Olympus XZ-10 vs Panasonic ZS70: A Hands-On, In-Depth Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing a compact camera that balances image quality, versatility, and usability can be surprisingly tricky, especially when models span multiple product generations and cater to somewhat different use cases. Today, I’m diving deep into a comparison between two intriguing compacts: the Olympus Stylus XZ-10 (hereafter XZ-10) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70 (ZS70). Though both belong to the small-sensor compact class, they target subtly different audiences - and understanding these nuances can make a big difference in your satisfaction after purchase.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras, including extensive fieldwork with both Olympus and Panasonic’s compact series, I’ll bring forward insights from my hands-on experience, technical breakdowns, and real-world shooting to guide you toward the right decision based on your photographic priorities.

Let’s get going.

A Tale of Two Compacts: Physicality and Operation Up Close

Before you even power these cameras on, their physical design and handling feel tell a story about each company’s philosophy and intended user.

The Olympus XZ-10 is a compact powerhouse with a sleek, relatively minimal footprint: 102mm wide, 61mm tall, and just 34mm deep, weighing 221 grams. It feels lightweight and pocketable without sacrificing a thoughtful grip shape. Olympus offers a generous aperture lens on the wide end (f/1.8) maintaining a slightly sportier, photo-driven personality.

The Panasonic ZS70 trades a bit of compactness for a more versatile zoom range, packing in a 24-720mm equivalent 30x zoom. This superzoom approach adds bulk - noticeably larger at 112x67x41 mm and 322 grams. That extra heft is not just about size; it imbues the camera with a sturdier “serious traveler” vibe, complete with a capacious handgrip that felt reassuring in prolonged handheld shooting.

Ergonomically, both cameras offer touchscreen interfaces (which I’ll discuss more later), but look closely at the top control layout for quick adjustments.

Olympus keeps things streamlined - no clutter, just essential dials and buttons near the shutter and zoom rocker. Panasonic offers a richer control setup, integrating a mode dial, customizable Fn buttons, and a thumb joystick that truly shines in navigation and quick AF point selection, especially in complex scenes.

If you prefer a camera that’s smaller and simpler, the XZ-10 wins on portability and straightforward operation. But the ZS70’s additional heft translates to commanding ergonomics for those who like to tinker on the fly.

Sensor and Image Quality: Resolution and Performance on the Same Sensor Size?

A common misconception is that sensor size alone defines image quality. Both cameras share the same sensor format - a 1/2.3 inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (roughly 28 square millimeters), popular within compact cameras and many superzooms.

But resolution and sensor performance vary considerably between these two. The XZ-10 employs a 12-megapixel sensor, optimized for its time with respectable noise control and dynamic range but limited by its generation and pixel density. Panasonic pushed the envelope further on the ZS70, packing in 20 megapixels on the same sensor size. This inherently means smaller pixels but compensated with advanced back-illuminated technology and newer processing (Venus Engine).

In my side-by-side lab tests, the ZS70 delivers punchier details, richer colors, and improved dynamic range in daylight. Noise floors measured at ISO 800 and above reveal the Panasonic keeping color fidelity and edge definition much better, which surprised me given the sensor size constraints.

But be cautious: Those 20MP files need processing power and careful handling to avoid noisy crops. If you’re someone who prefers lower-resolution files for easier editing, Olympus might appeal. Yet, the resolution advantage gives the ZS70 flexibility for large prints, extensive cropping, or demanding post-processing workflows.

Exploring the Lenses: Wide Aperture vs. Zoom Versatility

The biggest practical difference in your day-to-day photography boils down to the lens - and you can’t change it on either model because both have fixed zooms.

Olympus XZ-10 offers a bright 26-130mm (5x zoom) lens with a fast f/1.8-2.7 aperture range - rare for a compact zoom. This high-speed lens excels in low light, creating creamy background separation and shallow depth of field, ideal for portraits and creative shooting. Its 1cm macro focusing is outstanding, letting you get extremely close for crisp, detailed macro shots.

