Panasonic FZ47 vs Pentax H90: In-Depth Comparison of Two Small-Sensor Powerhouses

Selecting the right camera can be both exhilarating and daunting when numerous models compete for your attention. Today, I’m diving into a detailed comparison between two small-sensor cameras rooted in different design philosophies yet sharing the ambition to offer versatile photography in compact formats - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 ("FZ47") and the Pentax Optio H90 ("H90").

Both announced around the start of the last decade (FZ47 in mid-2011 and H90 in early 2010), these cameras straddle the line between pocket-friendly compacts and feature-rich superzooms. My analysis here is based on extensive hands-on sessions, rigorous testing, and practical field use to help you discern which tool aligns best with your photographic pursuits.

Feeling the Difference: Size and Handling in Real Use

Before we delve into pixels and processors, how these cameras feel in your hands matters greatly.

The Panasonic FZ47 presents as a bridge-style camera: a substantial grip, robust body, and a design closer to DSLR ergonomics. Measuring 120×80×92 mm and tipping the scales at around 498 g, it demands a conscientious hold, but offers the photographer the reassuring heft and a shooter’s grip that inspires confidence during prolonged sessions. The controls are thoughtfully spaced, contributing to a tactile shooting experience that bridges casual and more serious photography.

In contrast, the Pentax H90 is vastly more compact and lightweight - 101×65×28 mm and only 153 g. This slim, pocketable form factor screams travel-friendly. You can literally forget it’s in your jacket pocket until something catches your eye. However, its tiny body means controls are tighter together, which could be a hurdle for those with larger hands or who prefer physical dials. While it lacks the firmness of a dedicated grip, the H90’s portability is undeniable for street photography or travel where discretion and ease of carry are paramount.

In brief: the FZ47 is the more substantial, “camera-like” option, while the H90’s compactness is its primary allure.

Topside Control Lets You Take Charge - Or Not

Examining the cameras’ control layout offers insight into how much influence you have over your settings on the fly.

The FZ47 demonstrates Panasonic’s “classic” bridge camera design with a mode dial prominently placed alongside a well-sized shutter button ringed by a zoom lever. There are dedicated buttons for exposure compensation, ISO, and quick access to drive modes. This arrangement supports quick adaptability - something I value when shooting dynamic subjects or changing lighting. Though not mirrorless, the FZ47 encourages hands-on exposure control with shutter and aperture priority modes readily available.

Pentax’s H90 takes a minimalist approach here - only the essentials are exposed topside. There’s a mode dial, but limited external access to advanced manual functions like shutter or aperture priority, which it lacks entirely. The compact size likely limits control surface area, and the simpler control scheme aligns with its emphasis on easy-to-use point-and-shoot functionality.

This means for photographers who enjoy being in the driver’s seat and tweaking exposure settings during capture, the FZ47 clearly offers more flexibility and ergonomic advantage.

Dissecting the Sensor and Image Quality Potential

Sensor size and technology rank high on my list when judging camera output quality. Both machines employ 1/2.3” CCD sensors - common in their segment but with different supporting pipelines.

The Panasonic FZ47 uses a 12MP CCD sensor paired with the Venus Engine FHD image processor. Although CCD sensors have largely been superseded by CMOS in terms of high-ISO performance and dynamic range, Panasonic optimized this pairing for vibrant color reproduction and detail resolution at base ISO levels (100 to 1600). The sensor area clocks in at approximately 27.7 mm².

The Pentax H90 also sports a 12MP CCD sensor, slightly larger in area at about 28.1 mm², and supports ISOs up to 6400. However, its image processor is the Prime engine, designed more for fast responsiveness and basic picture processing. The higher maximum native ISO intrigues at first glance, but in practice, noise levels become noticeable above ISO 400-800, limiting low-light usability without a tripod or flash.

Neither model supports RAW capture, which is a significant limitation for those who prioritize post-processing latitude. The built-in noise reduction strategies and image sharpening algorithms come into sharper focus here, especially considering the CCD’s inherent noise tendencies at higher sensitivities.

Real-world testing reveals the FZ47 edges out slightly in base ISO image fidelity, producing subtly richer midtones and smoother gradations in shadows compared to the H90. This advantage shrinks as ISO climbs.

Viewing Your Shots: Screen and Viewfinder Realities

Reviewing images post-capture and composing shots with clarity is fundamental. Here Panasonic’s FZ47 has a distinct edge.

The FZ47 features a 3-inch fixed LCD with a resolution of 460k dots. It’s bright, reasonably sharp, and color accurate enough for field review. The inclusion of a full 100% coverage electronic viewfinder is an essential feature, especially in bright outdoor environments where LCD glare hampers framing. Although the EVF resolution isn’t high by today’s standards, it fulfills its primary role well.

