Panasonic Lumix DC-G100 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4: An Expert Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

When it comes to choosing your next camera, it’s easy to get swayed by specs sheets packed with numbers and buzzwords. But having tested thousands of cameras over 15+ years, I know that real-world use, ergonomics, and how a camera performs in your specific shooting scenarios matter far more. Today, I’m putting two very different Panasonic cameras side-by-side: the Lumix DC-G100, a 2020 entry-level mirrorless newcomer optimized for vloggers and general enthusiasts, and the rugged Lumix DMC-TS4 - released back in 2012 - as a versatile, tough-as-nails compact.

At first glance, comparing these two might seem like pitting a state-of-the-art mirrorless system against an antique waterproof point-and-shoot. But each has carved a niche, and understanding their practical strengths and weaknesses will help you choose wisely based on your shooting style and budget. Let’s dig in with a no-nonsense, hands-on comparison.

Size and Handling: Portability Meets Ergonomics

First off, how they feel in your hands - and in your bag - is mission critical. The Lumix G100 sports a classic SLR-style mirrorless design, while the TS4 is a compact designed to survive rough handling.

The G100 measures 116 x 83 x 54 mm and weighs 352 grams (battery and card included). It strikes a nice balance - not bulky, but enough heft to feel stable as you shoot. The deep grip and tactile dials make manual controls approachable, whether you’re in aperture priority mode or getting hands-on with exposure.

In contrast, the TS4 is a pocketable powerhouse at 103 x 64 x 27 mm, tipping the scales at just 197 grams. Its small fixed-lens body, rubberized spine, and chunky buttons cater to climbers, adventurers, or anyone needing a camera that laughs off drops, splashes, and extreme temps. It lacks the precision controls but sacrifices nothing on tough build quality.

For anyone valuing ergonomics, customizable buttons, and a dedicated grip, the G100 wins hands down. For on-the-go shoots where size and durability win over fine-tuned control, the TS4 is a solid companion.

Design and Controls: Classic Mirrorless vs. Simplified Ruggedness

Design choices matter as much as size. The G100 has an intuitive on/off switch, mode dial, and clusters of function buttons for quick setting adjustments.

Its touch-enabled fully articulating LCD lets content creators confidently shoot vlogs or selfies, framing shots with ease. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasts 3.68 million dots, providing crisp previews and the benefit of eye-level shooting in bright light.

The TS4, built for simplicity and protection, lacks an EVF and touchscreen. Its fixed 2.7-inch LCD with only 230k dots is basic but reflects the camera’s purpose. It provides fewer buttons and the absence of manual exposure modes might frustrate advanced users but is intuitive for point-and-shooters or rough outdoor use.

Bottom line: The G100’s control layout caters to photographers wanting direct access to settings and creative flexibility, while the TS4 fulfills its rugged utility role gracefully through simplicity.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Big Sensor vs. Compact Sensor Realities

Sensor tech largely determines image quality, dynamic range, noise levels, and post-processing freedom. The two cameras are oceans apart here.

The Panasonic G100 utilizes a Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, with a resolution of 20 megapixels. Importantly, it supports RAW capture - a non-negotiable for pros or enthusiasts who want maximum flexibility in editing.

The TS4 uses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor at 6.08 x 4.56 mm, delivering 12 MP JPEGs only. CCD sensors, while decent for their era, lag behind modern CMOS chips in noise handling and dynamic range.

In practical terms, the G100’s sensor delivers richer color depth, cleaner images at higher ISOs (up to ISO 25600 native), and finer details, especially in landscapes and portraits. The TS4 serves well in good lighting but shows visible noise and banding under shadows or ISO 6400.

If you crave impeccable image quality, detailed post-production latitude, and low-light comfort, the G100 is your choice hands down. The TS4’s sensor is a primitive multitool - fine if you need snapshots on the trail but disappointing for serious photography.

Exploring Their Strengths Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down how each camera performs in popular photography fields:

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The G100’s Micro Four Thirds sensor, paired with interchangeable lenses, provides lovely skin tones with natural gradation. Its contrast-detection autofocus with eye detection - though not the fastest in class - handles stationary portraits reliably indoors or outdoors.

Paired with fast prime lenses, the G100 can deliver smooth bokeh backgrounds that pop, ideal for flattering portraits.

