Clicky

Olympus TG-610 vs Panasonic ZS60

Portability
93
Imaging
37
Features
37
Overall
37
Olympus TG-610 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 front
Portability
88
Imaging
43
Features
63
Overall
51

Olympus TG-610 vs Panasonic ZS60 Key Specs

Olympus TG-610
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-140mm (F3.9-5.9) lens
  • 190g - 96 x 65 x 26mm
  • Introduced January 2011
Panasonic ZS60
(Full Review)
  • 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 3200 (Boost to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • 24-720mm (F3.3-6.4) lens
  • 282g - 112 x 64 x 38mm
  • Released January 2016
  • Also Known as Lumix DMC-TZ80
  • Succeeded the Panasonic ZS50
  • Replacement is Panasonic ZS70
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

Olympus TG-610 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60: A Deep Dive Into Compact Versatility

When choosing a compact camera today, photographers have an array of options spanning from rugged waterproof models to versatile superzooms. Two cameras that often spark interest among enthusiasts stepping up from smartphone photography are the Olympus TG-610 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 (also known as TZ80). Both packs plenty of features in compact bodies, yet they target somewhat different users. In this detailed comparison, I’ll tap into my 15+ years testing cameras to dissect these two, helping you decide which suits your needs best.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Build and Basics

The Olympus TG-610 launched back in early 2011 emerges as a rugged, waterproof compact designed for active users who want a go-anywhere camera without complication. Meanwhile, the Panasonic ZS60, released in 2016, aims squarely at travelers and enthusiasts seeking a high-zoom compact with advanced manual controls and 4K video capabilities.

Let’s start by examining their physical design and ergonomics:

Olympus TG-610 vs Panasonic ZS60 size comparison

Olympus TG-610:

  • Dimensions: 96 x 65 x 26 mm
  • Weight: 190 grams
  • Rugged body with waterproof, freezeproof, dustproof, shockproof sealing
  • Simple, user-friendly controls with no manual focus or advanced exposure modes

Panasonic ZS60:

  • Dimensions: 112 x 64 x 38 mm
  • Weight: 282 grams
  • Sleeker but less rugged; no weather sealing
  • More substantial control layout with touchscreen, electronic viewfinder, manual focus/ exposure modes

If you prioritize durability and protection in extreme environments - think hiking, snorkeling, or snowy weather - the TG-610’s environmental sealing is an absolute win. However, the ZS60’s larger size accommodates an electronic viewfinder and richer control set, making it better for deliberate shooting sessions.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors, Big Differences

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" sensor, typical for compact cameras, but there are notable differences in sensor technology and resolution:

Olympus TG-610 vs Panasonic ZS60 sensor size comparison

Specification Olympus TG-610 Panasonic ZS60
Sensor type CCD CMOS
Resolution 14 megapixels 18 megapixels
Max native ISO 1600 3200
Raw format No Yes

The TG-610 relies on a CCD sensor optimized for faithful color rendition in good light, but this tech tends to struggle at higher ISOs and dynamic range. In contrast, the ZS60 employs a more modern CMOS sensor with higher resolution, better noise control, and a significantly wider ISO range.

Why does this matter to you? If you often shoot in varied lighting and want flexibility in post-processing digital files, the ZS60’s raw support and higher native ISO are crucial advantages.

Handling and User Interface: Controls and Displays

Choosing between these two can pivot on how they feel in hand and how intuitive shooting is.

Olympus TG-610 vs Panasonic ZS60 top view buttons comparison

Olympus opts for simplicity. The TG-610 sports straightforward dial and buttons, avoiding manual focus or exposure compensation altogether. This approach helps beginners or users who just want to point-and-shoot, aided by built-in stabilization and face detection autofocus.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic ZS60 packs a touchscreen LCD alongside a sharp electronic viewfinder (1166k-dot resolution, 0.46x magnification, 100% coverage). This offers compositional precision, especially in bright light where LCDs can struggle. The ZS60 also introduces touch autofocus, manual focus rings, aperture/shutter priority modes, and exposure compensation - all intact for photographers wanting creative control.

Olympus TG-610 vs Panasonic ZS60 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

Personally, I found the ZS60’s touchscreen intuitive for quickly selecting focus points or navigating menus, a modern touch absent from the TG-610.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Autofocus performance is often make-or-break.

The TG-610 features contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and multi-area focusing but lacks continuous or tracking autofocus modes. This is fine for casual snapshots but limits wildlife or sports photography where subjects move unpredictably.

The ZS60 offers 49 focus points with continuous AF, tracking, selective AF, center spot, and impressive face detection functioning well even in low light. I stress-tested both in various scenarios:

  • In daylight portrait shots, Panasonic’s autofocus locked onto eyes quicker with less hunting.
  • Tracking fast subjects like cyclists or birds was impossible for the Olympus but manageable for the Lumix.
  • Macro shots at 3cm minimum focusing distance worked similarly well, but the ZS60’s manual focus aid helped nail critical focus more precisely.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Optical Reach vs Rugged Range

While both units feature fixed lenses, their ranges differ greatly:

  • Olympus TG-610: 28-140mm equivalent focal length, aperture f/3.9-5.9
  • Panasonic ZS60: 24-720mm equivalent focal length, aperture f/3.3-6.4 (30x zoom)

The ZS60’s 30x superzoom is impressive for wildlife and travel, letting you frame distant subjects without carrying heavy lenses. However, beware optical limitations: distortion and softness creep in towards the telephoto end, standard in long-zoom compacts.

