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Panasonic FH2

 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 front
 
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-112mm (F3.1-6.5) lens
  • 121g - 94 x 54 x 19mm
  • Revealed January 2011
  • Other Name is Lumix DMC-FS16
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
96
Imaging
37
Features
33
Overall
35

Panasonic FH2 overview

Panasonic FH2 is Panasonic's Small Sensor Compact camera originally released on January of 2011. The camera uses a 14MP, CCD 1/2.3" size sensor with a maximum resolution of 4320 x 3240. It is referred to as "Lumix DMC-FS16" in other markets.

The FH2 ranks at #93 out of 261 in Small Sensor Compact cameras & all around #921 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. Remember to use our Smart camera finder to find camera rankings based on your personal criteria.

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Below is a graph of multiple criteria used in the scoring system.

Panasonic FH2 family

The Panasonic FH2 has a history of related cameras. Below, you can see all older and the latest models as well as important specifications.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FH10 front thumbnailPanasonic FH10
FH2 vs FH10
26-130mm
F2.8-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-F5 front thumbnailPanasonic F5
FH2 vs F5
28-140mm
F3.2-6.5
14MP1/2.3"2013
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FH8 front thumbnailPanasonic FH8
FH2 vs FH8
24-120mm
F2.5-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FH6 front thumbnailPanasonic FH6
FH2 vs FH6
24-120mm
F2.5-6.4
14MP1/2.3"2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FH7 front thumbnailPanasonic FH7
FH2 vs FH7
28-112mm
F3.1-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FX90 front thumbnailPanasonic FX90
FH2 vs FX90
24-120mm
F2.5-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FX78 front thumbnailPanasonic FX78
FH2 vs FX78
24-120mm
F2.5-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FH2 front thumbnailPanasonic FH228-112mm
F3.1-6.5
14MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FH25 front thumbnailPanasonic FH25
FH2 vs FH25
28-224mm
F3.3-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FH5 front thumbnailPanasonic FH5
FH2 vs FH5
28-112mm
F3.1-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FH27 front thumbnailPanasonic FH27
FH2 vs FH27
28-224mm
F3.3-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2011
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FX700 front thumbnailPanasonic FX700
FH2 vs FX700
24-120mm
F2.2-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FX75 front thumbnailPanasonic FX75
FH2 vs FX75
24-120mm
F2.2-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FH1 front thumbnailPanasonic FH1
FH2 vs FH1
28-140mm
F2.8-6.9
12MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FH22 front thumbnailPanasonic FH22
FH2 vs FH22
28-224mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FH3 front thumbnailPanasonic FH3
FH2 vs FH3
28-140mm
F2.8-6.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FH20 front thumbnailPanasonic FH20
FH2 vs FH20
28-224mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FS25 front thumbnailPanasonic FS25
FH2 vs FS25
29-145mm
F3.3-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2009
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FX580 front thumbnailPanasonic FX580
FH2 vs FX580
25-125mm
F2.8-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2009
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FX48 front thumbnailPanasonic FX48
FH2 vs FX48
25-125mm
F2.8-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2009
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ28 front thumbnailPanasonic FZ28
FH2 vs FZ28
27-486mm
F2.8-4.4
10MP1/2.3"2009

Panasonic FH2 Pros and Cons

Here is a shortlist of good and bad points of the Panasonic FH2 based on things that are oftentimes viewed as useful in a camera.

better than average battery (270 per charge)
decently wide (28mm)
features face detect focus
features tracking focus
flash built-in
good megapixels (14 megapixels)
good min ISO (100)
has image stabilization (Optical)
in built lens has zoom (28-112mm 4.0 x zoom)
includes touch to focus
lighter than competitors in class (121g)
can't change lens (fixed lens mount)
doesn't feature selfie friendly display
external flash not possible
lack of aperture priority mode
lack of HDMI support
lack of headphone jack
lack of manual focus
lack of mic jack
lack of phase detect auto focus
lack of RAW format
lack of shutter priority mode
lack of Time Lapse mode
low resolution screen (230 thousand dot)
no manual control
no moving screen
screen is somewhat small (2.7 inches)
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
slow continuous shooting (4.0 fps)
sluggish at full zoom (f6.5)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
video res low (1280 x 720 resolution)
Photography Glossary

Panasonic FH2 Sensor features

The Panasonic FH2 features the Venus Engine IV chip. The sensor size on the Panasonic FH2 is 6.08mm x 4.56mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 4320 x 3240 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera comes with Image Stabilization (Optical). Sensor stabilization is better than digital stabilization since the latter can cause cropping.

