• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 224.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-FH20 advantages over Canon S100

  • Less expensive
    $200 vs $430 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Fast startup
    ~1.70 vs 2.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • More telephoto lens reach
    224 mm vs 120 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 300 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More pixels
    14.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 8 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Canon S100 advantages over Panasonic DMC-FH20

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.90 vs 1.42 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.0 vs f/3.3
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    461k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.2 fps vs 1.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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Review Excerpt

  • Slimmer than past models; 12-megapixel resolution sensor improves on image quality across ISO range; Video includes 1080p, autofocus, and zoom during recording; HDR mode works well.

  • Costs $30 more; Slight buzz when zooming while recording video; Grip isn't as useful as it could be; Slow autofocus.

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZR1

Panasonic DMC-FH20
Panasonic DMC-ZR1
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $280
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Wider angle lens
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Canon S100
Panasonic DMC-ZR1
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $280
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZR3

Panasonic DMC-FH20
Panasonic DMC-ZR3
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Less shutter lag
Canon S100
Panasonic DMC-ZR3
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compared to Fujifilm JZ500

Panasonic DMC-FH20
Fujifilm JZ500
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Shoots 24p video
Canon S100
Fujifilm JZ500
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon S95

Panasonic DMC-FH20
Canon S95
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Canon S100
Canon S95
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Higher extended ISO

Compared to Canon S110

Panasonic DMC-FH20
Canon S110
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Canon S100
Canon S110
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
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