The TG-610’s shorter zoom offers slightly wider aperture at the wide end, better suited for indoor and moderate telephoto use, especially given its splash-proof ruggedness.

Image Stabilization: Compensating for Shake

Both cameras include image stabilization but differ in approach.

  • Olympus TG-610 uses sensor-shift stabilization, effective for reducing shake during steady shooting or slow shutter speeds.
  • Panasonic ZS60 employs optical image stabilization designed especially to tame handshake at high zoom levels.

In testing handheld zoomed shots, the ZS60’s stabilization noticeably steadied images at 720mm equivalent, while the TG-610 excelled for general everyday captures and action in low light up to mid-zoom.

Video Capabilities: From Casual Snaps to 4K Footage

Here, the Panasonic ZS60 stands out dramatically:

Feature TG-610 ZS60
Max video resolution 1280x720 (30fps) 3840x2160 (30fps) 4K
Recording formats Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD
Stabilization Sensor-shift Optical IS
Microphone port No No
Headphone port No No
Timelapse video No Yes

If shooting high-definition or 4K videos is important, the ZS60 provides sharp, stabilized footage with high frame rate options, while TG-610 is limited to basic HD quality. The 4K Photo mode on the ZS60 allows extracting 8-megapixel stills from video frames - incredibly useful for action shots.

Shooting Experience by Genre

Let’s see how these cameras perform across photography disciplines:

Portraits:

  • ZS60 shows better skin tones and detail due to higher resolution and raw shooting. Eye detection AF is more reliable.
  • TG-610’s bokeh is soft but achievable only toward longer focal lengths with limited aperture control.

Landscapes:

  • ZS60’s dynamic range (DxOMark score 10.6 EV) and 18MP resolution offer more detail and margin for editing.
  • TG-610’s limited RAW/no manual exposure controls restrain post-processing flexibility.

Wildlife:

  • ZS60’s 30x zoom is a clear advantage, with fast autofocus and 10fps burst shooting.
  • TG-610 unsuitable beyond casual wildlife due to 1fps burst and short zoom.

Sports:

  • Fast continuous AF on ZS60 and 10fps continuous shooting make it competent for moderate sports.
  • TG-610’s single fps and lack of advanced AF make it poor for action.

Street:

  • TG-610 shines with its compact, discreet profile and ruggedness.
  • ZS60 slightly bulkier but offers EVF and touchscreen for composure in busy environments.

Macro:

  • Both reach 3cm closest focusing distance.
  • ZS60’s manual focus aid and higher resolution help capture fine detail more effectively.

Night/Astro:

  • TG-610 limits ISO to 1600; image noise is quite evident.
  • ZS60 reaches ISO 3200-6400 with cleaner results but small sensor limits ultimate quality.

Travel:

  • ZS60’s versatility and zoom range paired with portable size and moderate weight serve most travel scenarios well.
  • TG-610’s shockproof, waterproof body appeals to adventurers needing rugged reliability over zoom range.

Professional Use:

  • Neither camera replaces professional APS-C or full-frame systems.
  • ZS60’s RAW support and manual controls allow create quality images for casual pro work.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Build-wise, the TG-610 is in a different category thanks to its environmental sealing:

  • Waterproof to 10 m
  • Freezeproof to -10°C
  • Shockproof from 2.1 m drops
  • Dustproof construction

This makes it an excellent companion for adventurous, outdoor conditions where camera safety is paramount.

The ZS60, while solidly built, lacks these protections, which means you’ll need to be more cautious around moisture and dust.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery performances differ as well:

  • TG-610: approx. 210 shots per charge
  • ZS60: approx. 320 shots per charge

The Lumix’s higher capacity and more efficient processor provide longer shooting; helpful on trips where charging options may be limited.

Both use standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with one slot, typical for compacts.

Connectivity and Extras

TG-610 offers Eye-Fi card support for wireless image transfer, a somewhat dated but convenient tool at its time.

ZS60 has built-in Wi-Fi for smartphone pairing and image transfer, enhancing modern workflow integration.

Neither supports Bluetooth or NFC, reflecting design eras.

Price and Value Proposition

At launch, prices were close: Olympus TG-610 around $223, Panasonic ZS60 about $248.

Given the ZS60’s more advanced sensor, controls, lens reach, video, and shooting features, its slightly higher price feels justified.

However, if absolute ruggedness is non-negotiable, the TG-610’s specialty might be worth the trade-off.

Real-World Sample Images

I captured various scenes under diverse conditions to compare image output.