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The CCD sensor has 14 megapixels and supports a native ISO range of 100 to 6400. Unfortunately, RAW files are not saved which means that you have less room to maneuver in post.

The graphic below shows the FH2's sensor size in comparison to other common sizes. The FH2 sensor has a crop factor of 5.9 and is pointed out in green.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 sensor size Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

To get a sense of specific aspect ratios, you can refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Panasonic FH2 dimensions

Panasonic FH2 weighs around 0.27 pounds (121 gr / 4.27 oz) & has exterior dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7"). The weight of normal Small Sensor Compact camera is 174 gr and the Panasonic FH2 is lighter compared to its rivals.

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Below is a pic of the Panasonic FH2 with a soda so you're able to get a feel for its size.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 dimensions scale

The top view here will provide the button layout on the FH2.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 topview buttons dials

Panasonic FH2 Lens features

The FH2 comes with a built in lens giving a focal range of 28-112mm making it a 4.0 x zoom which won't be ideal but it will surely be handy in a few circumstances.

At it's widest 28mm, it comes with an aperture of f3.1 and that is pretty sluggish and not good for low light events and you may find it difficult to get a shallow depth of field. You will likely also have to increase your ISO setting producing noisy files. For the long end, 112mm comes at f6.5 making it fairly sluggish and you might have to choose slow shutter speeds.

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Panasonic FH2 Connectivity

The FH2 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes

Cameras with NFC and Bluetooth connectivity can be controlled wirelessly through smartphones. You can copy photos and sometimes change camera settings without connecting straight with the camera.

Several apps also allow a Liveview and click the shutter if you aren't close to the camera. If the camera provides a HDMI port, it can be connected to an external display. A lot of cameras will allow you to charge the battery through the USB socket.

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Panasonic FH2 Video features

The maximum video quality on the Panasonic FH2 is 1280 x 720 and you can save in Motion JPEG format. 720p is terrible for today's requirements. You really should target at least FUll HD quality for video. The body doesn't feature a microphone and headphone jack which means you have got zero control over the sound. It is probably best to have a look at a different camera if you want good sound for your video clips.

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Panasonic FH2 Weather Sealing

Panasonic FH2 doesn't have weather proofing so rainy conditions could affect the camera.

Panasonic FH2 Display and Viewfinder

The Panasonic FH2 houses a 2.7 inch fixed display with a resolution of 230 thousand dots.

Please note that the display screen has no touch support.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 screen and viewfinder Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

The ViewFinder specifications for Panasonic FH2 are the following:

  • ViewFinder None

For bright outdoor conditions that make the camera screens washed out and tricky to see, viewfinders will be particularly helpful.

Panasonic FH2 Shutter features

Panasonic FH2 continuous shooting speed is 4.0 fps. The maximum shutter speed is 1/1600 sec.

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Panasonic FH2 Flash and Hot shoe features

Panasonic FH2 comes with just in-built flash without external flash ability.

Panasonic FH2 Autofocus features

Panasonic FH2 comes with only Contrast Based AF & lacks Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more snappier & precise compared to Contrast Based autofocusing. The camera boasts Face detect which makes it valuable for people photography.

The Sensor boasts 11 focus points to pick from. Panasonic FH2 has tap to focus. You can easily use your fingers to shift where you focus. It also features Tracking AF for moving things. Panasonic FH2 has not got manual focusing. Manual focusing option can be good in low light conditions or you want more exact control on depth of field.

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Panasonic FH2 Battery life

The battery in the Panasonic FH2 is designed to last for 270 images based on the CIPA benchmarks which is above standard in comparison to its category. The general Small Sensor Compact camera battery life is 241. Fujifilm X30 offers the highest possible (470) battery life in this kind of cameras.

