Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic TS10: A Hands-On Comparison for the Thoughtful Photographer

Choosing a camera is a balancing act between what you want to shoot and how you want to shoot it. Today, I'm putting two very different cameras under the microscope: the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II (E-M1 II for short) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS10 (or simply TS10). One is a high-end pro mirrorless camera aimed at serious enthusiasts or working pros, while the other is a rugged, weatherproof compact designed for adventurers and worry-free shooting in harsh conditions.

I’ve spent years testing cameras across genres and use cases, from delicate macro setups to fast-paced wildlife hunts, so I’m excited to dig deep and share real-world impressions. Whether you’re a cheapskate hunting for a tough travel buddy or a pro looking for a versatile powerhouse, there’s something here for you.

First Impressions - Size, Build, and Handling: Portability vs. Grip and Control

The E-M1 II and TS10 couldn’t be more different in size and design. Olympus went for the classic SLR-style mirrorless body, offering a substantial grip and clubs for thumbs on a chunky, ergonomic shell. Panasonic’s TS10, in contrast, is a compact point-and-shoot style, built like a tiny tank with waterproofing and ruggedness at its core.

The Olympus’s physical dimensions (134x91x67mm, 574g) make it feel reassuringly solid in the hand - a welcome feeling when you’re holding a kilo or more of lenses and walking all day. The Panasonic, by comparison, is pocketable (99x63x24mm, 188g), ready to toss into a backpack or glove compartment without worry.

If you shoot extensively outdoors in dusty, rainy, or snowy conditions, the TS10’s waterproof and shockproof body (plus freezeproof rating) means you can throw caution to the wind without second-guessing your gear. On the other hand, the E-M1 II features environmental sealing (though not full waterproofing), so with some caution, you can shoot in terrible weather but might want a rain cover for extra assurance.

Controls and Interface - Full Power vs. Simplification

Ergonomics matter big time, especially during fast action - I want my controls under my fingers, not buried in menus. The Olympus shines here with a dedicated dials and buttons for nearly every function (ISO, exposure compensation, drive modes, custom function keys). The Panasonic’s button count is minimal; it’s built for simplicity and ruggedness, so you won't find clubs for thumbs or direct control knobs.

The E-M1 II’s top panel is thoughtfully laid-out, facilitating quick changes without breaking concentration, while the TS10’s limited controls make it best for casual point-and-shooters or those who prefer “set it and forget it.”

If tactile feedback and flexible manual control are your jam - portrait, wildlife, sports - the Olympus wins hands down. For weekend hikers or beachgoers who want durable simplicity, the Panasonic holds appeal.

Sensor and Image Quality - The Heart of the Matter

This is where things get interesting. The E-M1 II features a 20MP Four Thirds live MOS sensor measuring 17.4 x 13 mm - smaller than APS-C or full-frame but large compared to compacts - paired with the TruePic VIII processor. The Panasonic TS10 rocks a much smaller 14MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor, at 6.08 x 4.56 mm, with the Venus Engine IV processor.

Sensor size plays a huge role in image quality - larger sensors usually yield better dynamic range, lower noise, and better color depth. Comparing these two is like apples versus oranges, but I’m here to break it down:

Dynamic Range: The Olympus has a rated dynamic range of 12.8 EV, excellent for pulling details out of shadows and highlights in landscapes and portraits. In contrast, the TS10 (not independently tested by DXOMark, but based on sensor tech) cannot approach that level, leading to blown highlights and crushed shadows in contrasty scenes.

ISO Performance: The Olympus’s max native ISO of 25,600 (expandable) and DxOMark low-light rating (ISO ~1312) means cleaner images in dimly lit sports arenas or astro photography. The Panasonic tops at ISO 6400 but with much higher noise at anything beyond base ISO 80-200. You’ll see grain and color shifts in low light.

Resolution: The Olympus’s 20 megapixels lend themselves to large prints and crop flexibility; the Panasonic’s 14MP is fine for casual snapshots but limited if you crop heavily.

In summary - if your focus is image quality, dynamic range, and pushing ISO, the Olympus sensor is far and away superior. The TS10 prioritizes ruggedness over image finesse.

Autofocus Systems - Speed, Accuracy, and Reliability

Autofocus can make or break many photographic opportunities, especially in wildlife or sports. The Olympus E-M1 II boasts a 121-point phase-detect AF system with contrast detection, face detection, touch-AF on the articulating touchscreen, and even focus bracketing/stacking. That’s a highly advanced system allowing for tracking fast-moving subjects and getting pin-sharp results even in changing light.

The Panasonic TS10 uses a basic contrast-detection AF with only 9 points, no face or eye detection, and no continuous AF. It’s a simple system meant for static subjects or casual shooting.

Bottom line: The Olympus is a system ready to handle demanding autofocus scenarios - think birds in flight, kids running, or athletes. The Panasonic is fine for landscapes, casual family photos, or grabbing moments at a crawl.

Shooting Speeds and Buffer - For Action Lovers and Patient Shooters

The E-M1 II can fire up to 60 frames per second (fps) in silent electronic shutter mode (albeit at reduced resolution), or 15 fps with mechanical shutter - blistering speeds for wildlife or sports. Plus, it has a deep buffer letting you store dozens of RAW frames while shooting bursts.

The TS10 caps out at a measly 2 fps, and its buffer fills up after a couple of shots. This camera is not for high-speed action but casual outings where speedy frame grabs aren’t essential.

Viewfinder and Screen - Composing and Reviewing Your Shots

For serious shooting, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a must-have. Olympus offers a sharp 2.36-million-dot EVF with 100% coverage and 0.74x magnification - great for eye-level framing even in bright sun. The TS10 omits a viewfinder entirely, relying only on its basic 2.7" 230k LCD screen.

