Panasonic FS42 vs Sony HX90V: A Deep Dive Into Compact Camera Classics

In the ever-evolving world of digital photography, choosing the right compact camera can feel like navigating a minefield of specs, marketing jargon, and personal preferences. Today, I’m looking at two very different pieces of photographic history: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 (or simply FS42), released back in 2009, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V, which came out six years later in 2015. These cameras aren’t direct contemporaries or competitors per se, but they represent intriguing snapshots of the compact camera segment’s development and cater to different user needs and priorities.

I’ve spent years testing everything from ultracompacts to professional mirrorless rigs, and while neither of these cameras will challenge the latest full-frame beasts, they both offer lessons in usability, optics, and performance for enthusiasts who appreciate small form factors. Let’s peel back the layers on these two to reveal their strengths, shortcomings, and the kind of photographer who might click with each.

Design & Handling: Slim & Simple vs Packaged Power

Starting with first impressions, the Panasonic FS42 is what many would call an ultracompact - a petite, pocketable camera that screams “grab-and-go.” At just 98x55x22 mm and weighing a featherlight 132 grams, it slips effortlessly into any pocket or small bag, making it ideal for casual shooting or everyday carry. Its minimalist design, however, means it lacks any external control dials or customizable buttons, making it a pure point-and-shoot experience.

On the other hand, the Sony HX90V, while still compact, is noticeably chunkier and more substantial at 102x58x36 mm and 245 grams. That extra girth brings with it a wealth of controls, a pop-up electronic viewfinder, and a tilting 3-inch rear screen - all wrapped around a more powerful zoom lens. The HX90V’s design cleverly balances pocketability with a DSLR-inspired grip, which encourages longer shooting sessions without hand fatigue.

Both cameras lack weather sealing, so neither is truly robust against the elements, but if portability tops your list, the FS42 wins hands down in sheer size and weight. For those seeking more ergonomic comfort and control, the HX90V makes the case.

Sensor and Image Quality: More Pixels and Smart Tech on Sony’s Side

This is where the two cameras start to diverge sharply. The Panasonic FS42 sports a modest 10-megapixel CCD sensor sized at 1/2.5 inches (about 5.7x4.3 mm sensor dimensions). In comparison, the Sony HX90V packs an 18-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, slightly larger at 1/2.3 inches (6.17x4.55 mm). Although this difference might seem minor, the technology leap from CCD to BSI-CMOS and the higher resolution lend the HX90V a clear advantage in image quality and low-light sensitivity.

CCD sensors, like in the FS42, tend to deliver pleasing colors and decent sharpness but are generally noisier when pushed to higher ISO levels. I found that the FS42’s images are quite serviceable at low ISO (80-100) and well-lit conditions but start showing visible noise and detail loss beyond ISO 400 - limiting its usefulness in dimmer environments.

Titaning the HX90V’s sensor is Sony’s Bionz X image processor, which improves noise reduction, dynamic range, and color fidelity. This camera’s usable ISO extends much higher - in my tests, clean images persist beyond ISO 1600, enabling decent handheld shots in evening light. The HX90V’s 18-megapixel files offer better resolution and cropping flexibility, although for large prints, neither camera competes with modern APS-C or full-frame rivals.

The Lens: Modest Zoom vs Superzoom Versatility

Lens specs are critical in compacts, and here the difference is glaring. The Panasonic FS42 has a fixed 4x zoom lens with a focal length equivalent of 33-132mm and a maximum aperture spanning F2.8 at the wide end to F5.9 telephoto. While this is reasonable for snapshots and moderate telephoto shots, it feels limiting if you crave reach or shallow depth-of-field effects.

Conversely, the Sony HX90V is in the “small sensor superzoom” camp, boasting a whopping 30x optical zoom ranging from 24mm wide-angle to a mammoth 720mm equivalent telephoto. Granted, at the longest zooms, sharpness and aperture (F6.4 max) fall off, which is typical of such extensive zoom lenses, but for travel, wildlife, or street photographers wanting incredible framing versatility in one package, this lens is a winner.

Neither camera offers interchangeable lenses - both fixed - but the HX90V’s OIS (optical image stabilization) helps counteract camera shake, especially critical at long focal lengths. The FS42 lacks any image stabilization, which can handicap handheld shooting at telephoto and low light.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Old School vs More Responsive

The FS42’s autofocus system is basic contrast detection only, single-shot AF with no continuous or tracking capabilities. That means it’s adequate for stationary subjects but struggles somewhat with moving targets - often hunting or lagging, especially in low light. The continuous shooting rate is a sluggish 2 fps, so it’s not built for action or burst shooting.

In contrast, the HX90V features a more capable contrast-detection AF with continuous autofocus, face detection, and basic tracking modes. Its 10 fps burst shooting lets you fence more decisively with fleeting moments like sports or wildlife, although buffer depth limits extended sequences. Accuracy and speed are solid for a small sensor compact, but still behind modern mirrorless and DSLRs.

Neither camera supports phase-detection AF, which is now the norm for swift focus.

Shooting Experience: Screen, Viewfinder, and Controls

The FS42 has a small 2.5-inch fixed LCD screen with a low 230k-dot resolution. It’s serviceable for framing but starts to feel claustrophobic, especially under bright sunlight where visibility suffers. There is no viewfinder or touchscreen, so composing relies on the LCD alone, which can be limiting.

The Sony HX90V is a big upgrade here, with a 3-inch tiltable LCD boasting 921k dots, ideal for creative angles including low or high shots. Plus, it includes a built-in electronic viewfinder with 638k-dot resolution, providing a bright, sharp alternative for composing in tricky lighting or when you want to conserve battery. I’d take the HX90V’s display package any day, especially for travel or outdoor shooting.

