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Resolved Question

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 vs Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX9 ?

Feb 16, 2012 2:10PM PST

Hi, is the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX9 better than the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FH20 in terms of picture sharpness and low light performance? I am confused, I do not know if it worth to sell my Panasonic and buy the sony one.

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samerhanna22 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

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Probably Not
Feb 16, 2012 2:43PM PST

The Sony is slightly more advanced, with a CMOS sensor and a brighter lens, but probably not enough to have a significant enough difference to be worth selling your Panasonic. A true upgrade would be something like the Canon S100.

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This leads to next question
Feb 16, 2012 4:40PM PST

Thank you for the post, since you suggested Canon S100, I would ask which you think is better the Canon S100 or the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX9V or we need to wait to know more about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 which seems to be promising?

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Different Classes
Feb 17, 2012 12:01AM PST

The S100 and HX9V are very different cameras.

The S100 is an enthusiast compact, with a larger 1/1.7" sensor and "only" 12 megapixels. It also has a very bright, f/2.0 lens with a short 24-120mm equivalent focal range. It has lots of different control options, and it can shoot "RAW" images for the person who wants total flexibility using a photo editing program. Basically, a compact designed for someone who may already have a DSLR and wants the same control over exposure, but wants a pocketable second camera.

The HX9V is a travel camera. It has a smaller 1/2.3" sensor and 16 megapixel. It has a very wide 24-384mm equivalent focal range, but a dimmer lens; it does not work as well in low light without resorting to a technical "trick." The Sony has less user-defined control options, favoring pre-programmed smart and scene modes instead. It is designed for someone that mostly just wants to "point and shoot," letting the camera figure out exposure.

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the S100
Feb 17, 2012 10:41AM PST

you are right. The S100 seems to be the best for still images. I checked Canon, Sony, Panasonic and it seems that the S100 is the only compact one with 2.0 Aperture and large size sensor. may be the panasonic LX5 is close but the Canon has better other spects than it.
Thanks again for your recommendations