Panasonic Lumix FX48 vs. TS10: A Hands-On Comparison for Budget-Conscious Photography Enthusiasts

When you’re scouting for a compact camera that hits the sweet spot between portability, durability, and image quality - without demanding a mortgage - you’re bound to cross paths with Panasonic’s units from the late 2000s and early 2010s. Specifically, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 and the Lumix DMC-TS10 (also known as FT10) both sat firmly in that space, catering to budget-savvy shooters who wanted something better than a smartphone but nothing too bulky or pricey.

Having handled both extensively in my career (and endured many a beach vacation and impromptu street shoot with these), I’m here to walk you through their real-world strengths, shortcomings, and where each camera shines, so you can make the call that's right for your creative pursuits.

First Impressions: Size, Shape, and Handling

Let’s start with the basics: size and ergonomics.

The FX48 is quite compact and slim, measuring at 95x53x22mm while tipping the scales at a light 150g. It’s great to slip into a pocket, making it a reliable companion for everyday carry or casual outings where you want to travel light.

On the other hand, the TS10 is bulkier (99x63x24mm) and a bit heavier at 188g. The reason? It’s built rugged, with weather sealing that delivers genuine waterproofing, dust resistance, and even freezeproofing. If you’re going hiking, beachcombing, or prone to clumsy spills, this heft is a worthwhile tradeoff for all-weather reliability.

Ergonomically, both have a similar button layout, but the TS10’s physical controls feel a touch chunkier - easier to manipulate with gloves or wet fingers. The FX48, while a bit more streamlined, lacks that outdoor-tough feel.

Top Deck and Control Layout: Direct Access vs. Minimalist Design

Neither camera sports clubs for thumbs or elaborate dials you'd find on an enthusiast-grade model. The FX48’s top controls are minimalistic but include a reasonable mode dial - though the shooting modes are basic, lacking dedicated manual priority options.

TS10 pares down the manual settings a bit more - no aperture or shutter priority here - instead focusing on simplicity and waterproof sealed buttons. If you crave tactile feedback or customizable buttons, both cameras might leave you wanting, though the FX48 nudges ahead with its exposure compensation dial.

Under the Hood: Sensor Tech and Image Quality

Both cameras rely on small 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm, a sensor size typical for compact cameras of that era. CCD sensors generally produce good color rendition but tend to struggle with high ISO noise compared to modern CMOS sensors.

• FX48 resolution: 12 megapixels (max 4000x3000)
• TS10 resolution: 14 megapixels (max 4320x3240)

On paper, the TS10 has a slight resolution advantage. However, effective resolution is about more than pixels alone. The TS10’s Venus Engine IV processor does a decent job mitigating noise and enhancing image quality relative to the FX48’s unspecified older processor.

In practice, both cameras deliver clean, usable images at low ISO (around ISO80-200). Above ISO400, noise becomes intrusive on both, but TS10 holds a marginal edge due to superior processing. Neither is ideal for low-light shooting or Astro photography (more on that later).

Back Screen and User Interface: Your Window to the Image

FX48 sports a 2.5” fixed LCD screen with a meager 230k resolution; its colors tend toward neutral but the screen is dim and reflections are an issue outdoors.

TS10 improves slightly with a 2.7” screen, same 230k pixels, but offers higher brightness and better visibility under harsh sunlight - something you’ll appreciate if you’re shooting outside or underwater.

Neither has a touchscreen, nor electronic viewfinder (EVF), so you’re at the mercy of the rear LCD or composing blind on bright days.

Menu systems are straightforward but dated - no surprises here - but the TS10’s weather-sealed buttons mean you can press with confidence when wet or muddy.

Lens Capabilities and Zoom Range: Flexibility Versus Reach

The lens impacts your creative options more than sensor megapixels for these models.

• FX48 lens range: 25-125mm equivalent (5x zoom), faster aperture F2.8-5.9
• TS10 lens range: 35-140mm equivalent (4x zoom), aperture F3.5-5.6

The FX48’s wider starting focal length (25mm) is friendlier for landscapes and cramped interiors, whereas the TS10’s telephoto end extends a bit further, beneficial for wildlife or sports snapshots where you can’t get close.

That wider aperture at the wide end on the FX48 means better background separation and a touch nicer bokeh for portraits, though with small sensors don’t expect dreamy defocus like full-frame DSLRs.

For macro work, FX48 focuses as close as 5cm, compared to 10cm on TS10. That makes a difference if you want to capture fine details on flowers or bugs without attachments.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Patience Required

Neither camera is designed for rapid-fire or complex tracking. Both utilize contrast-detection autofocus systems with moderate responsiveness.

• FX48: 11 focus points with face detection, continuous AF not supported, single AF shot only.
• TS10: 9 focus points, no face detection, single AF only.

Surprisingly, the FX48’s face detection is a handy feature for portraits and casual people shots, offering improved accuracy on skin tones and faces - a noteworthy consideration if portraits are your focus.

Both cameras max out at a leisurely 2 frames per second burst rate, less than ideal for fast sports or wildlife action. Focus hunting can be an issue in low light or moving subjects.

Image Stabilization: Optical Steady Shot

Both packs optical image stabilization, crucial given the compact design and slower maximum apertures.

While Panasonic doesn’t spell out differences in stabilization technology, during tests both cameras helped reduce hand shake effectively at full zoom, an important factor for travel and street shooters who rely on zoom reach without tripods.

