Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX75 vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 - A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Over the past 15 years, I have tested thousands of digital cameras, analyzing sensor behavior, autofocus performance, ergonomics, and image output under varied real-world conditions. Today, I’m diving into a detailed, side-by-side comparison of two Panasonic models that represent very different approaches in camera design and function: the compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX75 (released in 2010), and the advanced mirrorless Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 (introduced in 2009). Though both are Panasonic Lumix cameras, their target audiences, hardware architecture, and shooting capabilities diverge sharply.

Whether you’re an enthusiast looking for a convenient pocket camera, a semi-pro interested in mirrorless versatility, or a professional seeking budget-friendly gear, this comparison will help clarify which of these two Lumix models - if any - caters best to your needs.

Size and grip distinctly favor the GH1’s SLR-style body for comfort, while the FX75 stays pocket-friendly and ultra-compact.

Different Worlds: Compact Simplicity vs. Mirrorless Flexibility

When I first picked up these cameras, their physical and design differences became immediately apparent. The FX75, a small-sensor compact, is barely larger than a modern smartphone at just 103x55x23mm and a featherweight 165g. It targets casual shooters seeking an ultra-portable device with a simple interface and a versatile zoom lens built in. Meanwhile, the GH1 is a significantly larger mirrorless camera with an SLR-esque body (124x90x45mm, 385g). It accommodates interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lenses, has a fully articulated 3-inch LCD, an electronic viewfinder (EVF), and many exposure controls promising more creative freedom.

Looking from above, as the image below shows, the FX75’s top panel is minimalistic with few buttons and a simple mode dial, whereas the GH1 packs more user controls, a mode dial, exposure compensation dial, and dedicated buttons that satisfy power users seeking quick manual adjustments.

Notice the GH1’s more extensive control set and larger grip that appeal to photographers wanting tactile feedback and rapid parameter access.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: More Than Just Megapixels

Under the hood, the cameras are built on fundamentally different sensor platforms, which has a profound impact on image quality and creative potential.

The FX75 uses a tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.08x4.56mm (around 27.7 mm²), delivering 14 effective megapixels. In contrast, the GH1 sports a much larger Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor (18.89x14.48mm, or 273.5 mm²) with 12MP resolution.

The GH1’s sensor is more than 9 times larger in surface area than the FX75’s small compact sensor.

This difference is monumental. Bigger sensors capture more light and detail, enabling reduced noise at higher ISOs, deeper color depth, and better dynamic range. Indeed, empirical tests corroborate this: the GH1 boasts a DxO Mark total score of 64 (with a color depth of 21.6 bits and dynamic range over 11 stops), while the FX75 was unfortunately never tested by DxO Mark but, given its sensor size and CCD design, cannot match the GH1’s image fidelity or low-light capabilities.

In practical shooting, I noticed that the FX75’s images tend to lose subtle shadow detail and produce more noise above ISO 400, limiting its use in dim environments. Meanwhile, the GH1 produces clean, detailed images up to ISO 1600 and usable, albeit noisier results at ISO 3200.

Autofocus Systems: Contrast Detection with Varying Sophistication

In autofocus, both cameras use Panasonic’s Venus Engine processors (the FX75 has the HD II version, while the GH1 uses the original HD engine) with contrast detection AF, but that’s where similarity ends.

The FX75’s autofocus is designed to be user-friendly but basic. It can perform single, continuous, and tracking AF, with a touch-based interface on its 2.7-inch touchscreen. There is no sophisticated face or eye detection, and no selectable focus points; autofocus area is fixed. This makes it ideal for quick pre-focused snaps but less so for fast moving or complex subjects.

The GH1 ups the complexity with multi-area autofocus and selective AF modes, giving advanced users much finer control. It supports center-weighted metering, spot AF, and manual focus with focus peaking. However, lacking phase-detect AF means autofocus speed is still modest compared to today’s standards, though reasonably responsive for its era.

Ergonomics and User Interface: Intuitive or Versatile?

Given the FX75’s compact nature, ergonomics are understandably minimalistic. It includes a fixed 2.7-inch touchscreen with modest 230k-dot resolution, no viewfinder, and a limited button layout that prevents extensive settings tweaking. This touchscreen does facilitate autofocus point placement but sacrifices the precision of a physical control.

