Panasonic FP5 vs Panasonic TS30: A Detailed Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When diving into the world of compact cameras, Panasonic’s Lumix lineup offers interesting options that cater to different types of users. Today, I’m putting the 2011 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 and the 2015 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30 under the microscope. Despite sharing a brand lineage and compact form, they serve slightly distinct niches. The FP5 is an ultracompact fixed-lens model emphasizing portability and touchscreen ease, while the TS30 is a rugged, waterproof compact meant for adventure seekers. Having spent extensive time shooting and testing both, I’ll share an authoritative, experience-backed comparison to help you decide which may suit your photographic needs best.

Let’s explore their design, core technology, photographic performance, and overall value - across multiple photography genres and real-world scenarios.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size, Feel, and Controls

First impressions matter, and handling is a make-or-break factor for portable cameras.

The FP5 is ultra-svelte, weighing just 141 grams and measuring a slender 101 x 59 x 18 mm. It fits snugly in even small pockets and excels in situations demanding discretion - like street or travel photography. This camera feels lightweight, almost like a high-end smartphone, yet retains a good balance in hand.

The TS30 is slightly chunkier and heavier at 142 grams but with a bulkier 104 x 58 x 20 mm body. This is due to its robust, waterproof casing designed to endure shocks, dust, water immersion, and freezing temperatures - a boon for outdoor and underwater shooters.

Panasonic opted for fixed lenses on both, but the slightly wider grip and increased thickness of the TS30 provide a more confident hold when shooting in wet or rough conditions.

Looking at the top-down view, the FP5 features a minimalistic control layout centered around a touchscreen interface, while the TS30 adopts tactile buttons for shutter, zoom, and mode selection - ensuring operability with wet fingers or gloves.

In summary, the choice here reflects use case frequency - discreet portability vs. rugged handling. Both cameras offer straightforward handling but differ in design priorities.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both models employ a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, a common choice in compact cameras from their respective eras. However, the FP5 has a 14MP resolution, while the TS30 ups that to 16MP, offering slightly finer detail capture. Sensor dimensions measure identically at 6.08 x 4.56 mm, but the chip’s generation and processing vary slightly.

CCD sensors tend to render pleasing colors and decent dynamic range, but they lag behind modern CMOS sensors in noise control at higher ISOs. Neither camera supports RAW capture, which inherently caps image quality potential because in-camera JPEG processing dictates final results.

The FP5’s sensor benefits from the Venus Engine IV processor, which handles noise reduction and color reproduction moderately well for its class. The TS30’s processing specification is less documented, but image output reveals a similar chemical-style signature - warm tones, but a tad more noise in low-light shots.

Both cameras max out ISO at 6400 (TS30 boosts from base ISO 1600, FP5 from base 100), but image quality at these extremes is soft and noisy, best avoided unless absolutely necessary. Practically, shooting between ISO 100–400 yields the cleanest results.

Screen and User Interface: Touch or Tactile?

LCD display characteristics are crucial for framing, settings adjustments, and reviewing images on the spot.

The FP5 features a 3.0-inch fixed TFT touchscreen LCD with 230k-dot resolution. This large, touch-responsive screen is excellent for controlling exposure parameters, navigating menus, and even focusing. The tactile feedback and swipe navigation feel fluid, especially for users familiar with smartphones.

Conversely, the TS30 uses a smaller 2.7-inch non-touch fixed LCD, also 230k dots. It commits to physical buttons for camera control, which complements its rugged, waterproof nature - touchscreens tend to underperform with moisture or gloves.

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, which places more emphasis on the LCD’s visibility under direct sunlight - a slight drawback for outdoor shooting, especially the TS30 with its smaller screen.

Autofocus, Burst, and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Decisive Moment

In real-world shooting, autofocus speed, accuracy, and continuous shooting capability can make the difference - especially for wildlife and sports photographers.

Both cameras deploy contrast-detection AF systems typical of compact CCD shooters, with no phase-detect support. However, the TS30 expands to 23 focus points (vs. FP5’s 11), increasing autofocus versatility.

• FP5 autofocus includes face detection and touch AF, which allows activating focus by tapping on the screen. It supports AF tracking but lacks continuous AF during burst shooting.

• TS30 supports continuous AF as well as single, center-weighted, and multi-area focusing modes with face detection. It can maintain AF tracking during its limited burst mode.

Burst shooting rates differ notably: FP5 can shoot up to 6 frames per second (fps), while TS30 slows to roughly 1.3 fps - understandable given its rugged specs and conservative processing.

Both offer shutter speed ranges suitable for general photography, though the FP5’s max shutter speed to 1/1600s offers a slight edge in freezing action.

In sum, the FP5 favors action with higher frame rates and faster AF response, while the TS30 trades speed for ruggedness and reliable focusing under adverse conditions.

Lens Characteristics: Zoom Range and Aperture Performance

Neither camera sports interchangeable lenses, but their fixed focal ranges and maximum apertures warrant inspection.

• FP5 lens covers 35-140 mm (equiv.) with a 4x optical zoom and maximum aperture F3.5-5.9.
• TS30 lens offers 25-100 mm (equiv.) with 4x optical zoom, and max aperture F3.9-5.7.

The wider starting focal length on the TS30 (25mm vs. 35mm) equates to better wide-angle capability - excellent for landscapes and interior shots. FP5’s 140mm telephoto setting is superior for portraits and moderate reach.

Neither lens is exceptionally fast, limiting depth-of-field effects like creamy bokeh, but the FP5’s slightly faster aperture at wide end can help in low light.