The TS4’s small fixed zoom (28-128mm equivalent, f/3.3-5.9) limits low-light capability and shallow depth of field. Autofocus is contrast-based and slower; face detection is missing. Skin tones look flat and less nuanced. It’s more suited for casual snapshots than artistic portraits.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

The G100’s 20MP sensor, excellent dynamic range, and weather protection via lens choice support detailed landscapes. Although the body isn’t fully weather sealed, pairing it with weather-sealed lenses helps in mist and light rain.

The TS4 shines with its ruggedness - shockproof, waterproof up to 13m, dustproof, and freezeproof down to -10°C - making it great for extreme conditions like streams or snowy hikes. However, its smaller sensor, lower resolution, and limited aperture range restrict creative depth and tonality.

So, for detail-rich, gallery-worthy landscapes, the G100 is your artist’s tool. The TS4 is your dependable, worry-free snapshot camera for where no DSLR dares to go.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus and Burst Rates

With 49 autofocus points focused on contrast detection, the G100 offers decent coverage but lacks phase-detection AF, limiting speed and tracking accuracy for fast-moving subjects. It shoots at a solid 10 fps burst, suitable for casual sports and some wildlife action but not elite tracking scenarios.

The TS4’s contrast AF and just 4 fps burst rate can't keep pace with dynamic scenes or wildlife. Its zoom range is also modest for distant subjects, and focus hunting is noticeable.

For serious wildlife or sports shooters craving precision tracking, the G100 is the better start, though more advanced models from Panasonic or other brands are recommended for high-velocity shooting.

Street Photography: Discreteness, Portability, and Low Light

The TS4’s compact size and quiet shutter make it perfect for discreet street photography in casual scenarios, especially during the day. But its weak low-light performance and lack of fast lenses hinder night street shots.

The G100 isn’t as pocketable but quiet and versatile enough if you don’t mind carrying a small camera. Its touch-screen articulating display is a plus for street videographers. The larger sensor yields better results in dim conditions, useful for urban night scenes.

Macro Photography: Precision and Magnification

Neither camera is a dedicated macro solution. The TS4 offers a 5cm minimum focus distance, but the modest zoom and small sensor limit detail.

The G100, used with compatible Micro Four Thirds macro lenses, can achieve excellent close-ups with precise focus and good stabilization (if your lens has it), far superior for serious macro work.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Here the G100’s sensor and ISO range shine. The ability to shoot RAW files, manual bulb exposures, and higher maximum shutter speeds (electronic shutter up to 1/16000s) let you shoot stars and night scenes with less noise and better dynamic range.

The TS4’s max ISO 6400 and short shutter range (max 1.3s) block creative exposure control for night photography. Plus, the lack of manual focus limits astrophotography severely.

Video Capabilities: Vlogging and Clips

The G100 excels with its vlogger-tailored design and specs. It supports 4K video at 3840x1920 up to 30p with 100 Mbps bit rate, plus Full HD up to 120p for slow motion. It has a built-in microphone port and a fully articulating touchscreen, plus features like 4K photo modes for quick frame grabs.

The TS4 shoots only Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, with no microphone input, no touch screen, and basic recording options. It’s more of a casual action camera than a video tool.

For content creators or documentary shooters, the G100 is worlds ahead as a budget vlogging camera with solid image quality and intuitive controls.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

The G100 is flexible for travel - weather a little flexible, but lens choices let you switch from landscapes to portraits easily. Battery life averages 270 shots per charge, typical for mirrorless bodies, so bringing spares is essential.

The TS4 shines here with 310 shots battery life, ruggedness, and waterproofing letting you travel light and worry-free in rough environments, like snorkeling or mountain climbing.

Pro Work and Workflow Fit

The G100 supports RAW files, a must for professionals wanting maximum control. It offers manual exposure modes, better color depth, and integration with common workflows (Adobe, Capture One).

TS4 is limited to JPEGs, less color depth, and lacks advanced controls, making it unsuitable for high-end professional work.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: When to Trust Your Camera in the Wild

The standout advantage for the TS4 is its comprehensive environmental sealing: waterproof (up to 13m), dustproof, shockproof (1.5m drop), freezeproof (-10°C), and crushproof (up to 100kg crushing force - not quite confirmed but advertised). This kind of ruggedness is rare without a bulky housing.

The G100 has no official sealing - treat it with care around moisture and dust. Rugged lenses can partially compensate but it’s not an adventure-proof package.

Autofocus Systems in Depth: Contrast vs. Phase Detection

Both cameras utilize contrast-detection autofocus, which excels in accuracy but often lags in speed compared to phase detection. The G100 features 49 AF points, face and eye detection, and touch-to-focus - bringing some modern versatility. The TS4 offers only 23 AF points and no face/eye detection.