Below is a collection of Small Sensor Compact cameras that come with the highest battery life:

Panasonic FH2 for specific categories of photography

The following graph shows a summation of the Panasonic FH2 for specific categories of photography. To find out more, browse to the specific section below.

Panasonic FH2 Portrait photography information

The Panasonic FH2 receives a points total of 33 which is lousy, meaning that it is just not acceptable for portrait images. Taking portrait images favors heavily to sensor size, RAW support & ability to utilize off-camera flash.

Photography Glossary
MP count decent (14 megapixels)
supports face detection autofocus
no manual focus
lack of manual mode
cannot use external flash
small sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files

Panasonic FH2 Street photography features

Coming in at a above average points total of 67, the Panasonic FH2 is a respectable pick to buy for street photography. A good street photography camera gives a good balance of image quality plus portability.

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image stabilization (Optical)
provides touch focus
lighter than others in class (121g)
no articulating screen
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW format

Panasonic FH2 as a Sports photography camera

A lousy sports photography points tally of 43 suggests the Panasonic FH2 is just not acceptable for taking photos of sports. A camera must have great tracking plus continuous shooting for sports photography.

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has image stabilization (Optical)
decent megapixels (14MP)
supports tracking focus
better than average battery life (270 CIPA)
slow fps (4.0 fps)
lack of shutter priority mode
sensor is small (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect autofocus

Panasonic FH2 Travel photography features

Portability is really crucial when picking a travel camera. On the whole, the Panasonic FH2 gets a very good 72 as a travelling camera which is a fine pick to take with you on your holidays.

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great battery (270 per charge)
lighter than average (121 grams)
offers focus by touch
decent MP (14MP)
flash built-in
rather wide (28mm)
no Timelapse recording
doesn't have a selfie friendly screen
slow max aperture (f3.1)

Panasonic FH2 as a Landscape photography camera

In case you're planning to pick a digital camera for landscape photography, the most critical factor will be image quality. The Panasonic FH2 with it's lousy rating of 41 as a landscape camera is just not acceptable in the current marketplace.

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reasonably wide (28mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
decent megapixels (14MP)
great battery (270 CIPA)
manual focus not available
can't swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
sluggish max aperture (f3.1)
screen is somewhat small (2.7 inches)
no manual mode
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
doesn't have Timelapse mode

Vlogging with Panasonic FH2

A vlogging camera preferably should offer a moving display, mic input and ideally IBIS. Taking everything in to account, the Panasonic FH2 is just not acceptable as a vlog camera as it gets a lousy rating of 32.

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rather wide (28mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
provides face detect focus
lighter than competition in class (121g)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.1)
screen isn't selfie friendly
video res low (1280 x 720 resolution)
lack of mic socket

Panasonic FH2 Alternatives

If you are in the market for replacements to the FH2, below is a collection of the highest rated cameras which fall in to the category of Small Sensor Compact.

The diagram underneath offers you a bird's eye view of the FH2 versus it's highest ranked rivals listed above.

These are some more cameras you might take into account as alternative options. To review a comprehensive comparison, simply click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand Name
Panasonic
Model type
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2
Alternative name
Lumix DMC-FS16
Class
Small Sensor Compact
Revealed
2011-01-05
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Processor Chip
Venus Engine IV
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area
27.7mm²
Sensor resolution
14 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Full resolution
4320 x 3240
RAW images
Max native ISO
6400
Min native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
Continuous AF
Single AF
Tracking AF
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
AF multi area
AF live view
Face detect focusing
Contract detect focusing
Phase detect focusing
Total focus points
11
Lens
Lens support
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
28-112mm (4.0x)
Largest aperture
f/3.1-6.5
Macro focusing range
5cm
Crop factor
5.9
Screen
Range of display
Fixed Type
Display size
2.7 inches
Display resolution
230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
None
DXO scores
DXO All around rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Slowest shutter speed
60s
Maximum shutter speed
1/1600s
Continuous shooting speed
4.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Set WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance
3.30 m
Flash options
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction
External flash
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions
1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Max video resolution
1280x720
Video file format
Motion JPEG
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
121 grams (0.27 lbs)
Dimensions
94 x 54 x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7")
Other
Battery life
270 shots
Battery format
Battery Pack
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage slots
One
Retail pricing
$149