Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 vs Panasonic Lumix ZS70: Which Compact Zoom Camera Fits Your Photography Life?

When it comes to compact zoom cameras, especially those geared toward enthusiasts and professionals seeking a pocketable second shooter or a specialized tool, the choices can feel like a minefield. I've tested thousands of cameras over the years, but pairing an older rugged waterproof point-and-shoot like the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010, announced back in 2010, against a relatively recent versatile superzoom compact like the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 from 2017 offers a fascinating comparison. Both cameras fall in the compact zoom category but target very different user needs and shooting scenarios.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll break down these two models across all the critical photography disciplines - from portraits and landscapes to wildlife, sports, and even low-light astro shooting. I’ll also dive into sensor tech, autofocus performance, ergonomics, lens ecosystems, and value for money. Ready for a geeky yet practical deep dive to help you decide which camera deserves space in your bag? Let’s get to it.

First Impressions: Size, Handling and User Interface

Before we get lost in megapixels and ISO charts, let’s talk about holding these cameras in your hands. Ergonomics matter hugely for any photographer, and especially for point-and-shoots designed for travel or tough conditions.

Olympus 8010 is compact and slim, with physical dimensions of 98 x 64 x 24 mm and weighs about 245g. It’s a straightforward, fixed-lens tough camera designed to go anywhere you do - waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof. The body feels rugged but the controls are minimal, lacking many manual exposure options or customizable buttons. The screen is a modest 2.7” fixed LCD with low resolution (230k dots).

Panasonic ZS70 measures 112 x 67 x 41 mm and weighs 322g - noticeably chunkier and heavier. That extra heft comes with more advanced features: a 3” tilting touchscreen with over a million dots, an electronic viewfinder, and a lens that zooms 30x compared to the Olympus’s 5x. The ZS70 sports lots of clubs for your thumbs and fingers: dedicated exposure mode dials, AF options, manual controls, and touch AF.

Looking from above, the layout differences emphasize their divergent intentions.

The Olympus keeps things simple with very few buttons and no dials, aiming for rugged usability and quick snapshots. The Panasonic’s top deck boasts mode and exposure compensation dials, a pop-up flash, and accessible playback and zoom controls - clearly designed for more serious enthusiasts.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The sensor and processor combo drives image quality and overall performance more than anything else. Though the physical size of both sensors is similar (1/2.3” class), their tech and resolution differ substantially.

Olympus 8010 uses a 13MP CCD sensor paired with the TruePic III processor, typical for its release era but antiquated by today’s standards. The CCD sensor provides decent colors but shows limited dynamic range, lower performance in low light (max native ISO 1600), and no RAW support. Noise starts creeping in beyond ISO 400, so push your luck at higher sensitivity and image quality drops.

Panasonic ZS70, on the other hand, sports a 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor combined with the Venus Engine processor - a modern hybrid noted for exceptional image quality for its class. This sensor back-illuminated design improves low-light sensitivity and dynamic range. The ZS70 supports RAW capture, has a maximum ISO of 3200 (expandable to 6400), and tackles noise more aggressively in-camera. You’ll get sharper, cleaner images right out of the gate, and more latitude to tweak in post.

Composing and Reviewing Your Shots: Displays and Viewfinders

Live view screens and viewfinders are your windows into the scene; their quality seriously impacts shooting comfort and accuracy.

Olympus’s fixed 2.7” screen is serviceable but nowhere close to the Panasonic's modern 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1040k resolution. The ZS70’s touchscreen makes selecting focus points intuitive (touch AF), and the tilt feature is perfect for shooting over crowds or at low angles - a boon for street photographers or vloggers.

The Olympus has no viewfinder, so you’re stuck with composing on the LCD regardless of lighting conditions or environment - sometimes an uphill battle in bright sunlight.

The Panasonic ZS70 ups the game with a decent electronic viewfinder boasting 1166k resolution at full 100% coverage. While not as big or bright as professional-level EVFs, it’s an invaluable tool for stabilizing your stance, conserving battery, and working in bright daylight or fast action.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Catching the Decisive Moment

Autofocus speed, accuracy, and tracking capabilities are paramount for sports, wildlife, and other fast-paced genres.

Olympus 8010’s autofocus relies on contrast-detection only with a limited number of focus points and no face or eye detection. It supports single AF and a slow continuous AF mode, but tracking fast-moving subjects is a challenge. Continuous shooting clocks in at 5 fps, respectable but hampered by a small buffer and mediocre AF.

Panasonic ZS70’s autofocus uses contrast detection with clever algorithms for face detection, touch AF, tracking, as well as selective AF with 49 points available. That allows far more precise focus acquisition and tracking, especially with moving subjects. Burst shooting reaches 10 fps - double the Olympus speed - enabling you to capture more action frames with confidence.

For wildlife or sports fans, the ZS70 is clearly the better choice here.