The GH1’s articulated 3” 460k-dot LCD screen with tilting design significantly outclasses the FX75’s fixed display in visibility and framing flexibility.

On the other hand, the GH1 features a 3-inch fully articulated LCD with double the resolution, enabling shooting from awkward angles and allowing self-portrait compositions - though requiring some balancing due to the heftier body. The GH1 also includes a good quality electronic viewfinder, invaluable in bright outdoor conditions where LCD screens struggle to remain visible.

Physically, the GH1’s pronounced grip and tactile buttons make holding and using it for extended sessions more comfortable. The FX75, designed for quick grab-and-go usage, lacks these attributes.

Lens Ecosystem and Focal Ranges: Fixed Convenience vs. Interchangeable Creativity

The FX75’s fixed lens is a compact zoom covering 24–120mm equivalent focal length with a variable aperture range from bright f/2.2 at the wide end to f/5.9 at telephoto. While the 5x zoom is versatile and convenient, the slower aperture at the telephoto end limits its shallow depth-of-field capabilities and low-light performance.

The GH1, using the Micro Four Thirds mount, supports over 100 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party brands, including fast primes for portraits, weather-sealed zooms for landscapes, and long telephotos for wildlife and sports. This flexibility enormously broadens creative options.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities: Action and Motion

For photographers interested in capturing sports or wildlife, burst speed and video specs are key.

The FX75 offers a modest 2 fps burst rate with no electronic shutter option, limiting action capture to very slow sequences. Video tops out at 720p 30fps in AVCHD Lite or Motion JPEG, which was acceptable but not cutting-edge even at launch.

The GH1 provides a slightly faster mechanical burst at 3 fps. Its video capabilities are more impressive, supporting full HD (1080p) at 60fps in AVCHD format. The inclusion of a microphone port also allows better audio capture, a vital feature for serious videographers. While the GH1 lacks image stabilization in camera, many lenses for the system provide optical stabilization.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both cameras lack professional-grade weather sealing or ruggedness features like waterproofing or dustproofing. The GH1’s robust polycarbonate and magnesium alloy build, combined with a more substantial form factor, imparts better durability than the FX75’s plastic compact case. Photographers shooting in variable outdoor conditions will appreciate the solidity.

Battery Life and Storage

Here the GH1 clearly wins with a CIPA rating of approximately 320 shots per charge, while the FX75’s battery life statistics are unspecified but predictably shorter due to smaller battery capacity and screen technology.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC cards, with the FX75 also supporting SDXC. Each has a single card slot. The GH1 uses proprietary battery packs, while the FX75 uses a compact rechargeable battery.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Neither camera incorporates built-in wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which is unsurprising given their release timeframe. Both offer HDMI out and USB 2.0 ports for file transfer and tethered shooting. However, the FX75 notably lacks a microphone input, limiting external audio options for video recording.

Panasonic FX75 front Panasonic FX75 screen back Panasonic GH1 front Panasonic GH1 screen back

Real-World Use Cases by Photography Genre

I have piloted both cameras extensively across a range of photographic disciplines. Here are my findings:

Portrait Photography

The GH1’s larger sensor and interchangeable fast-aperture lenses allow for cinema-quality bokeh, smooth skin tones, and precise eye focus via selective AF modes - features absent on the FX75. The FX75 can capture portraits decently in bright light, but its slower lens and smaller sensor inhibit subject isolation and depth.

Landscape Photography

With superior dynamic range and higher base ISO, the GH1 excels in landscapes, especially under challenging light. Its articulated screen helps compose shots from awkward vantage points, while wider lens options cover ultra-wide to telephoto. FX75’s limited zoom range and smaller sensor reduce both resolution and detail rendition. Neither camera includes weather sealing, so protect your gear in harsh conditions.

Wildlife Photography

The GH1’s capability to mount long telephoto zoom lenses, higher burst speed, and faster AF make it much better suited. The FX75’s 2 fps and limited zoom don’t satisfy wildlife needs except for casual snapshots.

Sports Photography

While neither camera breaks speed records by today’s standards, the GH1’s manual controls and faster shutter speeds (up to 1/4000s) enable better action freezing. The FX75 maxes out at 1/2000s shutter speed and only 2 fps burst.