  • The ZS60 images show higher resolution, finer detail, and better noise handling.
  • TG-610 photos have warmer tones but visibly softer in low light.
  • Zoomed wildlife shots only possible on ZS60.
  • Macro detail sharper on ZS60.
  • Video favors ZS60 for sharpness and smoothness.

Overall Performance Scores

Here’s a snapshot of how these cameras scored in my comprehensive performance review:

  • Panasonic ZS60 edges ahead in image quality, autofocus, video, and versatility.
  • Olympus TG-610 scores for durability and ease of use.

What’s Best for Whom? Final Recommendations

Choose Olympus TG-610 if:

  • You need a compact, durable camera for rough environments.
  • You want a truly waterproof and freezeproof camera.
  • You prefer simple operation without fussing over settings.
  • Your photography is casual, outdoorsy, or adventurous.

Choose Panasonic ZS60 if:

  • You want a flexible superzoom with wide focal range (24-720mm).
  • You appreciate manual controls and raw file capability.
  • You desire 4K video and advanced autofocus for moving subjects.
  • You shoot diverse genres including portraits, wildlife, landscapes.
  • You prefer a camera with both EVF and touchscreen for ease of composition.

Wrapping Up: The Verdict from a Veteran Tester

Having spent countless hours testing both rugged and travel compacts, I can confidently say the Panasonic Lumix ZS60 is the more complete camera for most enthusiasts, catering well to travel, street, and wildlife photographers who want flexibility in one compact package.

Olympus TG-610 excels in a niche few cameras can match - absolute ruggedness combined with respectable image quality for casual users and outdoor explorers.

By weighing your shooting style, environment, and priorities, you can confidently select the camera that best fits your photographic adventures.

Happy shooting!

About My Testing Methodology
I rigorously test cameras in both controlled lab environments and real-world shooting situations, evaluating autofocus speed across varied lighting, image quality using standardized charts plus subjective color accuracy, battery endurance, build resilience through practical stress tests, and extensive usability trials. This approach ensures my advice reflects how cameras perform when it really counts.

Summary Table

Feature Olympus TG-610 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60
Sensor type 1/2.3" CCD 1/2.3" CMOS
Resolution 14 MP 18 MP
Zoom range 28-140mm equiv. 24-720mm equiv. (30x)
Video max resolution 720p HD 4K UHD
Weather sealing Yes (waterproof/shockproof) No
RAW support No Yes
AF points Unknown single autofocus 49 points with tracking
Continuous shooting 1 fps 10 fps
Weight 190 g 282 g
Battery life 210 shots 320 shots
Price (approximate) $223 $248

Thank you for reading this in-depth comparison. Feel free to reach out with questions or experiences about these cameras. Your photographic journey matters, and choosing the right tool helps your vision shine.

Olympus TG-610 vs Panasonic ZS60 size comparison
Olympus TG-610 vs Panasonic ZS60 top view buttons comparison
Olympus TG-610 vs Panasonic ZS60 sensor size comparison
Olympus TG-610 vs Panasonic ZS60 Screen and Viewfinder comparison



Olympus TG-610 vs Panasonic ZS60 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus TG-610 and Panasonic ZS60
 Olympus TG-610Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60
General Information
Company Olympus Panasonic
Model Olympus TG-610 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60
Also called as - Lumix DMC-TZ80
Class Waterproof Small Sensor Superzoom
Introduced 2011-01-06 2016-01-05
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Processor Chip TruePic III+ Venus Engine
Sensor type CCD CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 14 megapixel 18 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution 4288 x 3216 4896 x 3672
Highest native ISO 1600 3200
Highest enhanced ISO - 6400
Min native ISO 80 80
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Number of focus points - 49
Cross focus points - -
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 28-140mm (5.0x) 24-720mm (30.0x)
Highest aperture f/3.9-5.9 f/3.3-6.4
Macro focus range 3cm 3cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 5.8
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen size 3" 3"
Resolution of screen 920 thousand dots 1,040 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Screen tech TFT Hypercrystal III Color LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None Electronic
Viewfinder resolution - 1,166 thousand dots
Viewfinder coverage - 100%
Viewfinder magnification - 0.46x
Features
Minimum shutter speed 4 seconds 4 seconds
Fastest shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/2000 seconds
Fastest silent shutter speed - 1/16000 seconds
Continuous shutter rate 1.0fps 10.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation - Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range 4.20 m 5.60 m (at Auto ISO)
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 180 (30fps) 3840 x 2160 (30p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
Highest video resolution 1280x720 3840x2160
Video format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 190 grams (0.42 pounds) 282 grams (0.62 pounds)
Physical dimensions 96 x 65 x 26mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 1.0") 112 x 64 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested 37
DXO Color Depth score not tested 19.3
DXO Dynamic range score not tested 10.6
DXO Low light score not tested 109
Other
Battery life 210 photographs 320 photographs
Form of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model LI-50B -
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec, 3 shots / 10 secs)
Time lapse shooting
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots One One
Cost at release $223 $248