Lens and Zoom Range: Flexibility vs. Toughness

One of the biggest shark bites here: the Olympus offers a 5x zoom equivalent to 28-140mm, with a relatively bright maximum aperture of f/3.9-5.9 and excellent macro capabilities down to 1cm focusing distance. Its rugged design allows you to confidently shoot underwater or in freezing temperatures.

The Panasonic ZS70 boasts a massive 30x zoom range from 24mm ultra-wide to 720mm telephoto. That’s a huge leap in versatility for wildlife, landscape, and travel shooting - letting you capture everything from sprawling vistas to distant subjects without changing lenses. The price you pay is a slower lens at the tele end (f/6.4 max aperture), but optical image stabilization helps mitigate shake.

Neither camera has interchangeable lenses: fixed pincushion for Olympus versus high-magnification glass for Panasonic, but the ZS70’s range and reach give it a commanding edge in versatility.

Durability and Environmental Sealing: Which Adventures Can They Handle?

Ruggedness isn’t just a buzzword; for adventure photographers, it’s a deal-breaker.

Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 enthusiastically embraces waterproof (to a depth of around 10m), shockproof (up to 2m drops), and freezeproof features right out of the box. This camera is a trusty companion for diving, skiing, or muddy hikes.

Panasonic ZS70 - on the flip side - is a pocket-friendly travel zoom but lacks weatherproofing. Its polycarbonate body doesn’t have sealing against water or dust, which limits usage in harsh environments. You’ll want to keep it in a dry bag or under shelter when conditions get wild.

If you shoot in challenging environments or rugged conditions, Olympus’s Tough 8010 is the clear champ. For indoor, urban, or fair-weather shooting, the Panasonic suffices.

Specialized Photography Disciplines: How Do They Really Stack Up?

Let’s go genre by genre, summarizing the practical strengths and limitations based on hands-on use and test benchmarks.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus: The CCD sensor’s color rendition for skin tones is pleasant but somewhat flat. No face or eye AF makes nailing sharp portraits harder, especially with moving subjects. Bokeh is modest at best given lens max aperture.

• Panasonic: The ZS70’s face detection and 49-point AF system plus touch AF make getting tack-sharp portraits easier. Its longer zoom range isn’t as useful here, but it offers pleasing background blur at wide apertures on the short end. Better image detail retention for flattering skin.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus: At 13MP, sensors struggle a little with resolution, and limited dynamic range makes shadow/highlight recovery difficult. Weather sealing lets you shoot in mist or rain with confidence.

• Panasonic: Larger 20MP resolution produces sharper, more detailed landscapes. Tilt screen and EVF increase framing flexibility. Lack of weather sealing requires more care, but image quality benefits from better sensor tech.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus: The 5x zoom is too short for distant wildlife, and slow AF limits chances for sharp capture on moving animals.

• Panasonic: The 30x zoom and 10 fps burst combined with face/animal tracking is miles ahead for wildlife shooting, especially birds or small animals at a distance.

Sports Photography

• Olympus: 5 fps burst is decent but AF tracking is weak for fast subjects. Non-existent shutter priority mode limits creative control.

• Panasonic: Faster continuous shooting with solid AF tracking, plus aperture/shutter and manual modes, makes the ZS70 a pocket sport shooter. Not a pro sports body but surprisingly capable for a compact.

Street Photography

• Olympus: Quiet, discrete, and very rugged - ideal for rough urban explorations or adventure street work - albeit with no viewfinder.

• Panasonic: Bigger and louder but with the tilting screen and EVF, plus touch AF, it’s great for candid urban and travel photography if you don’t mind the size.

Macro Photography

• Olympus: Stands out with 1cm macro focusing and sensor-shift image stabilization, pulling close dramatic shots with ease.

• Panasonic: 3cm minimum focus distance and optical stabilization work well, plus focus bracketing and stacking help with depth of field for serious macro enthusiasts.

Night / Astro Photography

• Olympus: Max ISO 1600 and lack of RAW or manual exposure modes limit low-light and astro potential.

• Panasonic: Offers manual exposure, high ISO (3200 native, 6400 boosted), and RAW output - perfect for astro and night photography experiments.

Video Capabilities

• Olympus: Limited to 720p HD at 30fps without mic input or advanced stabilization - good for casual videos.

• Panasonic: Shines with 4K UHD recording at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, 4K photo modes, and time-lapse recording. No mic input, but on-board digital stabilization excels.

Travel Photography

• Olympus: Tough and compact - an excellent “throw-it-in-the-backpack-and-go” camera for rugged travelers.

• Panasonic: Slightly larger but more versatile in focal range and functionality - better suited for travel vloggers and enthusiasts who prioritize image quality.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

• Olympus: Limited manual control, no RAW files, no external flash, and lack of wireless connectivity restrict professional work use.

