Panasonic FX78 vs Sony W690: An Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When diving into compact cameras, choices can be surprisingly nuanced. Today, we take a deep dive into two approachable small sensor compacts from the early 2010s: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 launched in 2011, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690 from 2012. While their specs may look similar at first glance, our hands-on testing and thorough technical analysis reveal crucial differences.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-carry camera, a casual snapper who wants decent image quality, or even a content creator seeking specific features for travel or street photography - we’ll help you navigate how these two models stack up in practical use across major photography types and disciplines.

Let’s get started by sizing them up physically and ergonomically.

Handling and Design: Fit and Feel Matter

Panasonic FX78 Dimensions: 100 × 55 × 21mm | Weight: 142g
Sony W690 Dimensions: 94 × 56 × 22mm | Weight: 142g

Both cameras have similar dimensions and weight - compact, pocket-friendly, and easy to handle. However, subtle differences in design influence user comfort and control accessibility.

Panasonic FX78

• Features a slightly wider body with a flush, sleek shape.
• Its 3.5-inch touchscreen (unusual for this era) adds intuitive navigation that novices find very user-friendly.
• Buttons are minimal but well spaced, though not backlit.
• Fixed lens with retractable mechanism lets you power up quickly.

Sony W690

• Slightly narrower and a bit thicker.
• Employs a 3-inch non-touchscreen LCD; the interface relies on button navigation which might be slower for some users.
• Lacks illuminated buttons, which may hamper low-light operation.
• Its curved grip provides a decent hold but feels less natural for prolonged shoots.

For photographers prioritizing pocketability but craving intuitive controls, the FX78's touchscreen wins out. For those who prefer physical buttons with tactile feedback and don’t mind a slightly smaller display, the W690 remains a worthy contender.

Control Layout: A View from Above

Navigating the top plates of both cameras reveals their design philosophies.

• The Panasonic FX78 offers a clean, minimalist layout; mode dial and shutter button are ergonomically placed.
• The Sony W690 features more traditional control with dedicated zoom toggles and a shutter release marked by a ridged ring.

Neither camera supports manual exposure modes, aperture priority, or shutter priority, limiting creative control. This is typical in the compact category but worth noting for enthusiasts who want more than basic automatic modes.

The FX78's touchscreen compensates somewhat by allowing easier access to advanced scenes and effects without digging through menus.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

Sensor Specs At a Glance

Both cameras share the same sensor size, which is modest by today’s standards but standard for compact cameras of their generation. Sony W690 edges ahead by resolution with 16MP versus Panasonic's 12MP, which theoretically should deliver finer detail and cropping flexibility.

Real-World Image Quality

• Noise Control: The FX78 handles high ISO up to 6400, but image noise becomes very noticeable past ISO 800. The W690's max native ISO cap at 3200 limits low-light flexibility but yields cleaner images at its top sensitivity.
• Dynamic Range: Both struggle with dynamic range in bright scenes, but Panasonic's Venus Engine FHD processor offers slightly better highlight roll-off and shadow detail preservation.
• Color Reproduction: Panasonic tends to produce slightly warmer, more natural skin tones, making it preferable for portraits. Sony’s output leans cooler, which can suit landscape or architectural photography.
• JPEG Processing: Neither camera offers RAW, so in-camera JPEG sharpening and noise reduction directly impact final output. Panasonic’s algorithms provide a balanced look, whereas Sony’s images are sometimes oversharpened, leading to artifacts on close inspection.

If your priority is detailed JPEGs with richer color rendition for portraits and casual shooting, the Panasonic FX78’s sensor-processor combo is advantageous. For higher resolution crops and vibrant daytime scenes, Sony W690's 16MP sensor has the edge.

Screen and Interface: The Photographer’s Window

• FX78 Screen: The 3.5" touchscreen at 230k dots offers excellent visibility outdoors and responsive control, from selecting focus points to changing settings instantly.
• W690 Screen: A 3" ClearPhoto TFT LCD with 230k dots; lacks touch, but contrast and brightness perform adequately under shade, though struggles in strong sunlight.

For street or travel photographers who often shoot on the move, Panasonic’s touchscreen makes changing settings on the fly easier, especially with gloves or in casual glances. Sony’s screen is functional but less adaptable.

Autofocus Systems: Getting the Shot in Time

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus, standard for compacts, but with differences in speed and sophistication.

What We Found in Testing

• Panasonic’s AF locks focus quickly indoors and outdoors with consistently repeatable performance.
• Sony’s autofocus is slower and less confident in low-light conditions but benefits from face detection that aids focusing on people.
• The FX78 supports continuous autofocus and tracking better, usable for casual action or moving subjects, while W690’s single AF limits burst shooting credibility.

If you shoot portraits or casual wildlife snapshots, the Panasonic’s more responsive AF will save you missed shots. Sony’s face detection helps portrait framing but AF speed may frustrate in dynamic moments.

Lens Specifications: Zoom Range and Aperture in Practice

The Sony W690’s 10× longer telephoto zoom is impressive for a compact, opening horizons for wildlife or distant subjects. However, the longer reach comes at the cost of slower maximum aperture at the wide end (f/3.3 vs f/2.5), which affects low-light and bokeh quality.

Panasonic’s wider aperture at the wide end is a benefit for indoor and lower-light shooting. Also, the shorter zoom range makes the lens less susceptible to shake and image degradation.

