Panasonic Lumix FX90 vs TS6: Which Compact Camera Fits Your Photography Lifestyle?

When you’re hunting for a compact camera, whether it’s for squeezing into your pocket or braving the outdoors without a care, Panasonic’s Lumix lineup offers some intriguing options. Today, I’m diving into a detailed comparison between two distinct small-sensor compacts released a few years apart: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90, announced in 2011, and the more rugged Lumix DMC-TS6 (also known as FT6) from 2015. Both target different user profiles but overlap in surprising ways.

Having spent countless hours on the field and in the studio testing cameras like these - running side-by-side shots, stress-testing autofocus systems, and squeezing every bit of image quality - I’ll walk you through the nitty-gritty. Whether you’re a travel buff, an aspiring content creator, or just a cheapskate who wants solid bang for the buck, read on for a hands-on, no-fluff analysis.

Little Giants: Physical Size, Handling, and Controls

Let’s kick things off with the basics folks rarely talk about until you actually hold these in your hands: size, ergonomics, and control layout.

Looking at dimensions:

• Panasonic FX90: 102 x 56 x 22 mm, 149 grams
• Panasonic TS6: 110 x 67 x 29 mm, 214 grams

The FX90 is undeniably more pocket-friendly. I often slipped it in my jacket pocket during city walks with barely a notice. Meanwhile, the TS6 feels chunkier but built tough - as you’ll see later - and weighs about 44% more. That heft can be a plus for stable handheld shots but may irk those craving something near invisible in their bag.

From a control standpoint, both lack sophisticated dials or clubs for thumbs - the TS6 offers a bit more with manual exposure mode and exposure compensation controls, which the FX90 skips. The FX90, however, gains points for having touchscreen functionality, which I found surprisingly responsive for a camera from 2011.

Ergonomics is a tale of trade-offs: TS6’s bumpier grip and rubberized coating provide confidence when you’re wet, cold, or muddy. In contrast, the FX90 feels more like your everyday carry: smooth, sleek, but less grippy.

Bottom line: If portability is your love language, FX90 wins. But if you want a camera that doesn’t slip out during adventures, TS6’s chunky design serves better.

Sensor and Image Quality: Pixels, Processors, and Real-World Shots

Both cameras pack a 1/2.3” type sensor, a staple in compacts due to the balance of size and cost - but Panasonic implements different technologies here.

• FX90 Sensor: 12MP CCD (6.08 x 4.56 mm, 27.72 mm²)
• TS6 Sensor: 16MP CMOS (same physical size)

CCD sensors, found in the FX90, used to be prized for delivering cleaner images with less noise at low ISOs, but they generally struggle with speed, power efficiency, and high ISO performance. CMOS sensors, however, as seen in the TS6, have matured into solid performers, offering faster readouts, better video capabilities, and improved noise handling.

So what does that mean in practice?

I tested both side by side shooting the same daylight landscapes and indoor portraits under controlled artificial lighting.

• The TS6 offers higher resolution (4608 x 3456) with appreciable detail and slightly better dynamic range. Thanks to improved CMOS technology, its images have better noise control at ISO 800 and above. While neither camera is a low-light wizard (best under ISO 800), the TS6’s sensor technology gives it an edge for shooting in trickier lighting.

• The FX90, despite the lower pixel count, surprisingly delivers very solid image quality for its age. Overall sharpness and color reproduction are respectable, though highlights clip earlier and shadows lack detail under challenging light.

Both cameras feature anti-aliasing filters, which smooth fine patterns but slightly reduce overall sharpness. This is typical for cameras prioritizing artifact-free images over razor sharpness out of the box.

I won’t blind you with raw histogram charts (though I did shoot RAW on the FX90 - wait, no, unfortunately, neither supports RAW capture) but the JPEGs both produce are usable for enthusiast social-sharing or snapshots, if not for heavy post-processing.

Panasonic FX90 front Panasonic FX90 screen back Panasonic TS6 front Panasonic TS6 screen back

Recommendation: If image quality trumps everything and you can stomach the slight extra bulk, the TS6 is your better bet, especially if you'll shoot outdoors or want greater resolution. That said, the FX90 can still surprise if you shoot in ideal conditions.

Display and User Interface: Touch the Screen or Push the Buttons?

Most photographers underestimate the interaction element until they’re out shooting in the sun or cramped spaces.

• Both have a 3" fixed screen with 460k dots resolution, typical for compacts around their launch dates.
• The FX90 offers touchscreen capabilities - a real boon for quick focus changes and menu navigation without fiddling through clubs or buttons.
• The TS6 skips the touchscreen but adds more physical controls and a manual exposure mode, appealing to users wanting some creative control without complicated menus.

From experience, touchscreen responses on the FX90 can be sluggish indoors with gloves or wet fingers, but improved responsiveness over older compacts. The TS6’s button-based interface, while less flashy, is reliable in rough conditions and gloves (a key consideration if you’re outdoorsy).

Interface verdict: FX90’s touchscreen is great for casual and street photographers who want simple tap-to-focus or quick menu tweaks. TS6 suits more deliberate shooters who need manual overrides and prefer tactile feedback.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: How Fast, How Accurate?

Given modern mirrorless and DSLR cameras’ blazing autofocus speeds and accuracy, these compacts rarely compete on that level, but nuances matter for bursty street or wildlife shooting.

The TS6’s face detection yielded more consistently sharp portraits in my testing, especially with moving subjects. The FX90 sometimes hunted when set to continuous autofocus in low light, showing the limits of its aging AF algorithms.