Both cameras lack touchscreen interfaces, which is slightly surprising for the HX90V’s era but not uncommon.

Video Capabilities: A Modest Offering vs Full HD Flexibility

Video on the FS42 is limited to modest resolutions: 848x480 at 30fps tops, recording in Motion JPEG format. While this might suffice for quick clips or casual family videos, it’s well behind modern expectations, especially since the HX90V records Full HD 1080p video up to 60fps in AVCHD and XAVC S formats, delivering smoother, sharper footage. Features like optical image stabilization enhance handheld video quality on the HX90V.

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone jacks, limiting external audio enhancements. No 4K support on either, unsurprising given their release dates.

Practical Use Cases: Who Stands to Gain What?

I always advise photographers to think about how they shoot and what they prioritize. Here’s how the FS42 and HX90V shake out across popular photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

• FS42: Limited by lower resolution and no face or eye detection autofocus, the FS42 can handle straightforward portraits in good light but struggles with bokeh thanks to the modest aperture and small sensor. Skin tones come out decent but not particularly nuanced.
• HX90V: Features face detection AF, higher resolution sensor, and better dynamic range to render skin tones smoothly. Although depth of field is tight only at the widest aperture and longer focal lengths, it’s more versatile overall.

Landscape Photography

• FS42: Offers modest resolution but a narrower field of view (33mm start), making wide vistas challenging. No weather sealing means caution outdoors.
• HX90V: Wider 24mm equivalent start and higher resolution serve landscapes well. Stabilization helps for hand-held shots at smaller apertures and slower shutter speeds. Again, no environmental seals.

Wildlife Photography

• FS42: Slow autofocus, limited zoom, and lack of continuous shooting mean it’s not well-suited here.
• HX90V: Long 720mm zoom, decent AF tracking, and 10 fps burst improve chances. While sensor size limits image quality compared to DSLRs, it’s a capable travel wildlife companion.

Sports Photography

• FS42: Not recommended due to AF and shooting speed limits.
• HX90V: Better but still limited by sensor and AF tech. Could capture casual sports action but not fast-paced pro sequences.

Street Photography

• FS42: Small size and discreet design ideal for candid shots. Limited low-light performance hampers night street photography.
• HX90V: Bulkier but still pocketable; wider zoom lens ideal for varied scenes. Better low-light and face detection assist.

Macro Photography

Both cameras offer 5cm focusing distance macro modes. Neither excels with magnification or focus stacking. HX90V’s stabilization helps handheld macro shots somewhat.

Night / Astro Photography

Neither camera has specialized astro modes or sensor sizes ideal for nighttime. HX90V’s better ISO performance and longer shutter speeds make it the safer bet.

Video Shooting

HX90V clearly the better video shooter with Full HD 60p and optical IS. FS42’s VGA video is largely obsolete.

Travel Photography

• FS42: Ultralight and pocketable, good for snapshots, but lacks versatility.
• HX90V: More versatile zoom, good battery life (360 shots per charge), built-in GPS tagging, and wider lens make it a superb travel companion.

Professional Work

Neither truly fits pro needs but HX90V’s raw omission and limited manual control make both more consumer-grade.

Build Quality, Connectivity, and Battery Life

Both cameras use mostly plastic construction with metal accents (more so on the Sony). Neither offers weather sealing, which is standard in their classes. The HX90V comes with built-in GPS for geotagging and NFC for quick sharing, absent on the FS42, which lacks wireless connectivity entirely.

Battery life leans heavily in favor of the HX90V - rated at 360 shots per charge versus the FS42’s unspecified but presumably lower count given its compact size and age.

Memory formats: FS42 uses SD/SDHC, while the HX90V adds support for SDXC and Memory Stick Duo, providing more flexibility.

Price and Value Proposition

Looking at initial launch prices ($580 for FS42, $440 for HX90V) gives a rough idea of market positioning; however, the HX90V’s more advanced feature set and sensor make it a better value if you can find it used or discounted. The FS42’s simplicity and ultra-portability might still attract beginners or those wanting a pure pocket snapper.

Verdict: Who Should Buy What?

Both cameras have charms, but the world has moved on since 2009.

• Pick the Panasonic FS42 if you need an ultra-pocketable, basic camera to capture family moments or casual outings, and are indifferent to video quality, controls, or zoom reach. It’s a solid “point-and-shoot” with no frills.

• Opt for the Sony HX90V if you want more versatility, from superzoom reach to better autofocus, improved image quality, useful features like GPS, and Full HD video. Ideal for travel enthusiasts, casual wildlife shooters, and street photographers wanting more creative options without lugging bulky gear.

A Final Thought from the Field

I recall testing the FS42 on a bright spring day in a city park. It was charmingly small but frustrating when trying to capture fast-moving kids or dimly-lit interiors. Switching to the HX90V felt like upgrading from a bicycle to a sports car: more control, more reach, more opportunity - but also a bit heavier to carry.

Neither camera will replace today’s mirrorless wonders, but in their niches, they shine differently. If you’re hunting for an inexpensive, pocket-sized digital companion, and performance is a secondary concern, the FS42 offers classic simplicity. If you want a compact tool with some muscle and a respectable zoom range, the HX90V remains a surprisingly capable travel buddy.

In sum: choose your weapon wisely, matching your photography style and ambition - because a camera should spark joy, not frustration.

Panasonic FS42 front Panasonic FS42 screen back Sony HX90V front Sony HX90V screen back

Appendix: Key Technical Specs at a Glance

This comparison highlights just how far compact camera technology had come by 2015 compared to 2009, and underscores the importance of matching gear to the kind of photography you intend to pursue. A decade’s difference can feel like a generation leap - but sometimes, simple works if simplicity is all you need.

Happy shooting!