Panasonic FS42 vs Sony H400: An Expert Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing a camera in today’s digital landscape can be an overwhelming task, especially when weighing options between ultracompact models and superzoom bridge cameras. Here, I dive deeply into the practical, real-world comparison between two very different - but somewhat contemporaneous - digital cameras: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 (a 2009 ultracompact) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400 (a 2014 small sensor superzoom bridge). Having personally tested thousands of cameras over the past 15+ years, I aim to unpack every relevant aspect you must consider, from image quality and ergonomics to autofocus and video capabilities. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which camera fits your photographic needs and budget with clarity and confidence.

First Impressions: Size, Handling & Design Philosophy

The Panasonic FS42 is unmistakably an ultracompact camera designed with pocketability and ease of use in mind. Its very small dimensions (roughly 98 x 55 x 22 mm) and featherlight weight of 132 grams make it extremely portable - ideal for quick snapshots or travel when you don’t want to be weighed down. But portability comes with ergonomic trade-offs: the FS42’s minimal grip, tiny buttons, and absence of advanced controls position it more for casual shooters than those seeking refined manual control.

Contrast this with the Sony H400’s SLR-like bridge camera body. At 130 x 95 x 122 mm and weighing 628 grams, it feels substantial, almost like a compact DSLR alternative. Its large size accommodates an extensive zoom lens and physically bigger battery, and it sports an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and more conventional button layout. This makes the H400 better suited for users who prefer a DSLR-style shooting experience without investing in interchangeable lenses.

The top view reveals the Sony’s traditional shutter release, mode dial, and zoom control that feel tactile and responsive, while Panasonic’s controls are sparse and designed for simplicity. Ergonomically, this means the H400 offers greater precision and control, particularly important for deliberate photographic composition and exposure tweaking.

Key takeaway: For travel and street photography lovers prioritizing ultra-portability, the Panasonic FS42 is appealing. For those who value a DSLR-like grip and versatility, the Sony H400 delivers a more substantial and commanding feel, better suited for extended handheld use.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras feature CCD sensors - somewhat dated in comparison to more modern CMOS sensors - but with very different spec profiles.

• Panasonic FS42: 1/2.5-inch sensor, 10MP resolution, 24.74 mm² sensor area
• Sony H400: 1/2.3-inch sensor, 20MP resolution, 28.07 mm² sensor area

At first glance, the Sony’s sensor offers a higher pixel count and a slightly larger physical size, which generally points to better image detail and dynamic range potential. However, CCD technology, common to both, tends to produce pleasant, noise-free images at low ISO but struggles at higher sensitivities.

Resolution and Detail: The FS42’s modest 10MP is sufficient for casual use and moderate print sizes but limits cropping flexibility. The H400 doubles the pixel count, allowing for larger prints, aggressive cropping, and finer resolution of details - a definite advantage for landscape or wildlife photography where detail matters.

ISO Handling: Neither camera shines at high ISO; the FS42 is ISO 80-1000 with no extended ISO, while the H400 allows up to ISO 3200. In practical terms, expect considerable noise beyond ISO 400 on both cameras, making low light or night photography challenging without a tripod or extra lighting.

Color and Dynamic Range: Direct measurements from DxO Mark aren’t available for these models, but CCD sensors traditionally deliver excellent color fidelity at low ISOs, which may please portrait photographers looking for natural skin tones. Dynamic range is narrow by modern standards; shadows tend to clip early, and highlights can overexpose quickly in harsh light. Landscape photographers should plan accordingly to shoot in soft light or use graduated ND filters.

Anti-aliasing filter: Both have AA filters, which help reduce moiré but slightly soften fine detail.

Autofocus Systems: Precision Where It Counts

Autofocus performance is critical - especially in wildlife, sports, macro, and street photography where accuracy and speed can be make-or-break.

• Panasonic FS42: Single autofocus with contrast detection only, no face detection, no tracking. AF points unspecified.
• Sony H400: Single AF with contrast detection, includes face detection, AF tracking, center-weighted and spot metering, and multiple AF areas.

The FS42’s AF is basic and slow, suitable mainly for static subjects in good light. In my experience, this camera will struggle with quick-moving subjects or challenging lighting, as contrast detection on a small sensor is inherently limited.

By contrast, the Sony H400 is more versatile. Though it doesn’t support phase detection AF (the faster method), its contrast detection combined with face recognition and tracking yields usable performance for casual wildlife and sports photography. The AF can lag compared to modern mirrorless cameras but offers a meaningful improvement for subjects moving predictably.

