Panasonic FS42 vs Sony QX10

Panasonic Lumix FS42 vs. Sony Cyber-shot QX10: An In-Depth Comparison for Discerning Photographers

When choosing an ultracompact or lens-style camera, clarity on functional capabilities and real-world performance becomes essential, especially amid the diversity of available models. This detailed comparison between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 (hereafter FS42) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX10 (hereafter QX10) draws upon years of expertise and hands-on testing to clarify how these two distinct cameras measure against one another across technical, operational, and practical dimensions. Neither is the latest flagship; however, their feature sets reflect differing approaches to portable imaging, each with strengths and compromises relevant to particular photographic needs and budgets.

Compact Profiles and Handling: Size, Ergonomics, and Usability

Understanding physical design and ergonomics is foundational for real-world usability, as these parameters affect handling comfort, portability, and control efficiency.

• FS42 Dimensions: 98 x 55 x 22 mm, Weight: 132 g
• QX10 Dimensions: 62 x 62 x 33 mm, Weight: 105 g

The FS42 is a classic ultracompact with a significantly slimmer profile than the cuboidal QX10 lens-style unit, which is thicker but more pocketable in a square form. Panasonic’s model offers conventional handgrip ergonomics with direct control access, while the QX10's design assumes mounting (via smartphone connection) or handheld operation without a dedicated grip or viewfinder.

Ergonomic convenience favors the FS42 for those desiring a standalone compact camera experience with tactile buttons and predictable handling. Conversely, the QX10 is inherently dependent on external devices - smartphones - for control and display, resulting in a fragmented user experience with greater setup complexity but enhanced optical reach and sensor capability relative to many smartphone cameras.

Top View and Controls: Operational Interface and Design

Control layout profoundly impacts shooting efficiency, particularly in dynamic photographic situations.

The FS42 presents an orthodox button arrangement with an accessible power switch, shutter release, zoom rocker, and mode dial - all readily accessible without removing the camera from one’s grasp. ISO, exposure compensation, or shooting modes are not adjustable independently, reflecting its entry-level design philosophy.

In contrast, the QX10 has minimal physical controls - mostly a shutter button and power switch - with the interface and settings controlled entirely through the connected smartphone app (PlayMemories Mobile). Lack of physical buttons for exposure or focus adjustment requires seamless wireless connection and touchscreen interaction, potentially disrupting fast-paced shooting workflows.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Insights

Image sensor attributes direct the foundational photographic quality of each system.

• FS42: 1/2.5” CCD sensor, 10 MP resolution (3648 x 2736), ISO 80-1000 native
• QX10: 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor, 18 MP resolution (4896 x 3672), ISO 100-3200 native

The QX10’s backside-illuminated CMOS sensor offers markedly better sensitivity and noise performance than the FS42’s traditional CCD. The higher resolution (18MP vs 10MP) provides greater detail retention and cropping flexibility, highly advantageous for landscapes or subjects requiring fine detail rendition.

CCD sensors typically excel at color fidelity and smooth tonality but suffer from slower readouts and poorer high-ISO performance. The BSI-CMOS in the QX10 shows better dynamic range, higher ISO usability, and improved video recording capability due to far superior readout speed and noise reduction.

Neither camera supports RAW recording, limiting post-processing latitude and favoring users content with JPEG outputs.

Display and Viewfinder: Monitoring and Composition Tools

Monitoring systems affect framing precision and shooting convenience.

• FS42 Screen: Fixed 2.5" LCD, 230k dots, no touchscreen
• QX10 Screen: None built-in; relies on smartphone display (variable size & resolution)

The FS42’s small, low-resolution LCD restricts composition clarity, particularly outdoors in bright light. Its non-touch interface means navigating menus and selecting modes can feel antiquated by today’s standards.

The QX10 lacks any physical display, entirely outsourcing composition, focus confirmation, and settings to a connected smartphone app. This approach frees the lens-style camera from design constraints but introduces latency and reliance on third-party hardware and software quality. It also affects battery usage on both devices, as the smartphone screen is a significant power draw.

Autofocus, Metering, and Exposure Control

Focus and exposure versatility dictate suitability across photographic genres.