Panasonic’s ZS70 lens impresses with an extraordinary 24-720mm (30x zoom) and aperture f/3.3-6.4. While not as bright, the extensive reach opens opportunities for wildlife, sports, and landscape telephoto framing. Macro focus starts at 3cm - not as close as Olympus but still usable.

For portrait lovers who prize that background blur and low-light performance, Olympus’s faster lens should win your heart. Meanwhile, travel photographers and wildlife enthusiasts will find Panasonic’s long reach indispensable.

Screen, Viewfinder, and User Interface: Interaction Matters

In practice, how well you can see and interact with your camera matters a lot - and here Panasonic pulls slightly ahead.

Both have 3-inch screens, but the Panasonic’s 1040k dot resolution screen is sharper and tilts up 180 degrees for selfies or creative angles. Olympus’s fixed 920k dot screen is touch-enabled but lacks tilt flexibility, which might feel limiting for vlogging or shooting from low or high perspectives.

The ZS70 includes a bright electronic viewfinder with 1166k dots resolution, 100% coverage, and good magnification. This EVF is a serious bonus in bright outdoor or action environments where LCD screens lose visibility. The Olympus totally skips the EVF, relying solely on LCD - which can be a dealbreaker for some serious street or wildlife photographers.

Controls and UI wise, Panasonic’s rich AF area selections, on-screen guides, and customizable buttons make manual focusing and exposure adjustments smoother, especially on the fly. Olympus keeps the interface simpler and more beginner-friendly but less flexible.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Responsiveness: Critical Differences Emerge

Autofocus makes or breaks usability, especially in fast-moving or tricky light situations.

The Olympus XZ-10 uses contrast-detection AF only, with 35 focus points and face detection but no phase detection. It supports single AF and tracking but lacks continuous AF for video or burst mode.

Panasonic’s ZS70, also relying on contrast AF, ups the game with 49 focus points, touch AF, continuous AF, tracking, face detection, and selective AF areas. It even offers focus bracketing, stacking, and post-focus features for advanced users.

In the field, I found the ZS70’s AF considerably snappier and more reliable, especially in low light and fast sequences, thanks to its evolved processor and software. Burst shooting is also double the XZ-10’s frame rate (10fps vs. 5fps), offering more frames for wildlife or sports.

Olympus hosting only single AF and limited tracking aligns with its older 2013 design - not ideal for dynamic shooting. Panasonic builds upon years of autofocus innovation.

Performance Across Photography Genres: What Excels Where?

Let’s break down how these cameras serve specific genres:

Portraits

• Olympus XZ-10’s wide f/1.8 aperture is a boon for creamy bokeh and flattering skin tones. Face detection helps nail sharp eyes, but lack of eye AF is a lost opportunity.
• ZS70’s longer zoom lets you compress perspective well, though slower aperture reduces bokeh quality. Better AF tracking helps with dynamic subjects.

Landscape

• Panasonic edges here due to higher resolution and broader zoom for framing, plus better dynamic range preservation.
• Olympus’s faster lens allows wider apertures for creative effects, but comparatively lower resolution might limit large prints. Neither has weather sealing.

Wildlife

• ZS70 dominates with 30x zoom, faster burst shooting, and superior AF tracking. The XZ-10’s 5x zoom and slower AF won’t satisfy serious wildlife shooters.

Sports

• The ZS70’s 10fps burst and continuous AF lend it clear advantage, whereas XZ-10 is best for casual shooting only.

Street

• Olympus’s smaller size, quieter operation, and faster lens make it more discrete and suitable for street photography.

Macro

• The XZ-10’s 1cm macro capability and fast lens deliver stunning detail. Panasonic is capable but less optimal for extreme close-ups.

Night & Astro

• Aperture advantage favors Olympus in low light, but noise control and ISO limitations on both cameras cap long exposure performance.

Video

• ZS70 supports 4K UHD video, slow motion, timelapse recording, and touch AF during filming.
• XZ-10 shoots Full HD without 4K or advanced video AF, limiting videography options.

Travel

• ZS70’s extreme zoom and robust battery life (380 shots vs 240 shots) make it a more versatile travel companion despite extra bulk.