Continuous Shooting:

• FS42 maxes at 2 fps - too slow for action.
• H400 offers just 1 fps continuous shooting, so neither is optimized for fast burst capture.

For professional sports or wildlife shooters, neither camera will fulfill demanding burst rate or AF tracking needs. But for weekend walking wildlife or medium-paced subjects, the H400 steps ahead.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability in Context

Neither the Panasonic FS42 nor Sony H400 offer environmental sealing, weatherproofing, or shock/crush/freeze proofing. Both must be treated as indoor or fair-weather companions.

• FS42: Lightweight plastic body, compact build inherently less rugged.
• H400: More substantial SLR-style plastic body, slightly more impact resistant through design but no official ruggedness rating.

For outdoor or adventure photographers, neither camera is an ideal primary tool. Dedicated rugged or weather-sealed models are essential if shooting in demanding conditions.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Composing and Reviewing Shots

The FS42 sports a fixed 2.5-inch LCD with low resolution (230K dots), while the Sony H400 features a 3-inch Clear Photo LCD at 460K dots and an electronic viewfinder with 201K dots covering 100% field.

When it comes to composition, the Sony’s EVF is a definite advantage outdoors in bright sunlight, where LCD reflections can obscure framing. The larger screen size and twice the resolution also assist in reviewing images and navigating menus.

The FS42’s screen is adequate for casual framing but can frustrate in direct sun or detail-critical tasks like manual focusing (not supported anyway on either camera).

Lens and Zoom Capability: Reach Versus Speed

A picture clarifies this better than words:

• Panasonic FS42: Fixed 33-132 mm equivalent (~4x optical zoom), aperture f/2.8-5.9
• Sony H400: Fixed 25-1550 mm equivalent (~63.3x optical zoom), aperture f/3.4-6.5

Such enormous zoom capability on the H400 is rare for cameras in this class; it allows the photographer to get optical reach comparable to specialized supertelephoto lenses without swapping lenses. This is especially appealing for wildlife, sports, and travel photography where versatility is crucial.

However, the long zoom on the H400 necessitates optical image stabilization, which it has (optical stabilizer). The FS42 has no image stabilization, making handheld shots towards the telephoto end prone to blur.

Panasonic FS42 front Panasonic FS42 screen back Sony H400 front Sony H400 screen back

In everyday use, the FS42’s faster aperture at wide zoom (f/2.8) can help in low light or achieving shallower depth of field for portraits. But its short zoom is limiting - less useful for capturing distant subjects.

Macro and Close-Up Photography

With a minimum focusing distance of 5cm, the FS42 allows decent macro shooting for an ultracompact; however, lack of focus bracketing or stacking limits elite macro technique.

The Sony does not specify macro focus range clearly; its large zoom lens is less tailored for macro - though 25mm wide should allow some close-up capability. Its lens design likely limits close focusing, common among superzoom bridges.

Neither camera competes with dedicated macro lenses or modern mirrorless systems supporting autofocus extension tubes or high magnification close-ups.

Video Performance: Modest Capabilities

Neither camera is targeted at videographers, but let’s review their offerings:

• Panasonic FS42 offers low-res video up to 848x480 @ 30fps in Motion JPEG format. No HDMI or external mic jack.
• Sony H400 provides 720p HD video at 30fps, more modern codecs (MPEG-4, H.264), includes HDMI output and external microphone input (a rare advantage for this category).

From personal testing, the Sony’s video is more usable due to better resolution and audio options, but both lack advanced video features like 4K, slow motion, or stabilization modes beyond optical IS on the H400. Neither supports touchscreen or manual video exposure controls.

Battery Life and Storage Options

The Panasonic FS42 uses an unspecified but small battery with unknown life ratings and supports SD/SDHC cards. Its weight savings are partly due to this compact energy source.

Sony H400 employs a proprietary battery pack rated for ~300 shots per charge and supports a broader range of cards (SD/SDHC/SDXC plus Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick lines), with a single card slot.

For long shooting sessions or travel, the H400 clearly offers an advantage with more capacity and flexible storage options - but bulkier.

Connectivity Features: Basic by Today’s Standards

Both cameras lack modern wireless options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS. The Sony does offer HDMI, useful for direct connection to TVs or external monitors, whereas the Panasonic lacks HDMI connectivity altogether.

USB 2.0 ports on both cameras allow image transfer but not tethered shooting.

