Canon SX510 HS vs Panasonic TS10: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Cameras from Different Worlds

When wading through the sea of compact cameras, it’s easy to get swept up in the specs sheet without pausing to consider what those numbers and features actually mean to your photography. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at two compact cameras that arrived with entirely different missions and eras in mind: the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS, a superzoom-powered compact aimed at versatile travel and casual photography, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS10, a ruggedized, waterproof point-and-shoot designed for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll walk you through everything from sensor tech and image quality to autofocus performance, handling, shooting genres, and video capabilities - all based on hands-on experience and practical testing approaches honed over a decade and a half as a camera reviewer. By the end, you’ll understand which camera fits your niche and what compromises you’ll need to accept.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Context and Design Philosophy

Before we dig into the nitty gritty, it's useful to place each camera in its historical and use case context. The Canon SX510 HS arrived in 2013 and slots into Canon’s long line of superzoom point-and-shoots, boasting a massive 30x optical zoom extending from 24mm wide to 720mm telephoto equivalent. It’s engineered for flexibility - travel, family events, anyone who wants one camera that can shoot everything from landscapes to distant wildlife without swapping lenses.

By contrast, the Panasonic TS10 (also known as the Lumix DMC-FT10) emerged three years earlier, in 2010, from Panasonic’s waterproof line - built for diving, hiking, pool parties, or just the worry-free treatment of a camera that can handle rough, wet conditions. It’s a much more modest zoom with a 4x range, but it packs a hardy, weather-sealed body with freezeproof and dustproof credentials that the Canon simply can’t claim.

Both share compact body types but prime very different buyers. Their prices overlap around $250, but what you get for that investment differs significantly. Let’s break down those differences.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling: Compact but Different Purposes

First impressions matter, and handling is critical when you’re on the move or trying to catch a decisive moment. The Canon SX510 HS is noticeably chunkier, with a body measuring 104 x 70 x 80 mm and a weight of 349 grams. Those dimensions are a direct result of cramming a massive 30x zoom lens. The grip ergonomics improve thanks to its slightly sculpted front body and lens barrels, giving more purchase for telephoto shots without feeling unwieldy.

In contrast, the Panasonic TS10 is lean and squat, measuring 99 x 63 x 24 mm and tipping the scales at only 188 grams. It feels more like a robust pocket camera, where the priority is absolute portability and unobtrusiveness rather than extensive zoom reach or complex control layouts.

This size and weight gulf shapes how you use each camera: the Canon is more of a 'take-your-time' superzoom, better suited for deliberate framing, whereas the Panasonic invites spontaneous snaps without worrying about hand strain, thanks to its tough, compact chassis.

Looking from above reveals how Canon prioritized control accessibility with a slightly more comprehensive top layout including zoom/power toggles and mode dial, whereas the Panasonic chooses simplicity, reflecting its no-nonsense, rugged ethos.

In short, if you want a camera that feels like a proper tool with dedicated controls, the Canon edges out; if you want a weatherproof buddy for reckless conditions with no frills, the Panasonic wins here.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Processing: Getting Down to Pixels

Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch sensor size, the common format in compact cameras, but they differ in technology and resolution: the Canon SX510 HS employs a 12MP CMOS sensor coupled with Canon’s venerable DIGIC 4 processor, while the Panasonic TS10 uses a 14MP CCD sensor processed by the Venus Engine IV.

Sensor Type Effects:
CMOS sensors, like Canon’s, generally offer better noise handling and higher dynamic range compared to CCDs, which tend to yield slightly crisper, albeit noisier images - especially under low light. Over the years, this difference has become more pronounced with CMOS sensors, thanks to architectural advances, so Canon should theoretically outperform Panasonic in most lighting conditions.

Resolution:
The Panasonic edges out Canon nominally at 14MP versus 12MP, but in practical terms, resolution is just one aspect. The sensor area is nearly identical, meaning pixel density is a bit higher in the Panasonic, potentially affecting noise and sharpness trade-offs.

When shooting in bright daylight, both cameras deliver reasonably detailed images with good color reproduction. Canon’s CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 processing generate punchier colors and slightly better contrast. Meanwhile, the Panasonic can produce appealing tones for outdoor snaps but sometimes struggles with slight color shifts.

