Olympus E-M10 III vs Panasonic FZ70: A Hands-On Comparative Guide for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting your next camera can be daunting when choices span diverse categories like mirrorless systems and superzoom bridge cameras. Today, we compare two very different yet intriguing models: the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III, an entry-level Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera launched in 2017, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70, a 2013 small sensor superzoom bridge camera with a mammoth zoom range. Both are accessible in price, but their design philosophies, technology, and photographic potential diverge substantially.

Drawing from thorough hands-on experience, technical testing, and real-world usage across photography styles, this guide unpacks the strengths and trade-offs of each model. Whether you prioritize image quality, zoom versatility, portability, or video, here’s a balanced look to help you find the right fit.

First Impressions: Ergonomics and Handling Differences

Before delving into specs, let’s talk physical feel and usability - aspects that often define your comfort during extended shoots.

• Olympus E-M10 III: Compact and lightweight at 410g, this mirrorless body mimics classic SLR ergonomics with a deep grip and tactile dials. Its sleek magnesium alloy construction gives a premium feel, encouraging confidence. The tilting touchscreen LCD enhances framing flexibility.

• Panasonic FZ70: Larger and noticeably heavier at 606g, the FZ70 is an SLR-style bridge camera. The bulk accommodates its massive 60x zoom lens. The grip is comfortable but less refined, and the fixed rear LCD lacks touchscreen capabilities. Its form factor is more imposing, which influences discretion when shooting candid scenes.

Both cameras incorporate built-in flashes and electronic viewfinders, vital for composing in bright conditions or for eye-level shooting. The E-M10 III’s EVF boasts higher resolution and better magnification than the FZ70’s more modest finder.

Ergonomically, the Olympus offers a more mature control layout with customizable buttons and a control dial that seasoned shooters will appreciate. The Panasonic favors simplicity, aimed at ease over intricate manual control. This is reflected in focusing aids, exposure overrides, and menu complexity.

For those after an intuitive tactile experience and a camera that feels like an extension of the hand, the Olympus E-M10 III typically wins. The Panasonic, while not uncopmfortable, leans towards casual or convenience-focused shooters.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Basics

The sensor lies at the heart of image quality. Here, the cameras differ fundamentally.

Sensor Size and Impact: The E-M10 III’s Four Thirds sensor is approximately eight times larger in surface area than the FZ70’s 1/2.3-inch sensor. This translates directly into enhanced light-gathering ability, dynamic range, and noise control. Larger sensors are superior for producing sharp images with rich tone gradations, especially in challenging lighting.

Image Quality Observations: Testing shows the Olympus delivers cleaner images with better color fidelity, deeper blacks, and broader highlights retention. You gain flexibility for post-processing due to excellent raw files and less aggressive noise reduction. The Panasonic’s images, while decent for its category, display more noise across ISO settings, limited dynamic range, and constrained editing latitude.

For those prioritizing printing large enlargements or professional-grade image quality, the Olympus is the clear choice. The Panasonic fits well for casual shooting and generous zoom needs where ultimate image quality is secondary.

Autofocus and Performance in Action

Performance depends heavily on autofocus (AF), burst speed, and responsiveness. Let’s examine both cameras’ abilities to track moving subjects and nail focus efficiently.

Olympus AF Highlights: The E-M10 III utilizes a dense 121-point contrast-detection system augmented by face detection and tracking. While it lacks phase detection, its hybrid TruePic VIII processor delivers quick and accurate focus in good light, performing well on portraits, street, and landscapes. Eye detection is rudimentary but reliable for human subjects. Continuous AF during burst shooting is fluid, making it apt for casual sports and wildlife action at close distances.

Panasonic FZ70 AF Behavior: The FZ70’s 23-point AF system is less sophisticated and slower, especially in low light or when zoomed to the tele end. It favors center-weighted focus, limiting compositional creativity. Tracking moving subjects is inconsistent. This is typical for bridge cameras prioritizing zoom range over cutting-edge AF tech. Its high burst frame rate (9fps) is a plus but practical use is tempered by hunting focus.

Overall, Olympus leads in autofocus versatility and speed, boosting confidence across multiple photography styles.

LCD and Viewfinder: Framing Creativity

Viewfinder quality and LCD usability profoundly affect shooting comfort.

Olympus Screen: The 3" 1.04 million-dot tilting touchscreen allows creative angles, controls menu navigation smoothly, and is high resolution for reviewing detail. Touch operations speed up focus selection and menu access. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) sports 2.36 million dots, covering 100% frame, with good clarity and natural colors.

Panasonic Screen: Its 3” TFT fixed, non-touch LCD has lower resolution (460k dots), limiting visibility in bright environments and menu responsiveness. The EVF is also lower resolution (202k dots), somewhat dark and grainy, which can hinder manual focusing precision.

In demanding lighting or complex compositions, the Olympus setup supports a more intuitive and pleasant experience.

Zoom, Lens Ecosystem, and Versatility

Lens compatibility and zoom capacity define your creative reach.

• Olympus E-M10 III: Uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, with access to over 100 lenses from Olympus and third-party brands. Options cover everything from ultra-wide to super-telephoto primes and zooms. This flexibility allows you to shape your toolkit optimally for varied shooting styles.

• Panasonic FZ70: Features a fixed 20-1200mm equivalent F2.8-5.9 zoom lens - a remarkable 60x telephoto range. This built-in lens gives exceptional reach for wildlife and distant subjects without carrying multiple lenses. However, convenience comes with optical compromises such as slower apertures on the long end and less flexibility in shallow depth-of-field control.

