Panasonic FP2 vs. Panasonic TS5: An Expert Hands-On Comparison for Today’s Enthusiasts

When diving into the compact camera market, you encounter a wide array of models tailored for different use cases - from ultra-portable snaps to rugged all-terrain shooters. Two interesting options from Panasonic highlight this spectrum: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 (FP2) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 (TS5). Though these cameras hail from different eras and categories, they each offer unique features suited to particular photography styles and environments.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras across all levels and genres over 15 years, I’m here to unpack how these two Panasonics compare in real-world performance, technical merits, and value. Whether you’re a casual snapper, travel enthusiast, or need a tough waterproof camera for adventures, this detailed analysis will clarify which model best fits your needs.

Getting Acquainted: Physical Size and Handling

Before zooming into technicalities, first impressions from size and ergonomics always influence long-term usability. The Panasonic FP2 is an ultracompact pocket-friendly camera designed for convenience, while the TS5 is a rugged compact tailored for outdoor activity.

• FP2 dimensions: 99 x 59 x 19 mm; weight 151g
• TS5 dimensions: 110 x 67 x 29 mm; weight 214g

The FP2’s ultra-slim profile and lightweight body make it unobtrusive and easy to carry in a pocket. You’ll barely notice it on a stroll or when commuting. Conversely, the TS5’s bulkier, more substantial build - with its rubberized grips and reinforced chassis - provides peace of mind in harsh environments. Its weatherproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof construction adds ruggedness at the expense of some added heft.

Ergonomics:

• The FP2 feels minimalist, with a compact button layout but limited dedicated controls. For casual and spontaneous shooting, its simplicity works well but may frustrate users who want more tactile feedback or manual adjustments.
• The TS5, though not large, offers more comfortable grips and a sturdier feel. Its build enables more confident handling in wet or cold conditions but is less pocket-friendly.

Summary: The FP2 is better suited for users prioritizing portability and discretion, while the TS5 appeals to adventure photographers who need a durable, go-anywhere shooter.

Design and Control Layout: User Interface in Action

A camera’s physical design extends beyond size - they need intuitive, well-placed controls to empower fast operation. I evaluated each model’s top panel and layout during hands-on tests.

• FP2 controls: Minimalist top deck with shutter button, zoom rocker, mode dial absent (menu-driven exposure modes only).
• TS5 controls: More pronounced buttons including dedicated manual exposure toggles, exposure compensation dial, and quicker access to functions.

The difference in control philosophy is clear. The FP2 is aimed at run-and-gun casual shooters who prefer a point-and-shoot experience; its lack of manual focus and exposure modes confirms this. The TS5 offers more customization, including manual exposure, plus 23 autofocus points with continuous and tracking AF modes, beneficial for active photography.

Screen and Viewfinder:

• Neither camera has a viewfinder, relying on LCDs. The FP2 sports a basic 2.7-inch 230k-dot fixed screen.
• The TS5 upgrades to a 3.0-inch, 460k-dot screen with superior clarity and usability in bright conditions.

From my experience, the TS5’s screen significantly benefits framing and review, especially outdoors. The FP2 screen feels cramped with a lower resolution that sometimes hampers assessing critical sharpness or exposure.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Evaluation

Sensor performance is pivotal. Both cameras employ the 1/2.3" sensor size common in compact cameras, but their sensor types and resolutions differ notably.

• FP2: 14 MP CCD sensor, max native ISO 6400, no RAW support
• TS5: 16 MP CMOS sensor, max native ISO 6400, no RAW support

CCD vs CMOS: CCD sensors, like in the FP2, generally excel in certain lighting conditions with smooth color rendition but consume more power and suffer in speed and noise handling. CMOS sensors, adopted in the TS5, provide advantages in autofocus accuracy, video capabilities, and particularly noise control at higher ISOs.

In practical daylight shooting, both cameras deliver satisfying detail, but the TS5’s marginally higher resolution translates to sharper images with better texture preservation. The CMOS sensor also outperforms in low light: I noticed less noise grain beyond ISO 800 on the TS5 than the FP2’s CCD starting to degrade from ISO 400.

Dynamic Range: While exact DxOmarks are not available, my testing suggests TS5's CMOS sensor yields better tonal gradation - important for landscapes and high-contrast scenes where shadow and highlight detail matter.

Autofocus System and Shooting Performance

Autofocus (AF) responsiveness and accuracy can make or break the shooting experience, especially for dynamic genres like sports and wildlife.

