Panasonic Lumix FZ100 vs FZ47: An In-Depth Comparison of Two Superzoom Bridge Cameras

When diving into the world of superzoom bridge cameras, Panasonic has repeatedly proven a knack for balancing versatility, reach, and user-friendly controls in a compact form. Today, I’m putting two of its small-sensor superzooms under the microscope: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 (also known as FZ48 in some markets). Although they share a strikingly similar lens zoom range and body style, these siblings, announced about a year apart, each have distinct characteristics that cater to slightly differing photographers.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, I know how crucial nuanced details can be when you’re choosing gear tailored either for specific pursuits or broad versatility. Here, we’ll explore their similarities and disparities across physical design, core imaging technology, autofocus performance, usability, and specialized photographic applications. My goal is to equip you with practical insights that go beyond specs, helping you decide which of these Panasonic bridge cameras can fit your unique style and shooting demands.

Size and Handling: Feel the Difference in Your Hands

One of the first things you notice when swapping cameras is their physical presence and how that affects your shooting comfort and grip confidence. Both the FZ100 and FZ47 echo the DSLR-inspired "SLR-like" bridge camera aesthetic, designed to impart the heft and control element of an interchangeable lens camera without the complexity.

The FZ100 tips the scales at 540 grams with dimensions of approximately 124 x 82 x 92 mm, while the FZ47 weighs a touch less at 498 grams and a slightly smaller frame of 120 x 80 x 92 mm. This 40-gram weight difference is noticeable but far from game-changing; however, the FZ100’s slightly larger grasp makes it feel more substantial in the hand, lending a more reassuring grip during extended use.

Ergonomically, the FZ100 exhibits a bit more pronounced handgrip contour and positioning of the shutter and mode dials, thoughtful refinements that Panasonic packed into this later model. This translates into easier one-handed operation and reduces finger fatigue when tracking subjects or dialing exposure settings during fast-paced shoots.

The FZ47, by comparison, is quite comfortable but feels more compact - an advantage for photographers favoring a lighter rig for travel or everyday carry without sacrificing screen size or zoom reach.

Design Evolution: Control Layout and Viewfinder Systems

Moving up to the camera topside and back, control layout impacts shooting speed and intuitiveness - especially on superzooms where rapid framing and adjustment can be the difference between capturing the right moment or missing it.

The FZ100 features a refreshingly clean top plate anchored by a mode dial nestled beside a dedicated function dial for quick aperture or ISO adjustments, an upgrade from the FZ47’s more traditional button-centric interface. This streamlining emphasizes manual control preference, a nod to its intended audience of enthusiasts who appreciate tactile feedback over menu diving.

Notably, both models rely on electronic viewfinders (EVF), but the FZ47’s viewfinder coverage claims a full 100% frame which is a slight advantage for precise framing. Unfortunately, neither offers high-resolution EVFs by today’s standards, but they are effective enough for composing in bright conditions where LCD glare becomes an issue.

The back of the cameras marks another divergence:

The FZ100’s fully articulated 3-inch display with 460k-dot resolution allows extensive tilt and swivel movement - a boon for tricky angles or when shooting video vlogging style. Meanwhile, the FZ47 makes do with a fixed, non-articulating screen of the same size and resolution, limiting framing flexibility but possibly reducing mechanical points of failure.

Neither camera sports a touchscreen interface; users will rely exclusively on physical buttons and dials for menu navigation and setting adjustments.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: The Heart of Imaging

When we get into image quality, the sensor’s character shapes much of a camera’s photographic soul. Both cameras use the familiar 1/2.3-inch sensor format, measured at 6.08 x 4.56 mm, reflecting their classification as small-sensor superzooms offering extensive zoom but limited sensor area.

However, the FZ100 uses a modern 14-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with Panasonic’s Venus Engine FHD processor, whereas the FZ47 employs an older 12-megapixel CCD sensor with the same generation processing engine. This contrast means that while nominal resolution differences are modest, the FZ100 generally benefits from the lower noise characteristics of CMOS over CCD and slightly improved dynamic range performance.

In real-world conditions, I found that the FZ100 produces images with cleaner shadows and more vibrant colors, especially in moderate-to-low light. The higher maximum native ISO of 6400 (compared to the FZ47’s native 1600 ISO ceiling, boosted to 6400) reflects this advantage, allowing photographers to retain usable image quality at higher sensitivities without excessive grain.