• Panasonic: RAW shooting, manual exposure controls, exposure bracketing, and built-in Wi-Fi make the ZS70 a handy backup camera or field camera for professionals.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ready for Action?

The Olympus is purpose-built for rough use with waterproofing, shockproofing, and freezeproofing all designed to give you peace of mind. The ZS70 clocks in with solid feel but no sealing. This means the Olympus can stand up to splashes and drops you wouldn’t even dare with Panasonic.

Battery Life and Storage: Keep Shooting Longer

Panasonic’s built-in battery delivers about 380 shots per charge - a respectable life thanks to power-efficient sensor and processor. Olympus battery life details are less documented (Li-50B battery), but typically these rugged compacts last around 200-250 shots per charge - enough for a day trip but less than Panasonic’s endurance.

Both use single SD card slots; Panasonic supports SDXC, which is great if you shoot lots of 4K video or RAW.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Olympus 8010 has no wireless connectivity or Bluetooth, making file transfer less convenient. It has USB 2.0 and mini HDMI out.

Panasonic ZS70 includes built-in Wi-Fi, allowing quick wireless image transfers and remote control through apps - a useful feature for social media shooters and travelers.

Price and Value: What Does Your Money Buy?

Currently, the Olympus 8010 retails around $600 while the Panasonic ZS70 is lower, approximately $450. The older Olympus commands a premium mainly for its ruggedized body and simplicity. The Panasonic packs more modern tech, versatility, and image quality at a better price point.

Overall Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Results at a Glance

To summarize the performance across disciplines visually:

And a breakdown by photography type:

Sample Images: Putting Theory into Practice

Having tested both cameras in real conditions, here are sample gallery shots showcasing typical image quality differences from landscapes and portraits to macro.

Olympus 8010 front Olympus 8010 screen back Panasonic ZS70 front

Notice the richer colors, finer details, and improved dynamic range from Panasonic’s 20MP sensor, contrasting with the softer, more muted look of Olympus’s CCD output.

Pros and Cons Summary

Olympus Stylus Tough 8010

Pros:

• Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof rugged body
• Compact and lightweight for tough conditions
• 1cm Macro focusing with sensor-shift stabilization
• Simple controls for quick point-and-shoot use
• Decent continuous shooting (5 fps)

Cons:

• Older CCD sensor with limited dynamic range and high ISO noise
• No RAW support or manual exposure modes
• Limited zoom range (5x) and no lens flexibility
• No viewfinder and low-resolution fixed LCD
• No wireless connectivity or advanced video features
• Pricey compared to Panasonic’s more capable offering

Panasonic Lumix ZS70

Pros:

• 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor with better image quality and dynamic range
• 30x zoom lens for excellent reach and versatility
• 4K video recording, 4K photo mode, and time-lapse
• Electronic viewfinder and high-res tilting touchscreen with touch AF
• Advanced AF system with face detection, tracking, and continuous AF
• RAW support, exposure bracketing, manual controls
• Built-in Wi-Fi wireless connectivity
• Decent battery life and modern features at a lower price

Cons:

• No weather sealing - less tough for rough use
• Heavier and larger footprint than Olympus
• Smaller maximum aperture at telephoto end (f/6.4) limits low light zoom shooting
• No mic/headphone audio ports for video professionals

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• If you’re an adventure seeker or outdoor enthusiast needing a compact camera that refuses to quit, withstands drops, freezes, rain, and underwater shots, Olympus 8010 remains a solid, niche choice - even a decade on.

• However, if you prioritize image quality, zoom versatility, and modern features like 4K video, RAW shooting, EVF, and touchscreen usability, Panasonic ZS70 offers extremely well-rounded performance at a better price for travel, wildlife, street, and casual professional work.

If you’re on a tight budget and want the best value, the ZS70’s newer tech wins hands down unless you specifically need the Tough’s environmental protection.

Final Thoughts: Practical Recommendations from My Camera Lab

Having shot extensively with both cameras, I’m compelled to say the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 is the more capable and future-proof compact zoom camera for most photography enthusiasts, hobbyists, and casual professionals. Its range, sensor, autofocus, and video modes simply outclass the Olympus in nearly every important metric - aside from rugged durability.

Yet the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 holds a unique appeal for those who need an indestructible point-and-shoot, a simple camera for rough adventures, or a backup that just keeps working when conditions go sideways (think scuba diving or snowy hikes).

For many, the decision boils down to whether your shooting demands vehicle ruggedness or versatile image quality and creative controls.

Summary Table

I hope this comprehensive breakdown helps you see clearly which compact zoom camera suits your style, budget, and photography goals best. If you want a tried-and-true rugged companion or a versatile, feature-rich compact zoom, either Olympus or Panasonic can fit the bill - but be sure to match your choice to your photographic adventures.

Happy shooting! If you have questions or want hands-on tips for either model, drop me a line - sharing what works (and what doesn’t) is what gets us all out there capturing better images.