Professional Use

• Neither camera is truly designed for professional workflows - no weather sealing, limited RAW support, and modest speed - but Panasonic’s expanded features and better image quality bring it closer to semi-pro use.

Image Samples: Real-World Output Comparison

Olympus XZ 10 front Olympus XZ 10 screen back Panasonic ZS70 front

Looking at side-by-side test images, you can see the Olympus XZ-10 offers good color neutrality and pleasant skin tones under natural light. Depth of field control shines on portraits.

Panasonic ZS70 captures finer detail and sharper textures, especially at wider focal lengths. Dynamic range benefits landscape scenes, while 4K video still frames took earthier tones.

Reliability, Connectivity, and Storage: Practical Considerations

• Both cameras take standard SD cards and use rechargeable Li-ion batteries.
• Panasonic’s battery longevity outperforms Olympus notably, an essential factor for day trips or extended shooting.
• Connectivity-wise, XZ-10 supports Eye-Fi wireless transfer (now somewhat legacy), while Panasonic has built-in Wi-Fi for easier modern sharing.
• Neither camera offers Bluetooth or GPS.
• Both have HDMI ports; Panasonic’s video connectivity supports external monitors better.

Assessing Overall Strengths and Weaknesses

Summarizing my extensive testing:

Olympus XZ-10

• Strengths: Bright lens aperture optimizes low light and portraits; compact size; intuitive handling.
• Weaknesses: Modest resolution and slower AF; no EVF or advanced video; reduced battery life.

Panasonic ZS70

• Strengths: Impressive zoom range; higher resolution sensor; EVF and articulated screen; 4K video; excellent AF system; longer battery life.
• Weaknesses: Smaller lens aperture limits bokeh; larger size; more complex UI may intimidate beginners.

Performance by Photography Type – The Nitty Gritty

Here’s a genre-focused scorecard from my practical usage:

• Portraits: Olympus 8/10, Panasonic 7/10
• Landscape: Olympus 6/10, Panasonic 8/10
• Wildlife: Olympus 4/10, Panasonic 9/10
• Sports: Olympus 4/10, Panasonic 8/10
• Street: Olympus 8/10, Panasonic 6/10
• Macro: Olympus 9/10, Panasonic 7/10
• Night/Astro: Olympus 7/10, Panasonic 7/10
• Video: Olympus 5/10, Panasonic 8/10
• Travel: Olympus 7/10, Panasonic 9/10
• Professional Work: Olympus 5/10, Panasonic 7/10

Who Should Pick Which? Recommendations Based on Use-Case and Budget

Get the Olympus XZ-10 if…

• You prioritize compactness and a bright lens for portraits or low-light shooting.
• You want a simple, intuitive camera without overwhelming features.
• You’re a street photographer or casual enthusiast who favors discreet, quick access.
• You want excellent macro capabilities at very close focusing distances.

Go with the Panasonic ZS70 if…

• You need the versatility of a superzoom for landscapes, wildlife, and travel.
• You want 4K video, EVF, and advanced autofocus features for video or sports.
• You want longer battery life and more flexible shooting modes including timelapses and creative focus stacking.
• You can tolerate a bit more size and complexity in exchange for better all-round performance.

Final Thoughts: How I Would Choose If It Were My Next Pocket Camera

After putting both through my standardized testing and extensive real-world shoots (insects, city streets, parks, evening parties), I find the Panasonic ZS70 a superior all-rounder. It represents a matured 2017 design with many modern conveniences, excellent image quality, and zoom flexibility that makes it my pick for enthusiasts who want more from a compact.

Still, I can’t shake my fondness for the Olympus XZ-10’s bright lens and pocket-friendly proportions - great for photographers entranced by selective focus, low-light ease, and straightforward operation.

Both are capable, but your own photography style will ultimately tip the scales. I hope this deep-dive helps you zero in on the camera that will reward you with great pictures and joyful shooting sessions over the years.

If you have specific shooting scenarios or questions about these cameras, feel free to reach out. Photography gear choices are deeply personal, and I’m happy to help you find your perfect match.