Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 vs. DMC-TS4: A Hands-On Comparison for the Savvy Photographer

In the sprawling world of compact cameras, Panasonic has long held a steady foothold, creating models that span from travel-friendly pocket shooters to rugged adventure companions. The Lumix DMC-F5 and DMC-TS4 (also known internationally as the FT4) represent two distinct philosophies in compact camera design: the F5 being your classical small sensor everyday compact, and the TS4 aiming for the action-packed, endurance-demanding waterproof niche. Having spent weeks thoroughly evaluating both cameras in various real-world scenarios and lab tests, I’m here to walk you through their capabilities, quirks, and practical performances across multiple photography disciplines.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

At a glance, these two cameras appear similar - both share the compact form factor - but handle them side-by-side and you’ll immediately notice differences rooted in their intended use.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 is the ultra-lightweight champion, weighing just 121 grams with its 97x58x22mm body. It’s the kind of camera that slips effortlessly into a jacket pocket - perfect for the casual street shooter, someone who hates lugging gear around but craves better-than-phone image quality.

By contrast, the DMC-TS4 packs a heftier punch at 197 grams and measures 103x64x27mm. This is no accident. Designed to be at home in rain, dust, freezing temperatures, and underwater (down to certified waterproof depths), the TS4’s beefier exterior feels more secure when you’re navigating off-trail or capturing the spray of splashing waves. Its reinforced, rubberized chassis offers peace of mind absent in the F5’s plastic shell.

Ergonomics-wise, the TS4’s larger grip and waterproof button seals make one-handed operation more confidence-inspiring - vital when your hands are wet or gloved. The F5’s minimalist design is sleek but can feel a tad fiddly for larger fingers or rapid shooting. Neither has a viewfinder, relying solely on their rear LCD panels, and neither sports a touchscreen.

Controls further this divergence: the F5 simplifies to mostly point-and-shoot basics with very limited exposure control, while the TS4 provides manual exposure mode and exposure compensation options - allowing adventurous types a bit more creative latitude without overwhelming the interface.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras sport the ever-common 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm, but subtle differences in resolution and processing separate them. The F5 shoots 14 megapixels at a maximum 4320x3240 resolution, while the TS4 records slightly less detail at 12 megapixels with 4000x3000 maximum pixels.

So, 2 megapixels extra on the F5 is unlikely to radically change your prints or crops at typical sizes, but it’s an indicator of Panasonic’s tuning priorities: the F5 favors higher resolution at the expense of some noise control, while the TS4 downscales a bit - likely to enhance signal-to-noise ratio and maximize sharpness critical under challenging light conditions typical to its outdoor use case.

Both use a CCD sensor rather than the more modern CMOS, which means image noise and high ISO performance show their age. Neither offers RAW support, so you’re locked to JPEG files straight out of the camera’s processing engine - a sore point for serious image manipulators. ISO tops out at 6400, but pushing beyond 800 starts to reveal noticeable noise and loss of detail on both cameras, especially on the F5.

Color rendition across the two is pleasantly similar, with Panasonic’s classic punchy, yet natural hues. However, the TS4’s built-in image stabilization (a first for this comparison) helps retain sharper images especially in low light or telephoto shooting. The F5 has no stabilization, so expect a higher chance of blur without a tripod or flash in dim conditions.

Zoom Lenses and Optics: How Far Can You Go?

Each camera sports a fixed zoom lens with a focal length multiplier of approximately 5.9x.

• F5: 28-140mm equivalent, aperture F3.2-6.5
• TS4: 28-128mm equivalent, aperture F3.3-5.9

The difference is subtle on paper but felt during practical use. The F5 stretches a little further into telephoto land, though at a slower maximum aperture at the long end, limiting light intake. The TS4 offers a slightly brighter aperture when zoomed in, which sometimes translated to better handheld shots, thanks also to its image stabilization.

Both cameras support macro photography focusing down to 5 centimeters, enabling close-ups of flowers or texture. However, the TS4’s stabilized lens and manual exposure control give it a slight edge for capturing intricate detail - particularly for outdoors scenarios where sunlight isn’t always abundant.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Here is where the two diverge dramatically.

The F5 offers single, continuous, and tracking autofocus modes but relies solely on contrast detection AF, with no face or eye detection. The AF system can be painfully slow, especially in low-contrast or low-light scenes. Its burst shooting mode captures just 1 frame per second - adequate for leisurely snaps, but disappointing if you want to track action or wildlife.

The TS4 steps up to provide 23 focus points (vs. an unknown, more rudimentary AF array on the F5), plus continuous autofocus, tracking, and faster contrast detect AF performance. Its burst rate clocks in at 4 frames per second, quadrupling the F5 and pointing to better chances of nabbing dynamic moments. No face detection here either, which is an omission when the market already moved that way years earlier.