Panasonic’s decision to enable raw image capture on the FZ100 while the FZ47 lacks it further distinguishes their output versatility. Shooting raw provides enthusiasts and professionals the flexibility to finely tune exposure, color, and noise suppression during post-processing - an essential feature if you’re serious about image quality.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Following the Action

Fast and accurate autofocus (AF) is crucial across many photography genres - wildlife, sports, and street alike demand cameras that can track erratic or fast-moving subjects reliably.

Both cameras provide contrast-detection autofocus systems with face detection support and continuous AF modes. However, the FZ47 slightly edges ahead with 23 focus points compared to an unspecified but fewer number in the FZ100, theoretically allowing finer subject tracking and selective focusing.

Despite this, the FZ100 counterbalances that with a higher burst shooting speed at an impressive 11 frames per second, in contrast to the FZ47’s maximum of 4 fps. For action shooters or wildlife photographers aiming to capture decisive moments, this speed difference is significant - increasing the odds of nailing split-second behavior or gestures.

Shooting experience also benefits from the FZ100’s improved burst buffer and faster image processing thanks to the newer sensor and processor combo, minimizing the wait between shots when rapid fire is needed.

Lens and Stabilization: A Tale of Reach and Steadiness

Both cameras share the remarkable 25-600mm focal length range (35mm equivalent), a 24x optical zoom that covers everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife without changing lenses. The maximum aperture of F2.8-5.2 means good low-light performance at the wide end that naturally narrows as focal length extends.

Both models boast in-lens optical image stabilization (OIS), critical for counteracting handshake especially at long focal lengths where motion blur can compromise sharpness. In hands-on tests, the FZ100’s stabilization felt slightly more effective, delivering steadier framing and sharper hand-held images at telephoto zoom positions, likely owing to minor refinements in hardware or processor-based stabilization algorithms.

One notable difference is the FZ47’s lack of an external flash hot shoe, limiting the use of off-camera lighting options - whereas the FZ100 supports external flashes, enhancing creative flash control for portrait, macro, and event photography.

Video Capabilities: Full HD with a Few Tweaks

Both the FZ100 and FZ47 can shoot Full HD 1080p video, but the FZ100 edges ahead with a smoother 60fps frame rate at 1920x1080, compared to the FZ47’s 30fps cap. This effectively means the FZ100 produces smoother video playback and offers more flexibility for slow-motion effects in post.

Both cameras use AVCHD codec, providing high-quality compression for recording. The presence of a microphone input on the FZ100 is a notable advantage for video enthusiasts requiring external audio input for better sound quality. The FZ47 lacks this, limiting audio options to its built-in mic.

Neither camera offers 4K or higher frame rates, nor do they come with built-in 5-axis stabilization for video, so handheld shooting still benefits greatly from a tripod or gimbal when smoothness is paramount.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Extended Shoots

Battery endurance for field use can make or break a camera’s practical utility. Unfortunately, exact battery life data for the FZ100 is sparse, but in practice, it closely matches the FZ47’s rated approximate 400 shots per charge.

The FZ47 utilizes a dedicated battery pack - leading to easier battery swaps but often more bulky charging solutions. The FZ100’s details on battery type are less clear but likely similar or slightly improved given its later release and efficiency gains in electronics.

Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, allowing compatibility with a broad range of storage media. Storage options are singular (one card slot), which is standard in this class but something to keep in mind for professional use where redundant storage might be preferred.

Specialized Photography Use Cases: Where Each Camera Shines

Now that we’ve dissected specs and features, how do these translate into the real world and across photographic genres?

Panasonic FZ100 front Panasonic FZ100 screen back Panasonic FZ47 front Panasonic FZ47 screen back

Portrait Photography

Portraits thrive on skin tone fidelity, accurate focus on eyes, and beautiful background separation (bokeh). Both cameras offer face-detection autofocus and manual focus options, though neither feature sophisticated eye-tracking AF, even by contemporary standards.

The brighter F2.8 aperture at wide settings aids the FZ100 in crafting more natural background blur, beneficial for isolating subjects, while its raw support grants portrait shooters extensive post-processing latitude.

Landscape Photography

Real landscape enthusiasts prize dynamic range and resolution for capturing vivid scenes and subtle tonal gradations.

The FZ100’s CMOS sensor with slightly higher megapixel count (14MP) and better dynamic range capabilities delivers richer details and less noise in shadows or bright highlights. Both cameras fall short of larger APS-C or full-frame models on image quality but the articulating screen of the FZ100 empowers creative perspectives, especially on uneven terrain.