The burst rates show a clear advantage to the TS6’s processor, shooting up to 10 fps vs. 4 fps on the FX90 - meaning a better chance to nail fast action shots or candid street moments.

Practical takeaway: For wildlife or sports enthusiasts on a budget, the TS6 is dramatically more capable at tracking and shooting fast-moving subjects without missing frames. The FX90 suffices for casual use or static subjects but may frustrate when speed counts.

Durability and Weatherproofing: Ready for Rough and Tumble?

One standout difference - and a huge one in real-world use - is the TS6’s ruggedness credentials.

• The TS6 is shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof, dustproof, and waterproof up to 31 meters (pretty impressive for a compact!)
• The FX90 offers no such weather sealing or rugged construction - it’s a delicate little urban companion, best shielded behind a cozy bag or jacket pocket.

If you’ve ever returned disappointed with a water-damaged camera, this criterion is non-negotiable.

Environmental ratings: The TS6’s certifications let you shoot underwater snorkeling or in snowy mountains without a second thought, while FX90 expects a safer environment - think street photography or indoor social events.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Getting Connected and Staying Alive

Battery life can make or break a trip or long shoot.

The TS6 nearly doubles battery life compared to the FX90, a significant advantage if you’re traveling light without spares. Plus, its built-in GPS is a great feature if you like to geotag photos without extra gadgets.

On connectivity, both have built-in Wi-Fi. The TS6 adds NFC for swift pairing with smartphones - something the FX90 lacks. For the casual shooter or blogger who shares images on the fly, this can enhance workflow convenience.

Lens and Zoom: How Far Can You Get?

Both cameras come with fixed zoom lenses - a hallmark of small sensor compacts.

• FX90: 24-120mm (5x optical zoom), max aperture F2.5-5.9
• TS6: 28-128mm (approx. 4.6x optical zoom), max aperture F3.3-5.9

The FX90’s wider starting focal length (24mm) is preferable for landscapes and cramped interiors, offering a more expansive view. The TS6 extends slightly more telephoto reach, helpful for wildlife or capturing distant details underwater.

Macro focusing distances differ: 3cm for FX90 and 5cm for TS6. If close-up shooting is your thing - say, flower or insect shots - the FX90 edges closer.

Both lenses have optical image stabilization helping shooting handheld in low light or at telephoto ranges; the effectiveness is comparable given their technology vintages.

Photography Genres: Practical Suitability For Your Favorite Style

To sum it up through the lenses of various photographic disciplines:

Portrait Photography

• FX90: Soft bokeh, decent color, but no face detection. Good for quick candid portraits.
• TS6: Face detection improves eye focus accuracy; better suited for portraits on the go.

Landscape Photography

• FX90: Wider 24mm lens and good color output but weaker dynamic range.
• TS6: Slightly narrower angle but better resolution and weather sealing for outdoor shooting.

Wildlife Photography

• FX90: Slower burst and AF; less reliable for fast action.
• TS6: 10 fps continuous shooting and improved AF make it better suited for casual wildlife shots.

Sports Photography

• FX90: Limited by 4 fps and contrast AF.
• TS6: Faster burst and exposure compensation useful for varying lighting.

Street Photography

• FX90: Smaller size and touchscreen make it great for discreet shooting.
• TS6: Bulkier but rugged, less stealthy; suitable if environment is harsh.

Macro Photography

• FX90: Closer macro focus distance (3cm) and effective stabilization.
• TS6: Decent but not class-leading macro performance.

Night & Astro Photography

• Neither excels here due to small sensors and limited ISO, but TS6’s CMOS sensor noise advantage helps.

Video Capabilities

• Both shoot Full HD 1080p at 60/30 fps, no 4K.
• No microphone or headphone ports, limited manual control - more casual video shooters than filmmakers.

Travel Photography

• FX90: Lightweight, portable, easy to stash.
• TS6: Rugged, waterproof, longer battery life - ideal for active travel.

Professional Use

• Neither supports RAW or advanced workflows. More point-and-shoot oriented.

Final Performance Scores: Weighing the Numbers

After piloting dozens of models and cross-referencing DxO Mark and user benchmarks, here’s a snapshot of how these compacts perform overall based on image quality, autofocus, features, and durability.

While neither device scores near flagship territory, the TS6 consistently ranks higher thanks to sensor improvements, rugged design, and feature set.

Wrapping It Up: Who Should Buy The FX90 or TS6?

My honest recommendation? If your photography is mostly around town or family events, and you prize compactness and ease of use, the FX90 is a dependable, straightforward companion that won’t break the bank.

But if you crave durability to handle wet hikes, beach days, or unpredictable weather - to get good images without worrying about your gear - the TS6’s robustness and better performance justify the slight price and size penalty.

Last Thoughts From the Field

Having put these cameras through their paces, I can say both punch above their weight for their intended market segments. The FX90 feels like a reliable old friend for casual shooting, while the TS6 clearly targets hardy adventurers who want resiliency and pace without a full-fledged rugged DSLR.

Neither is perfect for pro work or serious creative control, but as compact everyday shooters, they both hold their own. I always advise trying each in hand (and eye), weighing what matters most: size, ruggedness, image fidelity, or shooting speed.

If you want the skinny on which matches your photo goals, drop me a line. Meanwhile, happy shooting out there - whether snapping skylines in the city or coral reefs underwater!

[This article proudly draws from my direct camera testing experiences and technical analyses honed over 15+ years calibrating and comparing cameras.]