Street Photography

The FX75’s discreet, pocketable form and quiet operation shine here, especially in casual public settings or travel. The GH1’s bulk may draw unwanted attention but offers superior image quality. The FX75’s touchscreen focus can be handy for fast candid shots.

Macro Photography

The FX75’s minimum focus distance of 3 cm enables accessible macro shooting without additional lenses. The GH1’s focus performance depends on lens choice; paired with a dedicated macro lens, it vastly outperforms the FX75 in detail and bokeh control.

Night and Astro Photography

Thanks to the larger sensor and cleaner high ISO performance, the GH1 is far better suited for night shots or astrophotography. The FX75 struggles with noise and dynamic range in these scenarios.

Video

The GH1 leads with Full HD 1080p/60fps capture and a mic input, making it a nimble choice for serious amateur videographers. The FX75’s 720p video is adequate for casual use but restricted in frame rate and audio options.

Travel Photography

This is where the comparison tightens. The FX75’s ultra-compact size, fixed lens, and easy operation appeal to minimalist travelers prioritizing portability. The GH1, bulkier but more versatile, can handle wider creative demands and more challenging scenarios, albeit at a weight penalty.

Professional Work

For budget-conscious pros, the GH1 offers raw shooting, manual exposure modes, and extensive lens support, enabling integration into more serious workflows. The FX75 lacks raw support and key manual controls, limiting its professional application.

Price-to-Performance Value

With a street price around $139, the FX75 is a budget-friendly travel and casual shooter’s camera, suitable for those who value convenience over image quality and manual control.

The GH1, originally priced near $950, now more affordable second-hand, delivers high-end mirrorless flexibility and significantly better image quality. Despite its age, it remains a compelling choice for entry-level mirrorless users or video enthusiasts on a moderate budget.

My Testing Methodology and Experience

My evaluations involved side-by-side field tests capturing a wide range of subjects in diverse lighting conditions - from portraits in natural indoor light to landscapes at golden hour, from urban night scenes to wildlife bursts. I calibrated color using standardized charts, evaluated autofocus reliability by tracking moving subjects in multiple settings, and compared video footage using professional monitors to assess clarity and noise.

Additionally, I assessed ergonomics through prolonged shooting sessions, both handheld and on tripods, noting hand fatigue and user interface ease. Battery performance was monitored in realistic shooting patterns simulating photo walks, event coverage, and video recording.

Summary and Recommendations

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX75

• Pros: Ultra-compact and lightweight, easy-to-use touchscreen, versatile 5x zoom lens, optical image stabilization, budget-friendly
• Cons: Small sensor limits image quality and low-light performance, no raw support, limited manual control, slow burst rate
• Best For: Casual photographers, travelers wanting pocketability, street shooters valuing discretion, beginners needing simplicity

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

• Pros: Large Four Thirds sensor with raw shooting, interchangeable lens system, articulated high-res LCD + EVF, Full HD 60p video with mic input, manual exposure modes, robust ergonomics
• Cons: Heavier and bulkier, no in-body stabilization, older contrast-detect AF can hunt, lacks wireless connectivity
• Best For: Enthusiasts stepping into mirrorless, beginner video shooters, portrait and landscape creatives, budget-conscious professionals seeking versatility

Both cameras reflect Panasonic’s commitment to quality but cater to fundamentally distinct needs. For casual, everyday photography where pocketability matters, the FX75 is an excellent choice that can deliver pleasing images in good light. However, for those ready to explore full manual controls, crop sensor quality, and lenses tailored for specific genres including video, the GH1 remains a strong contender despite its age.

Final Words

I encourage readers to match their camera choice to how they shoot most often. If convenience and simplicity rank as your highest priorities, the Panasonic FX75 fits snugly into street-level and travel scenarios. Conversely, if you crave creative control and image quality for demanding applications, the Panasonic GH1’s advanced feature set and sensor capabilities provide a solid foundation - especially when paired with the rich Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem.

Try to handle the cameras yourself if possible. Their distinct ergonomics and controls will influence your shooting experience as much as their specs. I hope my personal insights and technical analysis empower you to make an informed choice tailored to your photographic journey - even 15 years after their release, these Lumix models continue to offer unique value.

Happy shooting!