• FP2 AF: Contrast-detection with 9 AF points, single AF, no tracking or face detection
• TS5 AF: Contrast-detection with 23 AF points, single and continuous AF, tracking AF, center weighted AF

In my field trials, the TS5’s more sophisticated autofocus system demonstrated clear superiority. Continuous AF and subject tracking enabled by its 23-point array make it reliable for moving subjects, something the FP2 struggles with, locking focus solely in single AF mode.

Burst shooting capability further reflects performance differences:

• FP2 max continuous shooting is 5 fps (frames per second)
• TS5 doubles that at 10 fps

For fast action or fleeting moments, the TS5 clearly offers more flexibility and confidence.

Versatility Across Photography Disciplines

How do these two cameras perform across specific photography genres? I assessed their strengths and limitations for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, street, macro, night shooting, video, travel, and professional use.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Background Separation

• FP2: Fixed lens with 35-140mm equivalent focal range covers portrait distances. However, max aperture f/3.5-5.9 is modest, limiting shallow depth of field for creamy bokeh. No face detection or eye AF adds challenge to sharp focus on eyes.
• TS5: Slightly wider zoom (28-128mm) with similar aperture range. AF tracking improves subject lock, but lack of face/eye detection limits portrait sharpness. Optical stabilization helps in low light.

In real-world use, the TS5 edges out the FP2 with smoother focusing on face-centered subjects, but neither is ideal for professional portraiture requiring artistic bokeh or precise eye AF.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Weather Sealing

Landscape shooters typically value large resolution, dynamic range, and robust construction.

• The TS5’s advantage is its weather sealing - waterproof to 10m, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof - allowing worry-free shooting in adverse conditions.
• Both cameras have similar sensor sizes, but TS5’s CMOS sensor offers better dynamic range and color depth.
• The FP2’s compactness and lighter weight are appealing for casual hikes but lacking environmental protection.

For serious outdoor photographers who want durability and image quality, the TS5 is the clear choice.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Speed

As noted, the TS5’s faster AF, increased focus points, and double burst rate (10 fps) provide practical advantages for capturing unpredictable subjects.

The FP2 is tolerable for static wildlife or casual snapshots but lacks the agility for rapid sequences or tracking erratic movement. Neither camera supports telephoto attachments; zoom is confined to built-in focal ranges.

Street and Travel: Size versus Toughness

Street photographers often prize discreteness and portability. The FP2 excels here with ultra-compact size and low weight, blending into urban settings. Manual exposure modes are absent, which may be a downside for some.

Travel photographers who require a rugged camera that can handle swimming, hiking, and rough handling will benefit far more from the TS5’s waterproof and shockproof features. It’s also equipped with GPS for geotagging, an asset for travel documentation, alongside wireless connectivity (NFC) enabling quick sharing.

Macro Photography: Close Focusing and Stabilization

Macro shooters relay heavily on close focusing distance and image stabilization.

• FP2’s macro limit is 10 cm, suitable for basic close-ups.
• TS5 brings the macro focus closer at 5 cm, allowing closer subject framing for finer detail.
• Both cameras use optical image stabilization, helping steadier handheld shots necessary for macro.

The TS5’s closer minimum focus distance and better stabilization make it preferable for dedicated macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astro: High ISO and Exposure Modes

Low-light scenarios demand strong high ISO performance and flexible exposure controls.

• FP2’s max ISO 6400 with CCD sensor shows notable noise beyond ISO 400–800. Limited shutter speed range (max 1/60s min 1/1600s) and no manual exposure modes limit long exposures.
• TS5 allows manual exposure adjustments, a wider shutter speed range, and better noise control at high ISO, plus exposure compensation and white balance bracketing.

While neither is specialized for astrophotography, TS5’s feature set offers a better platform for night shooting.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Formats

Video has become essential for many users.

• FP2 is limited to 720p (1280×720) at 30 fps, using Motion JPEG format - a bulky codec with compression limitations.
• TS5 supports full HD 1080p at 60 fps using more efficient MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats, yielding significantly better video quality and smoother footage.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone ports, but TS5’s superior resolution and frame rate options make it more future-proof for casual video recording.

Build Quality and Durability: The Ruggedness Factor

The FP2’s plastic ultracompact shell shows vulnerability to bumps and moisture; it’s an everyday carry but demands cautious handling.

The TS5’s environmental sealing is its standout attribute: Rated waterproof to 10m, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof down to -10°C. This makes it a rugged partner for hiking, beach trips, water sports, and cold-weather photography without worrying about damaging the sensor or electronics.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Fixed Lens Constraints

Both cameras are fixed-lens designs with no option for lens swaps, standard for compact and rugged models.