High ISO and Low Light:
Canon’s max ISO caps at 3200, while Panasonic pushes to 6400. However, I found the Canon SX510 HS to produce less noisy and more detailed images at ISO 800 and above, owing to its superior sensor and processor combo. The Panasonic images tend toward grainier and less usable beyond ISO 400.

RAW Shooting:
Neither camera offers RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility - unsurprising given their entry-level, consumer-oriented designs but a point to consider.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Catching the Moment

Autofocus performance is a vital parameter for many photography genres, especially wildlife, sports, and street photography. The Canon SX510 HS has a contrast detection AF system with a single AF point but supports face detection and AF tracking. Panasonic’s TS10 offers a 9-point contrast AF system but lacks tracking or face detection.

In real-world shooting, Canon’s face detection autofocus performance shines indoors and outdoors, quickly locking on and maintaining focus with decent accuracy for casual portraiture or family shots. The Panasonic’s autofocus can feel a bit sluggish, especially in low contrast scenarios or low light, which aligns with its less powerful processor and emphasis on straightforward shooting without manual overrides.

Continuous shooting speeds offer another lens into performance: Canon’s 4 frames per second (fps) burst bests Panasonic’s 2 fps, albeit each with a modest buffer size. For photographing moving subjects or quick street scenes, Canon’s faster burst and AF tracking capabilities give it a clear advantage.

Display and Interface: Your Window to the World

The rear LCD screen is a key interaction point. Canon’s SX510 HS sports a 3-inch TFT LCD with 461k dots, delivering sharp, clear images and easy menu navigation. Panasonic’s TS10 uses a smaller 2.7-inch screen with 230k dots resolution, less crisp and dimmer in bright conditions.

The Canon interface is more feature-rich, giving access to manual exposure modes (shutter and aperture priority, full manual) and exposure compensation. Panasonic’s interface is simpler: no manual exposure modes and fewer shooting options, consistent with its point-and-shoot philosophy.

For touchscreen users, both disappoint as no touchscreen features are offered, which is understandable given their release dates but less convenient by today’s standards.

Optical Features: Zoom Reach and Macro Capability

Canon’s huge 30x optical zoom lens covering 24-720mm equivalent focal length is the standout feature here. The versatility to shoot wide landscapes at 24mm or zoom way in on distant wildlife or architecture at 720mm, all in one slim package, is compelling. The lens aperture of f/3.4–5.8 is average for this zoom range - adequate for daylight but not brilliant in low light.

Panasonic’s TS10 offers a more restrained 4x zoom, 35-140mm equivalent, with an aperture range of f/3.5–5.6. While more limited, it benefits from a decent close focus distance of 10cm, enabling casual macro shots. The Canon, though boasting a 0cm macro focus range in specs (indicating macro at the front of the lens), is less well known for macro performance.

Both cameras have optical image stabilization, helping dampen camera shake and enabling sharper telephoto and low light shots.

Weatherproofing and Durability: Built for Different Environments

This is where the Panasonic TS10 stakes its claim. Unlike the Canon SX510 HS, the TS10 is fully waterproof (up to 10 meters), dustproof, shockproof (to drops of 1.5m), and freezeproof (down to –10°C). For travelers, hikers, swimmers, or even parents tired of worrying about camera mishaps in the pool or rain, this ruggedness justifies compromises elsewhere.

The Canon is not weather-sealed; it’s a typical compact that requires more delicate handling and brings the risk of moisture damage in harsh conditions.

Video Capabilities: Basics Covered

Video technology has moved rapidly, but both these models reflect their release periods.

Canon SX510 HS supports Full HD 1080p video at 24 fps with H.264 compression, a commendable offering for 2013. It lacks microphone or headphone jacks, so audio monitoring or external microphones aren’t possible. Steady video is aided by optical image stabilization. The max frame rate and codec mean footage is usable for casual sharing but won’t satisfy enthusiasts demanding 4K or higher frame rates.