Practically speaking: the TS4’s autofocus felt more reliable, and its faster shooting better when capturing action, sports, or wildlife in daylight. The F5 is more for casual snapshotters happy shooting at a measured pace. For street photography, where split-second focus matters, the TS4 is clearly preferable.

Video: Modest But Serviceable

Video capabilities on these two are very much a sign of their era.

The F5 records in Motion JPEG format up to 720p at 30fps. No HD beyond that, no slow motion, and no advanced recording codecs - constraining post-production flexibility. Sound is mono, and there’s no external microphone input, making it second-rate for any serious video work.

The TS4 surprises with better specs, offering Full HD (1920x1080) at 60fps as well as 30fps, plus 720p at both 60 and 30fps. Video is captured in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats, which are more efficient and give better quality for your SD card space. It includes HDMI output to connect to larger displays, though still lacks microphone or headphone jacks.

Optical image stabilization on the TS4 helps smooth out handheld video, which you’ll appreciate during action sequences where gimbals aren’t practical. Overall, for casual video blogging or family movies, the TS4 is a clear winner. The F5 barely competes here.

LCD and User Interface: Looking Through the Screen

Both cameras feature fixed 2.7-inch TFT LCD screens with identical 230k dot resolution. Brightness and viewing angles were comparable - adequate outdoors but noticeably struggling under direct sunlight.

Unfortunately, neither model embraced touchscreen technology, meaning menu navigation and focusing rely on physical buttons, which felt a bit dated especially on the F5. The TS4’s buttons had a grippier tactile feel - again reflecting its rugged design ethos - and its interface was slightly better laid out with manual mode accessible.

Neither camera includes viewfinders, electronic or optical, a personal pet peeve of mine for precise framing - especially when the LCD struggles in bright conditions. For photographers accustomed to eye-level composition, these might feel limiting.

Environmental Toughness and Use Cases

This is the TS4’s playground.

Unlike the F5, the TS4 is shockproof, waterproof down to approximately 12 meters, freezeproof, and dustproof. Its fully sealed build lets you capture underwater snorkeling shots, rainy day hikes, or snow-covered adventures without fear (or more accurately: with considerably less fear) of damage.

If you’re the kind of photographer who values the “take-anywhere” durability and versatility without needing bulky protective housings, the TS4 fits the bill perfectly. The F5 cannot compete here, with no weather sealing or rugged construction.

Battery Life and Storage

The TS4 holds a slight advantage with approximately 310 shots per charge, versus 250 on the F5. While neither will run all day without a backup battery in heavy use, the TS4’s endurance is better aligned with its outdoor adventure focus.

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and have a single storage slot, typical for compact cameras. Charging and connection rely on USB 2.0; the TS4 also includes HDMI out for playback.

Connectivity: What’s Missing?

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth, no NFC. In this age of instant smartphone sharing and remote control apps, that’s a significant drawback. The TS4 does have built-in GPS for geo-tagging images, a neat feature for travel and wilderness photographers documenting locations.

Price and Value: What Are You Paying For?

At launch, the F5 was aggressively priced around $100 - a budget choice for casual shooters wanting a decent compact without bells and whistles. The TS4 commanded around $400, a premium justified by its rugged build, improved features, and video capabilities.

Today, both models circulate on the used market, but expect the F5 to be ultra-affordable, while the TS4’s rugged value proposition keeps its price relatively higher.

How Do They Stack Up for Different Photography Disciplines?

Now comes the fun part - putting these gear choices in context. Here’s how they performed in my testing across major photographic uses:

Portrait Photography

Neither camera excels at skin tone rendering or producing creamy bokeh due to sensor limitations and lens aperture. The F5's lack of image stabilization and face/eye detection autofocus weighed against capturing sharp portraits - especially in less-than-studio light.

The TS4’s stabilization and faster AF made portraits slightly crisper outdoors. Still, neither camera’s small sensor and limited aperture deliver the creamy background separation discerning portrait shooters covet.

Landscape Photography

Here, resolution and weather sealing matter. The F5’s 14MP sensor offered nominally higher detail, but close inspection reveals softer corners and slight chromatic aberrations at wide angles. Lack of weather sealing means being cautious with mist or dusty conditions.

The TS4’s durable body wins for landscape hikers and adventurers. Its slightly lower resolution is offset by superior image stability and custom exposure control - handy when dialing in tricky exposures during sunrise or sunset.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera is a wildlife or sports machine, but the TS4’s 4fps burst and improved AF system give it a fighting chance capturing moving subjects. The F5’s 1fps burst rate and slower AF make decisive moments more hit-or-miss.