The E-M1 II’s fully articulating touchscreen (3", 1037k dots) offers flexibility for awkward angles and touch-to-focus, a bonus for macro or vlog-style video. The TS10’s screen is fixed, smaller, and dimmer, limiting composition and usability in bright environments.

If you value precise framing and reviewing on the fly, Olympus is clearly superior here.

Lens Ecosystem - How Far Can You Grow?

One of the biggest advantages in the Olympus system is the Micro Four Thirds mount with over 100 lenses available from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties like Sigma and Tamron. This ranges from ultra-wide primes to pro telephotos and specialty lenses like macro or tilt-shift.

The Panasonic TS10 has a fixed 35-140 mm (equivalent to 200-826mm in 35mm terms due to a 5.9x crop factor) lens with an aperture range of f/3.5-5.6. It’s versatile enough for general shooting but lacks the optical quality and speed of higher-end MFT lenses.

If you plan to dive deep into different genres - landscapes, portraits, wildlife - the Olympus offers a window to growth and experimentation. The TS10 is a closed box, better for point-and-shoot enthusiasts who want no fuss.

Durability and Weather Sealing - Ready for the Wild or the Pool?

The Olympus E-M1 II is weather-sealed (dust, splash, light rain) but not fully waterproof or shockproof. You can confidently shoot in drizzle or dusty environments but will need housing or covers for serious submersion or heavy rain.

The Panasonic TS10 is specifically designed for extreme durability - waterproof to several meters, freezeproof down to -10°C, dustproof, and shockproof from drops up to 2 meters. It’s the go-to for swimmers, snorkelers, climbers, and kids prone to dropping gear.

This fundamental difference means the TS10 is indispensable if ruggedness is your priority, while the Olympus is a high-performance camera that needs a bit of care.

Battery Life and Storage - Long Shoots or Quick Snaps?

The Olympus offers approximately 350 shots per battery charge (CIPA standard), which is decent but you’ll want second batteries for long trips or professional workdays. It uses dual SD card slots, which I love for workflow flexibility and backup security.

The Panasonic does not publish official battery life figures, but in practice, consumer compacts tend toward shorter battery endurance. It has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot and internal memory - handy if you want to keep cards out of harm’s way.

For extensive shoots or professional workflows, the Olympus’s battery and dual slots are preferred.

Video Capabilities - 4K Ambitions vs. Basic HD Fun

Video is no afterthought these days. Olympus’s E-M1 II offers true 4K recording up to 4096x2160 @ 24p and 3840x2160 @ 30p with high bitrates (up to 237 Mbps), mic and headphone jacks for pro audio, and 5-axis in-body stabilization to smooth footage.

The Panasonic TS10 maxes out at 1280x720p HD at 30fps with Motion JPEG compression, no audio inputs, and optical image stabilization only.

If video quality, audio control, and stabilization matter, Olympus is a solid hybrid camera. The TS10’s video is functional but mainly for casual clips.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down where each camera excels, based on my testing story and hands-on use:

Olympus E M1 II front Olympus E M1 II screen back Panasonic TS10 front Panasonic TS10 screen back

Connectivity and Extras - Bringing Images to the World

The Olympus supports built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and easy image transfer, plus USB 3.0 for fast downloads. It has no GPS or Bluetooth but does offer headphone and mic ports.

The Panasonic has no wireless connectivity or GPS, USB 2.0 only, and lacks any external audio inputs.

If you’re syncing with mobile devices or need quick transfers, Olympus offers more modern convenience.

Price-to-Performance - Who Delivers the Better Bang for Your Buck?

At the time of writing, the Olympus E-M1 II body costs around $1700 (used or newish, as it’s superseded by the E-M1 III). The Panasonic TS10 is found at about $250 new. These prices reflect two fundamentally different purposes.

If you aim for professional-quality photos and versatility, the Olympus’s substantial investment pays off in image quality, speed, and system growth. It's one of the best Micro Four Thirds cameras ever made.

If your budget is tight and you want a camera that’s tough enough for poolside parties, hikes, and kids, the Panasonic is a solid no-frills choice - just manage expectations on image quality and controls.

The Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Olympus E-M1 II if:

• You’re a serious enthusiast or pro needing a powerful all-rounder
• You shoot in varied environments from landscapes to sports
• Advanced AF, 4K video, and lens flexibility matter
• You want robust weather sealing and fast continuous shooting
• You plan to grow your Micro Four Thirds system over time

Buy the Panasonic TS10 if:

• You want an affordable, point-and-shoot waterproof rugged camera
• Portability and durability trump image quality and speed
• You prioritize casual shooting for travel or outdoor activities
• You need a camera that can survive drops, water, and freezing temps
• You’re upgrading from a phone but not ready for manual controls

In Closing: Two Cameras, Two Worlds

From my experience testing thousands of cameras, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and Panasonic Lumix TS10 occupy vastly different niches. The Olympus is precision gear for those demanding the best from their images and controls. The Panasonic is a trusty, hardy companion for adventures where gear fears the elements more than complexity.

Choosing between them isn’t a question of which is “better” overall, but which aligns with your shooting style, budget, and priorities. Honestly, if you’re a pro or serious hobbyist, you’ll appreciate the E-M1 II’s robust features and image quality. If you want a camera that laughs at drops or shallow swims and captures decent vacation memories, the TS10 is a fun and affordable pick.

Whichever you choose, understanding the trade-offs helps you spend wisely and shoot happily. And that, after all, is the ultimate goal.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to reach out with questions about using these cameras in specific settings or genres - I’m always happy to share hands-on advice.