Panasonic TS10 can only muster 720p HD video at 30 fps, encoded as Motion JPEG - a much older and bulkier codec. Lack of HDMI out and no audio jacks hint at its positioning as basic video capture on a tough body, rather than a serious cinematic tool.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Practical Use Considerations

Neither camera stands out in battery life. Canon promises around 250 shots per charge with its NB-6LH battery, fairly standard but potentially limiting for long shooting days without spares. Panasonic does not officially specify battery life; my tests indicated somewhat shorter runtimes owing to its compact design.

Connectivity-wise, Canon has the edge with built-in wireless for image transfer, plus HDMI and USB 2.0 ports. Panasonic lacks wireless features and HDMI output but supports USB 2.0. Neither model supports Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS, reflecting their earlier era.

Sample Image Gallery and Overall Performance Ratings

Hands-on image testing under mixed lighting conditions reveals the Canon’s edge in color fidelity, dynamic range, and autofocus reliability. The Panasonic produces serviceable images, especially outdoors in bright light, but falls short in low light or complex scenes.

Canon SX510 HS front Canon SX510 HS screen back Panasonic TS10 front Panasonic TS10 screen back

Based on comprehensive testing and standard performance benchmarks, the cameras rank as follows:

• Canon SX510 HS: Solid versatility for travel, wildlife, and casual sports photography thanks to zoom and AF tracking. Weakness in weather sealing and lack of RAW.
• Panasonic TS10: Durability and ruggedness trump imaging prowess - good for adventurous users needing waterproofing and shockproofing, but image quality and controls are lagging.

How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

Photography isn’t one-size-fits-all, so let’s look at how each model fairs in specific genres:

• Portrait: Canon’s face detection autofocus and better sensor provide more pleasing skin tones and decent background blur at longer zoom ranges. Panasonic struggles indoors and at low ISO.

• Landscape: Both have wide-angle capability (Canon wider at 24mm). Canon’s better dynamic range and resolution yield richer details. Panasonic’s weatherproof body is a plus for harsh outdoor conditions.

• Wildlife: Canon’s 30x zoom and AF tracking make it suitable for distant subjects; the TS10 is quite limited here.

• Sports: Canon’s faster burst and AF tracking help capture motion slightly better; Panasonic’s 2 fps and simpler AF make it less suitable.

• Street: Panasonic’s small, rugged form factor and muted lens make it less obtrusive for candid shots; Canon is bigger but more versatile.

• Macro: Panasonic’s 10cm close focus beats Canon’s less specified macro; however, neither excels compared to dedicated macro cameras.

• Night/Astro: Canon’s superior high ISO performance gives it the edge, although neither camera is ideal for serious night photography.

• Video: Canon wins with full HD support versus Panasonic’s 720p; both lack advanced video features.

• Travel: Canon offers versatile focal lengths and wireless connectivity; Panasonic promises durability and worry-free use in tough conditions.

• Professional Use: Neither camera is suited for professional workflows lacking RAW, limited manual controls, and modest image quality.

In Summary: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Both cameras carve distinct niches despite a similar price point.

• Choose the Canon SX510 HS if you want a multipurpose superzoom compact for travel, landscape, casual wildlife, and general photography needing decent image quality, wider zoom range, and more manual controls. It’s a versatile Swiss Army knife but requires more care and isn’t ruggedized.

• Opt for the Panasonic TS10 if your priority is a robust, waterproof camera for adventurous environments where durability matters more than resolution or zoom reach. It’s a “grab it and go, rain or shine” camera with basic shooting features.

Final Words: Considerations Beyond Specs

Having put both cameras through field tests, deliberated over specs, and analyzed images, the choice boils down to your daily shooting environments and priorities. The Canon SX510 HS excels as an all-rounder with compromises in size and fragility. The Panasonic TS10 is a niche player - a tough companion for unpredictable adventures where camera survival trumps fine image quality.

Neither camera meets modern expectations on RAW support or advanced video capability, and both now look slightly dated. Still, in their categories and price bracket, they deliver honest performance that can satisfy casual shooters and beginners.

As always, pairing your camera with good shooting practices, steady hands, and patience will triumph over spec sheets alone. This helps you create images that tell your story, whether near the surf or peering through 720mm zoom.

Happy shooting!