For still subjects, both do well. For action or erratic movements, expect hunting and slower focus lock, especially on the TS4.

LCD and Viewfinder: Composition and Usability

The G100’s high-res, fully articulating touchscreen provides excellent framing flexibility - essential for vloggers and complex angles. The EVF with 100% coverage ensures clear composition outdoors.

The TS4’s 2.7-inch LCD with basic resolution and no EVF forces classic “shoot from the hip” or LCD framing. It’s workable but obviously dated.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

A big win for the G100 is the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, unlocking access to over 100 lenses - enthusiast primes, stabilized zooms, macro lenses, and more.

The TS4’s fixed zoom lens limits creativity, especially with aperture in the f/3.3-5.9 range, which is pretty slow, impacting low-light and bokeh options.

If you want creative growth, the G100’s system offers years of evolving value.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras use proprietary battery packs with similar, respectable endurance (G100: 270 shots, TS4: 310 shots).

Storage-wise, the G100 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I cards; the TS4 supports the same but also has internal memory - handy as backup but limited capacity.

Connectivity and Extras: Staying Connected on the Go

The G100 features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for quick image transfer to smartphones - valuable for social shooters and streamers.

TS4 misses wireless connectivity entirely but offers built-in GPS - a neat feature for geotagging adventures.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: What Are You Getting for Your Bucks?

Let’s talk money: The Lumix G100 currently retails around $698, reflecting its modern sensor, video capabilities, and flexibility.

The TS4 is roughly $400 new on the market (or less used, given age). It is a less expensive, niche offering focused on durability over image quality.

If photography quality and features are your priority, the G100 offers superior bang per buck in most categories. The TS4 is cheaper entry to a waterproof, well-built shooter for casual users or rugged outdoor enthusiasts on a tight budget.

Sample Images: Comparing Real-World Output

Panasonic G100 front Panasonic G100 screen back Panasonic TS4 front Panasonic TS4 screen back

Look closely at these crops taken in daylight portraits and twilight landscapes. The G100 exhibits noticeably more detail, accurate colors, and cleaner shadows. The TS4’s output is softer, with compression artifacts and muted tones.

Overall Performance Scores Summarized

The G100 scores expectably higher in sensor quality, video, autofocus, and flexibility, while the TS4 excels only in build toughness and battery life.

Genre-Specific Recommendations Based on Scores

Wrapping It Up: Which Panasonic Suits Your Style?

As someone who’s lugged both heavy DSLRs into the wild and slipped compact cams into jacket pockets, here’s the honest rundown:

Panasonic Lumix DC-G100 - Your Creative All-Rounder

• Best for: Photography enthusiasts, vloggers, beginners wanting room to grow, travelers who want high image quality, educators, and casual pros.
• Strengths: Modern Four Thirds sensor, interchangeable lenses, excellent video features, intuitive controls, RAW shooting.
• Limitations: No weather sealing, average battery life, AF not top-tier for pro sports.

If you prioritize creative control, image quality, video capability, and are prepared to carry a slightly bigger system, the G100 is an excellent gateway into mirrorless photography at a wallet-friendly price.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4 - Your Tough Little Trail Buddy

• Best for: Adventure seekers, hikers, swimmers, cheapskates needing a waterproof, rugged point-and-shoot for casual snaps.
• Strengths: Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof build, decent zoom for a compact, GPS tagging.
• Limitations: Poor low-light and image quality, no RAW, no touchscreen or EVF, limited video.

If you need a camera you can throw into your pack and not worry about weather or rough handling - for holiday photos, outdoor activities, or backup - this tough compact digs its heels in.

Final Thoughts

Neither camera is going to replace a flagship professional, but the Panasonic G100 stands out as a versatile tool for creators and photographers stepping up from smartphones or compact cams. The TS4 is a niche champion, remarkable for durability but showing its age on image quality and features.

For most photography enthusiasts, investing a bit more in the Lumix G100 will reward you with years of creative satisfaction and solid image results. For those whose priorities center on durability over pixel-peeping - for rugged outdoor escapades - the TS4 remains a compelling, affordable choice.

I hope this hands-on comparison clarifies the realities beyond the specs. Choose your tool to match your vision, lifestyle, and budget - and happy shooting!

If you want more camera wrist action, lens recommendations to pair with the G100, or tips on shooting better videos, drop a line - I’m always happy to share what 15 years of testing can teach you.