Panasonic FS7 vs Sony RX100 V: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Cameras from Different Eras

When stepping into the world of compact cameras, the range of options can be dizzying. Today, I’m comparing two ultracompact models from different generations that represent quite distinct approaches to portable photography: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 (hereafter, FS7), launched way back in 2009, and the more recent powerhouse, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V (RX100 V), unveiled in 2016.

While both cameras are designed to slip easily into a pocket or bag, their technology, target users, and capabilities couldn’t be more divergent. If you’re debating whether to grab the bargain-basement FS7 or the pricier yet outstanding RX100 V, this comprehensive hands-on review will help you understand the practical implications of each.

Disclosure: Over the last 15+ years, I have tested thousands of cameras, from entry-level to professional beasts. My perspective here combines technical know-how with down-to-earth user experience to give you real-world insights, not just specs on paper.

Design and Ergonomics: Tiny Footprints, Different Philosophies

At first glance, the FS7 and RX100 V are both diminutive. The FS7 is an ultracompact camera with dimensions of just 97x54x22 mm and a featherweight 139 grams. The RX100 V, by comparison, is larger at roughly 102x58x41 mm and heavier at 299 grams.

The FS7’s palm-friendly design screams “point and shoot” - there is zero attempt at manual controls or extensive customization. It’s the kind of camera you pull out when you want a quick snap without fuss. In contrast, the RX100 V feels like a serious photographer’s compact: it’s chunkier but offers solid grip zones, tactile buttons, and dedicated dials - clubs for your thumbs, essentially.

The ergonomics debate boils down to the typical tradeoff with compacts: smaller is simpler and lighter; slightly bigger offers better handling, durability, and control. If you want a pocket rocket for casual shooting, the FS7 nails portability. But if you crave longer sessions, precise control, or a camera that feels like an extension of your hands, the RX100 V will win you over.

Control Layout and User Interface: Touch, Buttons, and Usability

The FS7 sports no touchscreen (not unusual for 2009) and a very basic button layout - there’s no manual focus ring, no exposure compensation dial, no shutter priority mode, nothing that addresses serious photographers’ needs.

The RX100 V, meanwhile, throws in a tilting 3-inch LCD (more on that soon), an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with sharp resolution and full coverage, plus a feature-rich control set: dedicated exposure controls, customizable buttons, multiple focus modes (including face detection and tracking), and a manual focus ring on the lens barrel. It supports full manual exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, manual), which are essential for creatives wanting direct control over their images.

For the user who cares about learning photography or capturing tricky scenes, this difference is like night and day.

Sensor and Image Quality: Old CCD vs Modern BSI-CMOS

Here’s where the cameras definitively split. The FS7 uses a diminutive 1/2.5" CCD sensor with 10 megapixels. CCD sensors, though once popular, have fallen out of favor due to slower speeds, greater power consumption, and limited high ISO capabilities. The sensor size itself (measuring just 5.7x4.3 mm) severely restricts image quality potential, especially in low light.

The RX100 V packs a much larger and more advanced 1" BSI-CMOS sensor, measuring 13.2x8.8 mm with 20 megapixels. This sensor type, featuring back-illuminated technology (BSI), greatly enhances light-gathering efficiency, delivering cleaner images at high ISO, broader dynamic range, and smoother tonal transitions.

In practical terms:

• The RX100 V produces noticeably sharper images with finer detail.
• Its high ISO performance is stellar for a compact, boasting usable images even beyond ISO 3200.
• The FS7 struggles beyond ISO 400, with noise degrading image quality quickly.

The RX100 V’s ability to shoot in RAW format further accentuates its professional utility, allowing meaningful post-processing latitude - something the FS7 simply lacks.

LCD and Viewfinder: Seeing Your Image Clearly Matters

The FS7 has a small, 2.7-inch fixed LCD with just 230k dots resolution - adequate for framing but uninspiring for critical focus checking or detail examination. There is no viewfinder, so bright outdoor shooting can be challenging.