Neither offers weather sealing, a usual limitation in this category, so extra care is warranted in harsh outdoor conditions.

Wildlife and Sports

Wildlife and sports photography benefit from rapid autofocus, high burst rates, and long focal lengths.

Here the FZ100’s 11 fps shooting speed and effective stabilization provide distinct advantages for capturing fleeting action. The FZ47’s 23 focus points bring precision but the slower frame rate bottlenecks continuous shooting sequences.

Street and Travel Photography

Portability and low-light capability often govern preferences here. The FZ47’s slightly smaller body nudges ahead as the more discrete option, while the FZ100’s articulated screen supports creative urban angles and video journaling.

The higher ISO performance and raw file support in the FZ100 expand flexibility in dim lighting, a common reality in street shooting.

Macro Photography

Both cameras excel with their close-focus abilities at 1 cm macro distance. Stabilization aids hand-held macro shots, with the FZ100’s system again edging the FZ47.

Night and Astrophotography

Low-light noise handling and manual exposure control matter most.

The FZ100’s CMOS sensor and higher ISO range make it more suitable for starry skies or night scenes, while the FZ47’s CCD struggles more with noise beyond ISO 1600.

Professional Applications

File flexibility (raw support), reliable burst shooting, and external flash control render the FZ100 more advantageous for semi-professional roles or backup bodies for pros than the FZ47.

Technical Comparison At a Glance: Scores and Ratings

To crystallize overall and genre-specific camera performance, here’s a summary visual drawn from my structured testing sessions:

This data aggregates real-world image quality tests, autofocus benchmarks, handling assessments, and video output evaluations. The FZ100 consistently scores higher in speed, video, and low-light performance, while the FZ47 shows respectable competence at a tighter price point.

Lens Ecosystem and Connectivity: Limits of Bridge Design

Both cameras feature fixed, non-interchangeable lenses, standard for bridge cameras, which trades flexibility for compactness and convenience. This makes choosing your base camera and lens kit all the more critical - since no future lens upgrades are possible.

Wireless connectivity is absent on both models: no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which is somewhat a relic of their release periods but a current drawback compared to modern cameras supporting instant image transfer or remote control.

Value Proposition: Price vs. Performance

• Panasonic FZ100: Priced around $500 new at launch, it offers more advanced imaging capabilities, faster shooting, articulated screen, raw shooting, and external flash support.

• Panasonic FZ47: More affordable near $380 street price, providing solid zoom capability and decent image quality but lacking many enthusiast-grade features that the FZ100 brings.

Considering their age, these cameras now typically appear on the used market - where the FZ100 commands a premium justified by its broader feature set and higher overall performance.

Who Should Choose Which?

• Choose the Panasonic FZ100 if:

  • You seek a superzoom bridge with superior image quality and raw shooting.
  • Action shooting and video capabilities are important.
  • Feature-rich handling with an articulated screen is valued.
  • You want external flash compatibility.
  • You shoot a variety of genres demanding flexibility.

• Choose the Panasonic FZ47 if:

  • You want a lightweight, easy-to-use superzoom on a tighter budget.
  • You mainly shoot casual travel, landscapes, and daylight situations.
  • Faster burst speeds and raw are less critical.
  • You’re fine with a fixed rear screen and no external flash.

Final Thoughts: Experience and Evolution in Compact Superzooms

Between these two Panasonic bridge cameras, the FZ100 represents a clear evolutionary step forward with improved sensor technology, shooting speed, and handling enhancements - tailored for enthusiasts who require versatility and quality in a single compact body. The FZ47 remains a capable, budget-friendly alternative for casual photographers who prioritize zoom reach and simplicity.

Having field-tested both extensively, I appreciate the thoughtful upgrades Panasonic implemented in the FZ100, affirming it as the better all-rounder and a camera that can still provide engaging photography experiences years after launch.

For photographers balancing a desire for long zoom reach without the bulk or cost of interchangeable lens systems, these two models illustrate different points along the journey from solid consumer offerings to more refined enthusiast tools.

Whichever you choose, knowing their distinct strengths and compromises ensures your investment supports your photographic aspirations most effectively.

Thank you for reading this comprehensive two-camera comparison. I hope it clarifies where these Panasonic Lumix superzooms excel and where they make certain tradeoffs. If you’re shopping in the used market, placing these cameras side by side in physical comparison and shooting tests (if possible) is invaluable, but I’m confident this analysis offers a strong head start.

Happy shooting!