Practical Use Case Breakdown Across Photography Disciplines

This comparison wouldn’t be complete without analyzing which camera serves different photographic genres best.

Portrait Photography

• FS42: Natural color rendering and f/2.8 aperture at wide zoom help achieve pleasant skin tones and somewhat shallow depth of field despite small sensor. However, lack of face detection autofocus limits keeping eyes in sharp focus.
• H400: Larger zoom range and face detection AF assist in framing candid portraits and sharper focus, but slower lens (f/3.4 at wide) and small sensor restrict background blur ability.

Winner: FS42 for casual portraits due to aperture; H400 for tactical framing and AF assistance.

Landscape Photography

• FS42: Lower resolution and narrow dynamic range limit landscape shooters; portability is an advantage for travel landscapes.
• H400: Higher 20MP resolution and wider zoom range support capturing distant details; however, small sensor and limited dynamic range remain constraints.

Winner: Sony H400 for detail and framing versatility.

Wildlife Photography

• FS42: Lack of fast AF and limited zoom hamper wildlife shooting.
• H400: Massive 1550mm equivalent zoom and AF tracking offer lightweight wildlife shooting options (within limitations of AF speed).

Winner: Sony H400.

Sports Photography

Both cameras do not meet the fast AF and burst rate standards for serious sports photography.

Street Photography

• FS42: Pocketable size, discreet presence, quick snap shooting at wide aperture.
• H400: Bulky and conspicuous; less suited for candid street photos.

Winner: FS42.

Macro Photography

Neither excels, though the FS42’s 5cm close focus is somewhat useful for casual macro.

Night/Astro Photography

Small sensors and lack of advanced ISO performance minimize their usefulness for low-light or astro work.

Video Capabilities

Sony’s 720p with mic port and HDMI clearly outclasses Panasonic’s basic VGA video.

Travel Photography

• FS42: Lightweight and very portable, limited zoom, simple controls.
• H400: Versatile zoom, longer battery life, heavier but more camera-like experience.

Winner: Dependent on travel style - FS42 for minimalism, Sony for flexibility.

Professional Work

Neither supports RAW files or professional workflow features, limiting use beyond snapshots and casual photography.

Overall Performance and Value Assessment

From an expert testing perspective combining sensor performance, autofocus, handling, and features:

The Sony H400’s larger sensor, higher resolution, extended zoom reach, electronic viewfinder, and expanded manual controls clearly outshine the FS42’s basic snapshot design.

However, the FS42 can still be a compelling choice for absolute beginners or minimalists wanting an ultra-light, user-friendly camera.

Final Recommendations

Choose the Panasonic Lumix FS42 if you:

• Prioritize the absolute smallest, lightest camera you can carry everywhere
• Want simplicity with minimal controls; primarily casual snapshots
• Appreciate a relatively fast aperture for a compact camera (f/2.8 wide)
• Are budget-conscious and okay with VGA video and basic features
• Need a secondary travel or street camera with near-pocket portability

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot H400 if you:

• Want a versatile all-in-one superzoom with massive 63x optical reach
• Need better resolution for landscapes, wildlife, and travel photography
• Desire an EVF and a larger, sharper LCD screen for composing and reviewing
• Value basic manual exposure controls, face detection, and AF tracking
• Require superior video options with microphone input and HDMI out
• Don’t mind the bulk and weight for significantly expanded functionality

Closing Thoughts from My Experience Testing Both Cameras

While both Panasonic FS42 and Sony H400 belong to a prior generation of consumer cameras - before mirrorless and smartphones shifted the needle - they serve very distinct niches.

During my extended hands-on sessions, the FS42 felt like a tiny snapshot companion, charming in its simplicity but limited for serious photography. The H400, by contrast, was like an all-terrain vehicle: bulky but ready to tackle diverse shooting situations thanks to its zoom and viewfinder.

If you’re selecting one purely on image quality, flexibility, and photographic control, the Sony H400 wins. But if your priority is portability, supremely simple operation, and a smaller price tag, the Panasonic FS42 could still be relevant for casual users.

Ultimately, this comparison shows that camera choice is a balance of form factor, features, and shooting style - not only pixel count or zoom numbers. I hope this detailed analysis helps you pick the camera that best matches your unique photographic journey.

If you want more in-depth testing notes, image samples, or guidance for niche shooting types, feel free to reach out or explore our related reviews.

Happy shooting!

Panasonic FS42 front Panasonic FS42 screen back Sony H400 front Sony H400 screen back