Macro capability is better on the TS30, with a minimum focus distance of 5 cm compared to the FP5’s 10 cm, enhancing flower or close detail shots.

Weather Resistance and Durability: Ready for Adventure?

A defining point for many photographers is how well their equipment stands up to different environments.

The TS30 is built tough: waterproof to 8 meters, shockproof from drops up to 1.5 meters, freezeproof to -10°C, and dustproof. It caters to hikers, snorkelers, snow lovers, and anyone who frequently ventures outdoors where electronics might be vulnerable.

The FP5 has no environmental sealing and is best kept dry and protected. Its ultracompact body emphasizes portability over ruggedness.

This clear distinction influences camera choice heavily, especially for travel and wildlife shooters who might face unpredictable conditions.

Battery Life and Storage: Reliability in the Field

Both cameras operate on proprietary battery packs, reducing the chance of runouts on extended trips due to limited spares.

• FP5 promises around 260 shots per charge.
• TS30 clocks slightly lower with about 250 shots.

Neither is stellar by modern standards, but roughly 250 shots per battery is serviceable for casual outings. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards but have just one slot - no dual-card fallback here.

Video Capabilities: Basic but Functional

Neither camera excels as a video tool, with identical video resolutions capped at 1280 x 720 (HD) at 30 fps.

• FP5 records in Motion JPEG format.
• TS30 uses MPEG-4 compression.

No 4K or Full HD 1080p modes here, and neither offers microphone or headphone jacks for audio control. There’s no built-in stabilization beyond optical image stabilization on the lens. Timelapse recording is only supported on the TS30.

Effectively, video should be viewed as a secondary feature on these cameras, adequate for quick, casual clips but not serious video production.

Diving Deeper: How Each Camera Handles Key Photography Genres

Let’s contextualize their specs and handling with real-world genre suitability.

Portrait Photography

The FP5’s longer telephoto reach (140mm) and touchscreen AF with face detection help capture flattering portraits with natural compression and decent subject isolation. Its F3.5 aperture is manageable for outdoor portraits, though bokeh isn’t creamy by DSLR standards.

The TS30’s shorter zoom and smaller maximum aperture limit shallow depth effects. Macro mode at 5cm allows interesting close-up detail shots which can be creatively useful.

Neither supports RAW, so post-processing latitude is limited, but in good light JPEGs look pleasing.

Landscape Photography

TS30’s wider 25mm lens is better suited for expansive vistas, architectural scenes, and travel landscapes. Added weather sealing means it can handle rainy or rugged locations without worry.

FP5 lacks weatherproofing but offers a sharper lens and slightly higher resolution for large prints. Both have moderate dynamic range, but neither matches modern mirrorless cameras in shadow recovery.

Wildlife Photography

Fast AF and burst rates are critical here. FP5’s 6 fps burst is a welcome asset for capturing fleeting movements, combined with a longer 140mm reach.

TS30’s ruggedness allows shooting in challenging environments (near water, freezing cold), but lower burst and slower AF limit its effectiveness for fast action.

Sports Photography

Again, FP5 edges ahead with higher frame rates and faster shutter speeds. However, both cameras fall short of professional sports cameras in tracking and low-light ISO performance.

Street Photography

FP5’s compactness, quiet operation, and touchscreen focus controls favor street shooters who want discretion and agility. TS30’s bulkier body and button controls might be less discreet but also more reliable in adverse weather.

Macro Photography

TS30’s closer focusing distance (5cm) and stabilized lens make macro shooting easier and more rewarding. FP5 lags with a minimum focus of 10 cm.

Night and Astro Photography

Neither camera excels here. CCD sensors and limited ISO performance produce noisy images under low light. No manual exposure control or bulb modes restrict astrophotography.

Video Use

Both adequate for casual 720p videos, but lack features for serious videographers.

Travel Photography

FP5 wins on compactness and control ease; TS30 wins on durability and wider lens. Choice depends on individual travel needs.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera supports RAW which is a limiting factor for professional-grade post-processing or archival. Limited connectivity options (only USB 2.0, no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) restrict integration with modern workflows.

Summary of Key Technical Specifications and Performance

Panasonic FP5 front Panasonic FP5 screen back Panasonic TS30 front

Final Verdict: Which Panasonic Compact Fits You?

To conclude, both the FP5 and TS30 serve well-defined niches within Panasonic’s compact realm.

Choose the Panasonic FP5 if you want:

• An ultracompact, travel-friendly camera with touchscreen control.
• Faster shooting speeds and slightly longer zoom for casual action or portraits.
• Better ergonomics for street and everyday photography.
• A stylish camera to carry anywhere unobtrusively.

Choose the Panasonic TS30 if you need:

• A rugged, waterproof camera that can survive underwater, dust, drops, and freezing temps.
• Wide-angle flexibility for travel, landscapes, and adventure photography.
• Close macro capabilities for creative close-ups.
• A reliable shooter in tough environmental conditions.

Both cameras have clear compromises: lack of RAW support, limited video, moderate sensor tech, and basic autofocus systems. Yet their compelling strengths - portability vs. ruggedness - guide their positioning.

Ultimately, your choice rests on lifestyle and primary usage scenarios. If you want a camera for casual, everyday snapshots and street scenes, FP5 edges ahead. If your photography often involves adventure travel or outdoor exploration in challenging environments, the TS30 is tailored for survival with decent image quality.

I hope this thorough, hands-on comparison helps you navigate the nuances of these two Panasonic compacts. Choosing the right camera is about matching gear strengths to your shooting demands - and both of these deserve a place in the history of approachable, practical digital photography.

Feel free to ask me further questions about their use or comparative tests - happy shooting!