Telephoto reach is roughly comparable, although the F5’s slight advantage in focal length could help inch subjects closer. However, without stabilization, it’s tougher to get sharp shots at high zoom.

Street Photography

The F5’s compact size and light weight make it a more natural street shooter, less obtrusive and quick to deploy. The TS4 is bulkier and visually more ‘camera-like,’ which could deter candid subjects.

However, the TS4’s better low-light autofocus and stabilization benefit dusk or indoor streetscapes. The lack of viewfinder on both is a downside when trying to shoot discreetly.

Macro Photography

Both cameras achieve a 5cm macro focus distance, adequate for casual close-ups. The TS4’s stabilization aids handheld macro shots, preventing blur at slow shutter speeds. Manual exposure on the TS4 helps refine depth of field and highlight control.

Night and Astrophotography

Neither camera shines in this demanding category. High ISO noise is a limiting factor, and absence of raw output handicaps post-processing.

Long exposures are possible but limited: the F5 max shutter speed maxes at 1/8s, the TS4 at 1/60s minimum shutter speed - not ideal. No bulb mode. Both lack features like built-in intervalometers or astro filters.

Video Production

The TS4 clearly brings more to the party with Full HD at 60fps, optical stabilization, and dual codec options. For casual videographers or vloggers, it’s a far better companion than the F5’s 720p and limited MJPEG format.

Travel Photography

Weight and size favor the F5 for travelers keen on saving pocket space. However, the TS4’s rugged build, GPS, and improved stabilization provide peace of mind when trekking remote destinations where weather and terrain can be unpredictable.

Professional Use

Frankly, neither camera targets professional standards. No raw support, limited controls, small sensors, and minimal lens interchangeability put them outside the pro toolkit. Professionals might use the TS4 again as a rugged backup or underwater camera complementing high-end gear.

Panasonic F5 front Panasonic F5 screen back Panasonic TS4 front Panasonic TS4 screen back

Technical Takeaways: Behind the Scenes

From a technical perspective, both cameras rely on dated CCD sensors and lack raw support, limiting dynamic range and post-processing flexibility - a dealbreaker for serious image scientists.

Contrast-detection AF systems yield slower and less precise focusing than phase-detection or hybrid AF common in more modern compacts. Fewer control options on the F5 restrict creative shooting modes, whereas the TS4 includes manual exposure and more flexible white balance bracketing.

Neither camera supports advanced connectivity or external audio inputs for video.

Build quality sets the TS4 apart with comprehensive environmental sealing - a feature built to function beyond ordinary compacts.

Summing Up the Scores

In my hands-on evaluation, I assessed both cameras across a balanced set of criteria - technical specs, handling, image quality, video, and durability. The TS4 consistently outpaced the F5 in workflow flexibility and practical shooting speed, while the F5’s ease-of-use and pocketable size shine for casual use.

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 if:

  • You want a pocket-sized, ultra-affordable compact for everyday casual use.
  • You primarily shoot daylight landscapes or street scenes without pressing need for rugged durability.
  • Video is a low priority and you’re comfortable with basic JPEG images.
  • Budget constraints lead you to a simple, no-frills point-and-shoot.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4 if:

  • You need a rugged, waterproof camera capable of braving rough outdoor conditions.
  • You want improved autofocus speed and burst rate for wildlife, sports, or active family photography.
  • Full HD video and optical stabilization are must-haves.
  • You prefer more manual control options and GPS tagging for travel documentation.

Final Verdict: Two Very Different Cameras for Different Priorities

After shooting thousands of cameras, I firmly believe there’s no one-size-fits-all solution in compact photography. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 and TS4 illustrate how cameras targeted at distinct audiences can share DNA yet deliver fundamentally different photographic experiences.

The F5 is a modest, easygoing point-and-shoot - think of it as the “grab-and-go” bag buddy best suited for simple snapshots with limited fuss. The TS4, meanwhile, punches above its weight as a versatile companion that can withstand serious abuse while offering improved image stability, video quality, and control.

Choose your fighter based on your lifestyle and creative needs. Neither will replace today’s advanced mirrorless or smartphone cameras in outright image quality or convenience, but for their respective markets, they bring value and utility.

If you want rugged resilience with decent image quality and video, the TS4 is your choice. If lightweight simplicity and affordability rule your day, the F5 fits nicely. Now, time to grab one, hit the road, and create images that really matter to you.

This detailed hands-on comparison hopes to shed light on both Panasonic models’ strengths and caveats, aiding you in picking the camera truly fit for your photographic adventures.

Happy shooting!