The RX100 V comes with a superior 3-inch tilting LCD, sporting 1229k dots, which is bright and crisp. The tilting mechanism is a boon for shooting at odd angles or composing selfies (the RX100 V is selfie-friendly). Moreover, it sports a built-in electronic viewfinder boasting 2359k dots and 100% coverage - an important feature for precision composition, especially in bright or fast-moving shooting scenarios.

If you’re a street or travel shooter who depends on eye-level framing or prefers to shield the screen from glare, the RX100 V’s EVF alone justifies the extra cost and size.

Autofocus: From Basic Contrast Detection to Lightning-Fast Hybrid AF

The FS7’s autofocus system uses basic contrast detection with 9 focus points - manual focus is unavailable, and tracking or face detection features are nonexistent. Its AF speed is slow, leading to missed focus opportunities, particularly in dynamic situations.

By contrast, the RX100 V boasts an advanced hybrid autofocus system with 315 phase-detection points mixed with contrast detection, delivering lightning-fast autofocus and impressive tracking capabilities for faces and subjects. It supports continuous autofocus modes and is suitable for capturing wildlife or sports moments where focus precision is paramount.

This difference alone highlights how the RX100 V better serves advanced users or enthusiasts wanting to shoot moving subjects with confidence.

Panasonic FS7 front Panasonic FS7 screen back Sony RX100 V front Sony RX100 V screen back

Real-World Image Quality and Performance: Portrait, Landscape, Wildlife, and More

Portraits

Portrait photography demands smooth skin tones, precise eye detection, and nicely rendered bokeh.

• The FS7’s small sensor and slow lens (F2.8-5.9) limit bokeh and background separation. Skin tones can appear flat and less vibrant, and heads-up - there is no eye detect AF.
• The RX100 V excels here with a brighter F1.8-2.8 lens, 1" sensor, and face detection AF for razor-sharp eyes and flattering background blur in the 24-70mm equivalent range.

Landscapes

Landscape requires wide dynamic range and sharpness.

• The FS7’s sensor limitations mean shadows are often muddy, and highlights clip easily. Its relatively low resolution (10 MP) restricts cropping or enlarging.
• RX100 V’s sensor produces crisp, detailed images with wider dynamic range for better highlight and shadow details, perfect for post-processing or printing.

Wildlife

Wildlife photography relies on fast autofocus, reach, and burst shooting.

• The FS7 lens’s 132mm max (equiv. 6.3x crop factor) gives decent reach but focus speed is slow, making action shots frustrating.
• RX100 V’s hybrid AF locks quickly and tracks movement well, while 24-70mm zoom (2.9x) is not as telephoto but compensated by fast shooting speeds - 24 fps continuous burst is invaluable for capturing fleeting moments.

Sports

Sports photography benefits from frame rates and low-light focus speed.

• The FS7 only delivers a modest 3 fps burst, insufficient for most sports.
• The RX100 V’s 24 fps black-out free burst mode and nimble autofocus system enable dependable sports shooting under varied lighting.

Street

For street shooters needing discretion:

• FS7’s ultra-small and light form factor is hard to beat for stealth, but its slow AF and LCD-only composition methods might hinder quick shots.
• RX100 V is a bit larger but its quiet and speedy operation, plus EVF, lends itself well to low-profile shooting.

Macro

Both cameras offer 5cm minimum focus distance, but:

• Without focus stacking or bracketing, neither camera is ideal for macro enthusiasts.
• The RX100 V’s superior focusing precision provides slightly better close-up results.

Night/Astro

High ISO and long exposures are critical here.

• FS7 max ISO 1600 native (6400 boosted) is noisy and mediocre.
• RX100 V supports ISO 12800 (25600 boosted) with acceptable noise control, plus manual shutter speeds down to 30 seconds, enabling astrophotography and low-light scenes.

Video

The FS7’s video maxes out at low-res VGA (640x480), rather obsolete for modern standards.

RX100 V shoots crisp 4K video at 30p, with H.264 compression, optical image stabilization, and options for slow-motion at 1080p. While lacking microphone or headphone ports, its video output quality and file formats make it a real contender for casual movie-making or vlogging.