Real-World Impact:

• For portrait photographers, the FX78’s faster f/2.5 aperture enables more attractive subject isolation and cleaner bokeh.
• For travelers or wildlife enthusiasts, Sony's 250mm reach allows capturing distant details without changing lenses - a compelling reason for its slightly bulkier design.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed: Capturing Motion

While neither camera targets high-speed action photography, the Panasonic’s 4fps burst rate dramatically outperforms Sony’s single shot per second.

This makes the FX78 more suitable for:

• Casual sports or quick kid-activities
• Wildlife moments

Sony’s maximum shutter speed extends slightly faster, helpful for brighter conditions or some motion freeze, but the slower burst limits repeat captures.

Flash and Low-Light Performance

The FX78’s stronger flash range adds flexibility for indoors or evening events, and its dedicated red-eye reduction mode will save time in post.

In our evaluation, the Panasonic handled shadow filling and white balance better in flash shots, producing warmer skin tones.

Video Capabilities: For Vlogging and Home Movies

If video performance matters to you, the Panasonic FX78 dominates with full HD recording at a smooth 60fps. Its AVCHD format means better compression and quality than Sony’s standard MPEG-4.

Neither camera has external mic support, limiting professional audio recording, but for casual use or vlogging with onboard sound, Panasonic’s image quality and framerate offer a more modern experience.

Battery Life and Storage: Endurance in the Field

Battery endurance is similar enough not to influence your choice heavily. However, Sony’s compatibility with Memory Stick formats may appeal to existing Sony users.

Connectivity and Extra Features

The HDMI port on Panasonic is a bonus for viewing photos and videos on compatible TV screens, adding convenience for casual presenters.

Neither camera includes Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, expected given their launch era. Both lack GPS or ruggedized weather sealing.

How They Perform Across Photography Disciplines

Panasonic FX78 front Panasonic FX78 screen back Sony W690 front Sony W690 screen back

Based on our testing and image samples, here is how each fares by genre:

Portraits

• Panasonic FX78 shines with natural skin tone reproduction and wider aperture for smoother bokeh.
• Sony W690 assists with face detection AF but may render slightly duller tones.

Landscape

• Both fairly limited by sensor size, but Sony’s higher resolution benefits fine detail in daylight.
• Panasonic’s dynamic range edge aids shadow recovery.

Wildlife

• Sony’s longer zoom is a clear advantage.
• Panasonic’s faster AF and higher burst speed help catch quick animal movements.

Sports

• Panasonic holds advantage due to 4fps burst and reliable continuous AF.

Street Photography

• Panasonic’s touchscreen and better low-light aperture are handy.
• Sony’s smaller size is slightly nicer for discreet use.

Macro

• Both enable close focus to 5cm.
• Panasonic marginally quicker AF improves macro composure workflow.

Night and Astro

• Neither is ideal given the small sensor sizes, but Panasonic’s higher ISO range is preferable.

Video

• Panasonic crushes with 1080p60 and AVCHD.
• Sony caps at 720p30.

Travel

• Both very light and easy to carry.
• Sony’s longer zoom good for varied scenes.

Professional Use

• Neither supports RAW or manual exposure limiting professional workflows.
• Panasonic’s HDMI and video are more versatile.

Summary Performance Ratings

Panasonic FX78

• Image Quality: 7/10
• Autofocus: 8/10
• Video: 8/10
• Handling: 8/10
• Value: 8/10

Sony W690

• Image Quality: 7.5/10
• Autofocus: 6.5/10
• Video: 5/10
• Handling: 7/10
• Value: 7/10

Strengths and Weaknesses Recap

Matching Camera to Photographer Type

• If portraiture, casual sports, or general family snapshots are your focus, with some video aspirations, Panasonic FX78 fits your needs best.
• If you need telephoto reach for wildlife or travel and prize resolution, and don’t mind slower AF or simpler video, Sony W690 is compelling.
• For beginners or street photographers, Panasonic’s touchscreen and continuous AF advantages improve shooting ease.
• Neither camera suits professional shoots requiring RAW, robust manual controls, or environmental sealing.

Final Thoughts: Which to Choose?

Both cameras hail from an era when compact CCDs were standard, offering portability and straightforward operation for casual users transitioning to more serious photography.

• Choose Panasonic FX78 if you want a more versatile compact with better autofocus, brighter lens, superior video, and touchscreen control to explore creative modes easily.
• Opt for Sony W690 if you prioritize a longer zoom, higher megapixel count, and slightly better daylight resolution despite weaker video and slower AF.

Given their price points ($210 vs $297 at launch), Panasonic offers better value for most common uses, especially portraits and video. Sony may justify its higher cost for those who need reach and resolution.

Getting Started with Your New Compact Camera

Whichever you pick, ensure to:

• Experiment with various scene modes to maximize image quality.
• Invest in fast SD cards for smooth video recording.
• Learn to shoot in natural light to overcome sensor limitations.
• Explore external accessories like tripods or small flashes to expand creative possibilities.

Compact cameras like Panasonic FX78 and Sony W690 remind us that simplicity and portability remain relevant, letting you get your shot without fuss. We encourage you to handle both models in-store or rent them first to feel what suits your style best.

Happy shooting!

If you have questions about specific features or want recommendations for lenses or gear to complement these cameras, feel free to reach out as you continue your photographic journey.