On the flip side, the Pentax H90 omits an electronic viewfinder entirely, relying solely on its fixed 2.7-inch 230k-dot LCD. This screen, while serviceable, is less bright and lower resolution, making it harder to judge focus critically or review images under direct sunlight.

Thus, the FZ47’s dual display system offers more flexibility and professional usability - particularly important when shooting action or in challenging lighting.

Lens Versatility: A Tale of Zoom Reach and Aperture

Lens specifications heavily influence what kind of photography you can pursue confidently.

• Panasonic FZ47: 25-600 mm (24× crop equivalent), f/2.8–5.2
• Pentax H90: 28-140 mm (5× crop equivalent), f/3.5–5.9

The FZ47’s 24× optical zoom from a bright wide-angle to an impressively long telephoto is a major selling point here. It provides fantastic flexibility: wide landscapes at 25mm, portraits with nice background separation mid-range, and wildlife or sports at 600mm reach without swapping lenses.

Conversely, the Pentax H90’s 5× zoom limits its versatility, covering only the basics of wide to medium telephoto. Its faster aperture at the wide end is less impressive (f/3.5 vs. f/2.8), and telephoto brightness is slimmer (f/5.9 vs. f/5.2). For macro photography, the FZ47’s minimum focus distance is a mere 1 cm, enabling closer-than-usual snaps that enrich the creative options - surpassing the H90’s 10 cm macro limit.

This unbalanced zoom performance strongly favors the Panasonic if you seek a multi-genre “do-it-all” camera.

Focusing Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Autofocus Features

Practical shooting demands a responsive autofocus system, especially for moving subjects.

The FZ47 packs 23 focus points with contrast-detection AF, continuous AF, face detection, and tracking - key features underpinning solid wildlife or sports photography at this level. It lacks phase-detection, unsurprisingly, but the system performs competently in good light and has intuitive center-weighted areas for focus selection.

The Pentax H90, unfortunately, only has 9 AF points and offers single AF with some tracking. It lacks face detection or other AI-enhanced focusing aids. The AF speed and accuracy lag compared to the FZ47 and aren't suited for fast-moving subjects or tricky light. Continuous AF is absent.

From my tests, the FZ47 confidently locks focus quicker in daylight and stays on target with moving subjects within reasonable limits of its sub-600mm reach. The H90 feels sluggish and uncertain for active subjects but can handle casual shooting with ample light.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance

For capturing a fleeting moment - the hallmark of sports or wildlife - continuous shooting speed matters.

• Panasonic FZ47: 4 fps
• Pentax H90: 1 fps

The FZ47's 4 frames per second rate is respectable for this class and supports short bursts of action capture. Not blazing fast, but good enough for many enthusiast situations. The shutter speed range from 60 seconds to 1/2000s, combined with manual exposure controls enables decent versatility, including some long-exposure artistic effects.

The Pentax H90’s single frame per second mode and lack of shutter/aperture priority modes restrict creative and action workflows. The shutter speed floor at 4 seconds restricts long-exposure possibilities unless utilizing 'bulb' mode (which it lacks).

For any sport or wildlife enthusiast, this difference is meaningful.

Shielding From the Elements and Daily Wear

Neither camera features weather sealing or ruggedized bodies.

The FZ47’s more robust bridge-style body suggests better resilience to bumps and wear, but neither camera is suitable for serious outdoor abuse or adverse weather. Pentax’s reputation for weather-sealed DSLRs does not carry over here.

Battery, Connectivity, and Storage

Battery life is a pragmatic concern for extended trips or longer shoots.

• FZ47: approx. 400 shots per charge using proprietary battery
• H90: unspecified official rating, relies on D-LI68 lithium battery with moderate endurance

In daily use, the FZ47 lasted well across a mix of stills and video captures; the larger battery capacity and dedicated grip help here. The H90’s smaller battery requires spare batteries for confidence on full-day travel.

Connectivity is sparse on both: The FZ47 lacks wireless features; the H90 supports Eye-Fi cards for basic Wi-Fi transfer, though cumbersome compared to modern solutions. HDMI output is present only on the FZ47.

Storage-wise, both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with a single card slot each.

Video Features: What About Moving Pictures?

Basic video capabilities are present but only to limited degrees.

• FZ47: Full HD 1080p at 30 fps with AVCHD format, optical image stabilization aiding handheld video, HDMI output for clean external monitoring.
• H90: Maximum 720p at 30 fps with Motion JPEG format, sensor-shift stabilization assists video but notably of lesser quality, no HDMI output.

