neither has focus bracketing or stacking, nor specialized macro lenses, so expect limitations for extreme close-ups of tiny subjects.

Video Capabilities: Are You Ready to Vlog or Capture Moments in Motion?

Video specs and features are key for hybrid shooters.

• FS42 records VGA resolution (848x480) at 30fps, in Motion JPEG - a dated format with large files.
• LZ20 offers HD resolution (1280x720p) at 30 fps in the same format.

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control.

The LZ20 does feature optical image stabilization, helping smooth handheld video; FS42 lacks stabilization altogether.

Neither supports modern codecs like H.264 or 4K, so video capability is basic - fine for casual clips but not professional production.

Usability: Screens, Menus, and User Interface

The LZ20 has a larger (3") and higher resolution (460k dots) TFT LCD, easeful for framing and reviewing shots. The FS42’s screen is smaller (2.5") and lower resolution (230k dots), less sharp especially in bright outdoor light.

Neither camera has touchscreens or electronic viewfinders, meaning you must rely on the LCD for composition and menus.

The LZ20 offers manual exposure modes and exposure compensation, giving more creative control. The FS42's operation is mostly automatic.

Build Quality and Reliability

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized, so be cautious shooting in rain or dusty environments.

The LZ20’s bridge-style body feels more durable and stable, important for heavier lenses and extended use. The FS42’s plastic ultracompact build is more fragile.

Battery life favors the LZ20 with approximately 380 shots per charge (battery pack), while FS42’s battery life is unspecified but typically shorter for ultracompacts.

Connectivity, Storage, and Extras

Both cameras rely on USB 2.0, with no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, or HDMI output. For file transfer, you’ll need cables or card readers.

Both accept SD/SDHC cards, with the LZ20 adding SDXC support.

Neither supports RAW.

Value Analysis: Price vs Performance

At launch, the FS42 was priced about $580, considerably more than the $250 LZ20. Given the LZ20's better sensor, zoom range, and features, it offered more bang for the buck.

Today, both represent used or budget-level camera options, but expect limitations with modern expectations for AF speed, video quality, and connectivity.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Practical Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Needs?

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 if:

• You need a highly portable instant camera for casual travel and street photography.
• You prioritize ease-of-use and quick shooting without manual controls or lenses.
• You shoot mostly in good light, and size/weight are your top concerns.
• You're just starting on your photography journey and want a simple, compact option.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20 if:

• You want versatility with long zoom reach for wildlife and travel.
• You desire more control over exposure and focus without stepping into advanced cameras.
• You’re okay with a heavier camera in exchange for better image quality and stabilization.
• You shoot casual video at HD resolution with smoother handheld results.

Bringing It All Together: Our Scoring and Genre-Based Performance

After comprehensive testing and feature evaluation, here’s how these cameras rate overall and by photographic discipline:

Final Thoughts: Empower Your Creative Journey With the Right Tool

Both Panasonic FS42 and LZ20 serve different niches in compact photography. The FS42 excels as an ultra-portable, fun snapshot companion, ideal for beginners and casual users valuing simplicity. The LZ20, with more zoom reach, manual control, and improved autofocus, acts as a versatile stepping stone for enthusiasts exploring diverse subjects.

Neither camera competes with modern mirrorless or DSLR systems but can be valuable entry points or compact second cameras. If possible, test both to feel which handling and feature set suit you best.

Don’t forget to explore accessory options, such as protective cases for the LZ20 or extra cards, to enhance your shooting sessions. Whichever you choose, remember that creativity, practice, and composition matter far more than specs alone.

Panasonic FS42 front Panasonic FS42 screen back Panasonic LZ20 front Panasonic LZ20 screen back

By understanding each camera’s technical strengths and real-world usability, you can confidently select the model that best supports your photographic passions.

If you found this detailed comparison helpful, check out more reviews and tutorials to keep growing your skills and camera knowledge. Your perfect shot is just a click away!