• FP2’s 35-140mm equivalent focal range (4x zoom) is narrower and less wide angle.
• TS5 offers 28-128mm (4.6x zoom), giving slightly wider versatility for landscapes and indoor shots.

As expected, you’re limited to built-in zooms without expansion, so consider whether these focal lengths match your shooting style.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The TS5 has a tangible advantage here: Its battery offers approximately 370 shots per charge, whereas the FP2’s battery life data is unspecified but presumed less, due to older technology and smaller battery capacity.

Connectivity options are non-existent on the FP2, while the TS5 includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy file transfers and remote camera control, plus GPS for location tagging - valuable tools in modern workflows.

Storage and File Formats

Both cameras record onto standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single card slot.

Neither supports RAW file capture, limiting post-processing flexibility and confining photographers to compressed JPEGs. For more advanced editing, this is a drawback to accept when selecting either model.

Price-to-Performance: What You Get for Your Money

At launch, the FP2 came in at roughly $80; the TS5 at $350.

For a budget-conscious buyer wanting a pocketable camera mostly for casual snapshots, the FP2’s price is very attractive.

Photographers needing weatherproof reliability, enhanced autofocus, better sensor performance, and full HD video should invest in the TS5 despite its higher cost.

Side-by-Side Summary: Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Buy the Panasonic FP2?

• You want an ultra-compact travel snapshot camera for casual everyday use.
• You prioritize portability and pocketability above all.
• Budget is very tight and you need an affordable shooter that delivers decent daylight results.
• You don’t require fast autofocus, video, or rugged waterproof features.

Who Should Choose the Panasonic TS5?

• You need a robust, waterproof camera for outdoor sports, adventure, and travel.
• You want more advanced autofocus capabilities and faster burst shooting.
• You are interested in better video quality (1080p/60fps) and wireless sharing.
• You shoot in varied lighting and demand better low-light performance and manual exposure control.

How These Cameras Rank Across Photography Genres

• Portrait: TS5 marginally better due to AF system and stabilization.
• Landscape: TS5 favored for weather sealing and sensor DR.
• Wildlife/Sports: TS5 significantly outperforms with AF and burst.
• Street Photography: FP2 preferred for discretion and portability.
• Macro: TS5 better for closer focusing and stability.
• Night: TS5 superior for ISO and exposure control.
• Video: TS5 a clear winner for resolution and frame rate.
• Travel: TS5 recommended for durability and features; FP2 only if size critical.
• Professional Use: Neither fully suitable; TS5 more capable if rugged backup required.

Final Verdict: Practical Thoughts from My Testing Bench

Having logged extensive real-world shooting with both cameras - including on long shoots, travel, and quick urban snaps - my conclusion is that these two Panasonics cater to distinctly different users.

• The Panasonic FP2 is a no-frills, affordable ultracompact ideal as a pocket-friendly point-and-shoot for nostalgic snapshot photography or casual shooters who want simple operation without fuss.

• The Panasonic TS5 is a more versatile compact designed to endure lifestyle and adventure photography demands. It blends rugged durability with improved sensor performance, autofocus, and full HD video, standing out as an excellent companion for outdoors enthusiasts.

Neither camera competes with modern mirrorless or DSLR systems, or even contemporary advanced compacts, but when matched to the right user profile, each can fulfill specific needs effectively.

Panasonic FP2 front Panasonic FP2 screen back Panasonic TS5 front Panasonic TS5 screen back

I encourage anyone seriously researching these to evaluate their own priorities: Do you prioritize ultra-portability and low price? FP2 is attractive. Need adventure-ready toughness, better image quality, and video? The TS5 is unquestionably the smarter investment.

FAQs Based on Extensive Use

Q: Can either camera shoot RAW?
A: No, both are limited to JPEG files only, restricting post-processing latitude.

Q: Which camera is better for video blogging?
A: TS5 with full HD 1080p at 60 fps is far preferable despite no external mic input.

Q: How big is the difference in autofocus?
A: TS5’s continuous AF and tracking are significantly faster and more reliable, especially for moving subjects.

Q: Are these cameras still worth buying today?
A: For budget or casual use, the FP2 can suffice. The TS5 retains value for rugged travel. However, newer cameras surpass both in functionality and image quality.

In Conclusion

Your next camera depends largely on your shooting style, budget, and environment. Panasonic FP2 shines as a compact, no-fuss snapshot tool, while the TS5 is a tough, feature-rich compact sealed to operate under harsh conditions.

Equipped with this in-depth comparison grounded in my field tests and technical evaluation, you can confidently make a well-informed purchase decision grounded in real user experience and camera technology understanding.

Happy shooting!