Travel and Professional Use

• FS7 shines only in ultra-portable casual use, with limited battery life details, no connectivity beyond USB 2.0, and no wireless.
• RX100 V includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick sharing, respectable 220 shots per battery charge, and compatibility with large SD cards and Memory Stick formats. Its robustness and professional-oriented features make it better suited for serious travel and backup camera work.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized. However, the RX100 V’s build feels more solid, with premium materials and a more durable lens barrel assembly. The FS7 is mostly plastic and designed for casual snapshots. You would want a weatherproof case for either if you intend to shoot outdoors in tough conditions.

Connectivity and Storage

Only the RX100 V offers built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, NFC) for instant photo transfer and remote control via Sony’s app. The FS7 has no wireless features, only USB 2.0 and HDMI out. For a modern user, the RX100 V’s connectivity is a huge convenience factor.

Both cameras use SD cards, but RX100 V supports SDXC and Memory Stick Pro formats, offering more flexibility and capacity. The FS7 has internal memory too, but its storage is minimal.

Battery Life

Battery life is underspecified for the FS7 (likely short given 2009 tech and CCD sensor). The RX100 V boasts around 220 shots per charge, average for a compact but sufficient for most outings if you carry a spare. Both use proprietary battery packs.

Price and Value: The Bottom Line

The FS7 can now be picked up for around $160, a budget-friendly option if you crave a tiny camera for vacation snaps or want something ultra-simple. It’s a good “backup” point-and-shoot or a first camera for kids but don’t expect image quality or features beyond basic snapshots.

The RX100 V comes at a much heftier price point of around $1,000, putting it in premium pocket camera territory. However, it delivers exceptional image quality, lightning-fast performance, 4K video, and professional-grade controls packed into a compact form factor. It arguably competes with entry-level interchangeable-lens cameras in key areas.

Who Should Buy Which? Clear Recommendations Based on Your Needs

Buy the Panasonic FS7 If:

• You are strictly a casual shooter or cheapskate looking for a camera under $200 for holiday snapshots
• Portability, simplicity, and ease of use without distraction are your top priorities
• You don’t care about RAW files, manual control, or high image quality
• Video capability is a non-need; you want basic 640x480 VGA clips only
• You want a camera that fits discreetly in tiny pockets or bags and never weighs you down

Buy the Sony RX100 V If:

• You’re a photography enthusiast or professional needing a serious yet compact secondary camera
• You want superior image quality, advanced autofocus, face detect, and fast burst shooting
• Video recording in 4K with stabilization is important
• You care about manual exposure modes, RAW shooting, and post-processing flexibility
• Connectivity for instant sharing is a plus, and you want an electronic viewfinder
• You want versatility for portraits, landscapes, sports, travel, street, and low-light photography and reasonably consistent battery life

Wrapping Up: The Real-World Verdict

Comparing the Panasonic FS7 and Sony RX100 V is an exercise in contrasting generations of compact cameras and user expectations. The FS7 is an economical, purely casual shooter with minimal controls, basic sensor technology, and outdated video capabilities. It might suit beginners or those prioritizing size and price above all.

The RX100 V, however, represents one of the finest examples of what large-sensor compacts achieved by 2016 - blazing autofocus, professional controls, rich image quality, and strong video specs. It’s ideal as a near-pocket-size camera that can cover a huge range of photography genres for enthusiasts and pros alike.

If you want a tiny camera mainly for fun snapshots and have a strict budget, the FS7 remains a modest option but significantly limited. For anyone serious about quality, responsiveness, and versatility in a compact form, the Sony RX100 V warrants the investment.

Thank you for reading this detailed comparison! I’ll leave you with a concise overview table for a quick recap:

If you want me to help you choose lenses or care tips for either camera, or compare other models, drop a note. Meanwhile, happy shooting!

Photography #CameraReview #PanasonicFS7 #SonyRX100V #CompactCameras