The E-M10 III offers superior image quality potential with interchangeable lenses, while the FZ70’s strength is the all-in-one superzoom convenience.

Stability When It Counts: Image Stabilization Systems

Blurry photos from camera shake can ruin otherwise perfect moments.

The Olympus E-M10 III’s 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization is among the best in its class, reducing shake in all directions. This aids handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds, including macro and low light photography, and smoothes handheld video.

The Panasonic relies on optical stabilization integrated into its zoom lens, which is helpful but can’t fully compensate for the added challenge of extreme zoom ranges. In practice, handholding at full zoom requires high shutter speeds or a tripod for sharp images.

Video Capabilities: What You Can Record

Video recording is crucial for hybrid shooters and content creators.

The Olympus offers sharp 4K footage with good in-body stabilization, making it a solid vlogging or multimedia choice at its price point. However, the lack of external audio input limits professional audio capture setups.

The Panasonic captures Full HD video with optical stabilization but lacks 4K and touchscreen controls. Its video modes are adequate for casual use but restricted for more refined productions.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Battery endurance and storage options define shooting sustainability.

The Panasonic FZ70 boasts slightly longer battery life, a point in its favor for extended field use. However, neither camera supports dual card slots, a feature valued by pros for backup and overflow.

Both cameras accept standard SD cards, with the Olympus supporting faster UHS cards for rapid data write speeds.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized construction. If you often shoot in adverse conditions, this is a notable limitation to consider.

Real-World Photography Genre Performance

Crafting photos involves diverse needs depending on the genre you shoot most. Here’s a genre-focused breakdown based on our testing.

Portraits

• Olympus E-M10 III shines with its nuanced color rendition, good skin tone rendering, and pleasing background blur from Micro Four Thirds lenses. Face and eye detection make focus acquisition effortless.

• Panasonic FZ70 lacks effective bokeh at full zoom and offers modest softening only at the lens’s widest apertures, which hinders creamy portrait aesthetics.

Landscape

• Olympus’s higher dynamic range and resolution capture subtle tonal gradations and fine detail. Its weather sealing absence demands caution outdoors.

• FZ70’s small sensor limits tonal depth and image clarity, though its giant zoom isn’t critical in wide vistas.

Wildlife

• Panasonic’s 60x zoom is exceptional for distant wildlife. However, AF speed and accuracy drop at long focal lengths.

• Olympus’s superior AF tracking helps in closer wildlife shoots with better image quality, but without matching reach, you may miss very long shots.

Sports

• Both cameras provide burst shooting near 9 fps, but Olympus’s better AF tracking and responsiveness give it an edge for sports.

Street Photography

• Olympus’s compact size, minimal shutter noise, and ergonomic handling favor street photography.

• Panasonic’s size and zoom lens draw more attention.

Macro

• Olympus offers better focusing precision and stabilization for macro shots.

• Panasonic allows focusing as close as 1cm, benefiting macro novices but image quality suffers.

Night / Astro

• Olympus handles high ISO much better, enabling cleaner night images.

• Panasonic’s noise rises rapidly, limiting astro usability.

Travel

• Panasonic’s all-in-one zoom reduces gear needs, helpful for travel.

• Olympus is lighter but requires additional lenses to cover the same zoom.

Professional Use

• Olympus supports raw files, more control, and stable workflow integration.

• Panasonic is more consumer focused.

Overall Grades From Real-World Testing

Viewing Sample Images: Direct Comparison

Olympus E M10 MIII front Olympus E M10 MIII screen back Panasonic FZ70 front Panasonic FZ70 screen back

Notice the Olympus image shows enhanced detail, vivid but natural colors, and smooth bokeh transition. The Panasonic sample, while sharp in center crops, struggles with noise and less pleasing bokeh.

Who Should Pick Which Camera?

Choose the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III if:

• You want superior image quality with room to grow your photography skills.
• Flexible interchangeable lenses matter to your style.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, macro, or video with quality demands.
• You prefer a compact, well-engineered mirrorless system.
• You value advanced autofocus and in-body stabilization.
• You’re ready to invest in a creative tool beyond casual snapshots.

Opt for the Panasonic Lumix FZ70 if:

• Vast zoom range in a single package is your priority.
• You enjoy wildlife or sports at a distance but have moderate image quality needs.
• You want a budget-friendly, straightforward camera for travel or general everyday use.
• You prefer not to deal with interchangeable lenses.
• Battery longevity is important.
• Portability is less of a concern than lens reach.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Our extensive testing reinforces that these cameras serve distinct user missions. The Olympus E-M10 III embodies the modern mirrorless spirit - excellent image quality, versatile lenses, and advanced features tightly packed in a stylish, approachable body. Its technologies empower creators to realize diverse visions, from street to studio lighting.

The Panasonic FZ70, though dated by today's standards, still delivers unique superzoom convenience at a low price, ideal for travelers or casual shooters seeking reach without fuss.

Consider your photographic ambitions carefully. For a lifelong creative companion and professional results, invest in the Olympus. For casual, cost-conscious zoom adventures, the Panasonic remains compelling.

Experiment hands-on when you can. Check out sample images in stores or online, and try shooting with each to understand what suits your style. Pair your choice with compatible lenses or accessories to maximize your journey as a creator.

With these insights and comparisons, you’re well equipped to select the camera that aligns with your vision and technical needs. Happy shooting!