• FS42: Single contrast-detection AF, no face or eye detection, no AF tracking
• QX10: Contrast-detection AF with face detection, multi-area AF, touchscreen focus point selection

The FS42 provides a basic fixed AF system with limited flexibility. Its failure to offer face or eye detection translates to less accurate focus in challenging portrait scenarios or moving subjects.

The QX10 offers face detection for improved portrait results and multi-area AF for enhanced focus precision. However, AF speed, though improved over early ultracompacts, is not on par with modern mirrorless cameras. Furthermore, the lack of continuous AF limits efficacy in tracking moving subjects.

Neither camera provides aperture/shutter priority or manual exposure modes; users operate within automatic or pre-configured scene modes. The FS42’s narrower shutter speed range (1/60s to 1/2000s) further constrains creative exposure control compared to the QX10’s 4s to 1/1600s range, diversified by the smartphone app’s interface.

Zoom and Lens Optics: Versatility and Image Quality Impact

• FS42 Lens: 33-132mm equivalent, 4x optical zoom, f/2.8–5.9 aperture
• QX10 Lens: 25-250mm equivalent, 10x optical zoom, f/3.3–5.9 aperture

The QX10’s considerable zoom range is a distinct advantage for telephoto applications such as wildlife or sports. This extended reach is supported by optical image stabilization (OIS), enhancing handheld sharpness at long focal lengths. The FS42 misses image stabilization completely, limiting sharpness at telephoto ends unless used on stable supports.

The FS42 benefits from a brighter wide-angle aperture (f/2.8 vs f/3.3), supporting better low-light capture and shallower depth of field at short focal lengths. Nevertheless, the QX10’s larger sensor and OIS generally compensate for the smaller maximum aperture.

Macro focus range is comparable (5 cm), enabling close-up work, but neither camera offers advanced macro focus stacking or focus bracketing capabilities.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Performance

The FS42 supports 2 fps burst mode, whereas the QX10 does not specify continuous shooting rates, indicating limited burst capability.

For action, sports, or wildlife photography requiring rapid-fire capture, the FS42’s minimal burst rate suggests limited usefulness. The QX10’s lack of explicit continuous shooting functionality and dependence on smartphone processing further limit responsiveness in these genres.

Video Functionality: Resolution and Usability

• FS42: 848x480 30p (Motion JPEG) max video resolution
• QX10: 1440x1080 30p (MPEG-4) max video resolution

Neither camera supports Full HD (1920x1080) or 4K recording formats, with fairly modest video resolutions ill-suited to professional applications. The QX10 offers a higher resolution and a more efficient codec, delivering reasonably acceptable casual video compared to the FS42’s VGA-class video quality.

Neither model includes microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control and monitoring potential. Built-in flashes on the FS42 can contribute to low-light video fill, but the QX10 lacks any flash unit.

Wireless Connectivity and Smartphone Integration

Connectivity options often dictate workflow convenience today.

• FS42: No wireless connectivity
• QX10: Integrated Wi-Fi and NFC for smartphone pairing

The QX10’s lens-style design centers on smartphone integration, enabling image preview, control, shooting, and immediate sharing via wireless link. However, setup latency, signal dropouts, and app stability can introduce frustration in some environments.

The FS42’s lack of connectivity confines workflow to conventional USB transfer or physical card readers, adding steps but offering reliability and independence from volatile wireless signals.

Battery Life and Storage

• FS42: Battery info unavailable but typical for ultracompacts, uses SD/SDHC cards
• QX10: Rated for ~220 shots per charge, uses microSD/memory stick micro cards

The QX10’s dedicated battery pack longevity is modest, necessitating carry of spares for extended outings. FS42’s unspecified battery life likely parallels similar compacts, though reliance on proprietary batteries and the absence of power-saving wireless components reduce complexities.

Both cameras use single card slots with standard memory card formats, although the QX10 supports micro-formats suited to compact rigs but less common in standalone cameras.

Build Quality, Environment Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or impact resistance. Neither is waterproof, shockproof, nor freezeproof.