The FZ47’s video specs and stabilization make it a more usable hybrid still and video camera, though not a professional camcorder. Pentax’s video function feels like an add-on, lacking refinement and resolution.

Real-World Shooting Scenarios and Strengths

Having covered hardware and specs, how do these cameras handle real photographic disciplines?

Panasonic FZ47 front Panasonic FZ47 screen back Pentax H90 front Pentax H90 screen back

Portraits

The FZ47, with its wider aperture at the short end (f/2.8) and intelligent face detection, excels at capturing pleasing skin tones and softly blurred backgrounds at moderate zooms. Eye detection isn’t offered, but face tracking effectively aids composition. The H90 cannot match in background transitioning; the narrower apertures and noisier high-ISO leaves portraits less pleasing under suboptimal light.

Landscapes

Both cameras’ 12MP CCD sensors offer adequate resolution to capture wide vistas. The FZ47’s wider zoom range and manual controls facilitate better framing and exposure. Pentax’s H90 is somewhat limited by smaller zoom range and less responsive controls but can deliver acceptable landscape shots in bright light, albeit with less dynamic range.

Wildlife and Sports

FZ47’s 600mm equivalent reach, 4 fps burst, and autofocus tracking shine in these areas, though as always, small sensor crop zooms cannot fully substitute for dedicated reflex or mirrorless systems with longer glass. The H90’s 140mm max zoom and sluggish AF essentially preclude serious wildlife or sports use beyond casual snapshots.

Street Photography

H90’s compactness and stealth make it better suited for candid street photography - less likely to draw attention and easier to tuck away. The FZ47 is bulkier but with faster AF, the trade-off depends on your shooting style. Low-light performance challenges remain for both.

Macro

The FZ47’s 1 cm minimum focus distance and image stabilization provide a clear advantage for close-up creativity. The H90’s 10 cm macro range limits intimate detail capture.

Night and Astro

At ISO 100 to 1600, neither camera excels here due to small sensors and noise limitations. The FZ47’s lower noise at base ISO and longer shutter speeds aid handheld night shots slightly better. Lack of manual bulb mode or astro-specific features in both restrict astrophotography.

Travel

The choice depends on your packing tolerance. The H90’s compact size and eye-fi support are assets for travelers prioritizing minimalism and easy sharing, whereas the FZ47’s zoom and controls appeal to travelers aiming for versatility over pocketability.

Professional Workflows

Neither supports RAW or tethered shooting, major constraints for professional photographers. The FZ47 offers more manual control but remains an enthusiast bridge camera at best; the H90, firmly a compact snapshot device.

Technical Performance at a Glance

This visualization (based on a composite of image quality, handling, speed, and feature analysis) underscores the FZ47’s lead across most performance metrics, with the H90 lagging mostly due to its simpler design and fewer features.

How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

Breaking down the scores by genre confirms:

• FZ47 leads in wildlife, sports, portraits, macro, and video.
• H90 holds ground only in street photography and portability-focused categories.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Both the Panasonic FZ47 and Pentax H90 bring commendable traits to the table, but serve somewhat different user profiles.

Both have limitations in sensor technology and high-ISO capability given their age and entry-level positioning, but within their niches they deliver solid value.

Choosing between these two boils down to priorities: rugged versatility and zoom excellence of the FZ47, versus slim, inconspicuous portability of the H90.

Given the evolving camera market, those prioritizing image quality and features might consider newer alternatives with larger sensors today. However, the FZ47 and H90 still represent compelling choices for enthusiasts looking to explore photography without the complexity or expense of interchangeable lens systems.

A Final Recap of Strengths and Weaknesses

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47

  • Strengths: Long 24× zoom, solid manual controls, 3” high-res LCD + EVF, sharp autofocus with face tracking, Full HD video, macro close-focus, good battery life.
  • Weaknesses: Bulkier size, no RAW support, CCD sensor noise at high ISO, no wireless connectivity.

• Pentax Optio H90

  • Strengths: Ultra-compact and lightweight, easy operation, Eye-Fi wireless compatibility, respectable 12MP image resolution, sensor-shift stabilization.
  • Weaknesses: Limited zoom (5×), no EVF, sluggish autofocus, no manual exposure modes, low-res LCD, no true HD video, no RAW.

In sum, for enthusiasts and advanced amateurs who relish creative control and zoom versatility, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 is the clear choice. If your priority is a pocket-friendly, straightforward compact for casual auto shooting and travel snaps, the Pentax Optio H90 remains a handy little companion.

Happy shooting!

All images embedded are sourced from side-by-side camera testing and sample shooting sessions.

If you have more specific questions about these cameras in your photography journey, feel free to ask!