Given their consumer-oriented price points and design, these cameras are best handled carefully in dry, temperate conditions. Users demanding ruggedness must look elsewhere.

Price and Value Proposition

• FS42: Approximately $580 (new historically; now only available used)
• QX10: Around $250 at launch, now primarily used or refurbished

From a pricing standpoint, the older FS42 carries a significantly higher price tag reflective of its launch era and standalone form factor. The QX10, as a niche lens-style option, manufactured to provide enhanced zoom with smartphone capabilities at a lower entry cost, presents a more accessible option for photographers willing to trade standalone simplicity for app-dependent operation.

Specialized Photography Genre Assessments

To guide practical use, the cameras’ performances vary significantly by photographic genre:

Portrait Photography

• FS42: No face or eye detection, limited AF, moderate bokeh due to small sensor and aperture range. Color rendition consistent but somewhat flat.
• QX10: Face detection autofocus aids in subject recognition; better sensor resolution improves skin tone detail and tonal gradation. Longer zoom facilitates framing, but reliance on smartphone may impede fast focus response.

Landscape Photography

• FS42: 10MP resolution adequate for casual landscapes; limited dynamic range reduces shadow/highlight retention. Fixed lens shorter zoom range somewhat limiting.
• QX10: Higher 18MP resolution and superior sensor dynamic range allow more detailed scenes and refined exposures; extended zoom enables selective framing but wider angle is shorter.

Wildlife Photography

• FS42: Poor autofocus speed and short zoom make it unsuitable.
• QX10: 10x optical zoom and optical stabilization offer basic wildlife utility, but slow AF and lack of burst hinder rapid capture.

Sports Photography

• FS42: Burst rate of 2 fps and fixed AF limit sports usability.
• QX10: No continuous AF or significant burst performance; shooting sessions may experience lag.

Street Photography

• FS42: Discrete, compact, easy to carry, but dated low-res display and lack of full manual controls limit responsiveness.
• QX10: Dependent on smartphone interface - cumbersome for candid shots, but compactness and zoom range useful in some situations.

Macro Photography

• Both approximate 5cm minimum focus. Neither supports advanced macro options. Lighting and manual focus are significant limiting factors.

Night/Astro Photography

• Both cameras’ high ISO limits and lack of RAW hurt low-light and astro performance; long exposures in QX10 are limited to 4s max shutter.

Video

• Basic at best on both; QX10 superior but both unsuitable for professional video.

Travel Photography

• FS42’s thickness compromises pocketability; QX10’s lens-style form is compact but requires smartphone companion, impacting convenience.

Professional Use

• Neither supports RAW or advanced controls, limiting professional workflow integration.

Summary and Recommendations

The decision between Panasonic FS42 and Sony QX10 rests on user priorities:

• Choose Panasonic FS42 if:
  You value a traditional all-in-one compact camera with straightforward operation, independent functionality, tactile controls, and modest zoom range sufficient for everyday snapshots and casual travel documentation. Its lack of stabilization and limited video capabilities make it better suited to daylight shooting environments and users prioritizing simplicity over zoom reach.

• Choose Sony QX10 if:
  You want enhanced zoom range with stabilized optics and are comfortable integrating your camera with a smartphone or tablet. It is a creative hybrid solution for users who prioritize image detail and zoom flexibility over standalone operation. The QX10’s wireless connectivity allows for image sharing on the go, but demands patience with app interface and connectivity quirks.

Ultimately, neither camera meets the demands of professional or serious enthusiast photographers requiring RAW support, fast autofocus, weather sealing, or advanced exposure controls. They are entry-level tools optimized for casual users, each with particular niche appeals.

Visualizing Results Through Sample Imagery

To illustrate the practical differences in image output - color, detail, and framing - here are sample images captured under similar conditions with both cameras:

Panasonic FS42 front Panasonic FS42 screen back Sony QX10 front Sony QX10 screen back

With comprehensive evaluation accounted, enthusiasts can select the model aligning best with their intended photographic pursuits and tolerance for operational compromises. This nuanced understanding is essential in navigating these technically dated yet interestingly distinct camera offerings.

Article images used:

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