Weather Resistance: The TS10’s Ace in the Hole

Panasonic FX48 front Panasonic FX48 screen back Panasonic TS10 front Panasonic TS10 screen back

Here’s the deal-breaker for many: the TS10 is weathersealed, fully waterproof up to about 10 feet, dustproof, shockproof (within limits), and freeze proof. The FX48, being a regular compact, has no environmental sealing.

If your photography plans include beach vacations, hiking in unpredictable weather, or snapping underwater in pools or shallow reefs, the TS10’s ruggedness makes it worth every gram of extra weight.

Video Capabilities: Don’t Expect Hollywood, But Handy Clips

Video specs highlight the gulf between these two models given their era.

• FX48 max video: 848x480 at 30fps (Motion JPEG)
• TS10 max video: 1280x720 HD at 30fps (Motion JPEG)

While both lack microphone and headphone ports, the TS10’s ability to capture true 720p HD video is a huge boon for travelers and casual videographers. The FX48’s VGA-level video feels like a relic by today’s standards.

Neither has advanced video features, no 4K or slow motion, but the TS10 edges ahead as a modest all-in-one multimedia device.

Battery Life and Storage: The Basics Covered

Both take standard SD card storage, with the TS10 adding support for SDXC cards - useful if you plan to supplement with large memory cards for longer trips.

Battery specs aren’t detailed here, but expect similar runtimes typical for compact CCD cameras - roughly 200-300 shots per charge depending on usage. Neither camera offers USB charging; you’ll need dedicated chargers.

Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Insights

I ran these through my own test benchmarks and aggregated user feedback to distill their photographic strengths.

As expected, both score modestly overall. The TS10 outperforms the FX48 marginally due to better sensor resolution, improved image processing, and weather resistance.

• Portraits: FX48 takes the slight crown thanks to wider aperture and face detection
• Landscapes: FX48’s wider lens and respectable dynamic range edge out TS10
• Wildlife: TS10 offers tighter zoom but autofocus lags on both
• Sports: Neither camera is ideally suited; slow burst and AF hinder dynamic captures
• Street: FX48 is more discreet and lighter, good for casual street shoots
• Macro: FX48 excels due to close focusing distance
• Night/Astro: Neither shines; noise and sensor limits impede
• Video: TS10 superior with HD capture capability
• Travel: TS10 preferred for durability; FX48 wins on compactness
• Professional Use: Neither camera serves professional workflows; lack of RAW and manual modes limit

Real-World Examples: What You’ll Get Out of Them

I tested these cameras across practical scenarios to see how specs translate into photos and frustration levels.

• Portrait Session: FX48’s face detection and wider aperture made skin tones natural and backgrounds better blurred, though limited zoom required moving closer.
• Beach Hike: TS10 was my go-to – dropped in sand and seawater without skipping a beat. Photos stayed sharp despite salty conditions.
• City Streets: FX48 was easy to snap on the fly due to small size. TS10, though bulkier, felt reassuringly solid.
• Macro Fun: FX48’s 5cm focusing allowed tight shots of flora with ease.
• Evening Shots: Both struggled with noise, but TS10's higher max ISO allowed slight advantage in darker settings, though graininess remained.

Pros and Cons Summary

Panasonic Lumix FX48

Pros:

• Compact, pocketable design
• Wider lens (25mm start) ideal for landscapes and interiors
• Face detection autofocus for portraits
• Faster maximum aperture at wide end
• Closer macro focusing (5cm)
• Manual exposure available (sort of)
• Slightly better control layout for exposure compensation

Cons:

• No weather sealing (fragile outdoors)
• Video limited to low VGA res
• Slow continuous shooting
• Fixed screen, no touchscreen or EVF
• No RAW support limits editing latitude

Panasonic Lumix TS10

Pros:

• Rugged, waterproof, dustproof and freezeproof
• Better max video resolution (720p HD)
• Slightly higher sensor resolution (14MP)
• Enhanced image processing with Venus Engine IV
• Longer telephoto reach (35-140mm)
• Better screen visibility outdoors

Cons:

• Bulkier and heavier
• Slower maximum aperture limits low-light and bokeh
• No face detection autofocus
• No manual exposure options
• Slightly slower max shutter speed (1/1600 sec)

Who Should Choose Which?

If you’re a:

• Travel enthusiast who values ruggedness and versatility, the TS10 is the obvious choice for its waterproof construction and better video. Beach trips, hiking, and adventurous outings become worry-free.

• Budget-conscious casual shooter or street photographer who favors compactness, quick portraits, and easy controls, the FX48 offers a better balance between image quality and user friendliness - great for everyday snapshots and casual portraits.

• Macro or landscape hobbyist, the FX48’s wider lens and closer focusing distance serve your needs better.

• Aspiring videographer on a shoestring, the TS10’s ability to record HD video is the superior pick.

If none of the rugged features are deal-breakers, and you want better control over your shots (albeit limited by the camera’s era), the FX48 holds value. If you expect to push your camera into environments where durability is king - say, underwater snorkeling or snowy hikes - the TS10’s build quality and weatherproofing are persuasive.

Neither camera is a professional tool. Both lack RAW support, advanced autofocus, and connectivity or modern conveniences like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or touchscreens. For this price range, these cameras serve well as secondary travel cameras or backups rather than main shooters.

Final Verdict: Value in Context

Choosing between the Panasonic Lumix FX48 and TS10 boils down to how and where you shoot, balanced by your budget and tolerance for bulk vs. features.

If ruggedness and HD video are top of your list and you don’t mind extra weight, go for the TS10. It’s a durable camera made for active lifestyles, outdoorsy escapades, and casual family fun with less worry.

If you want a lighter, more compact shooter with better portraits and macro focus, and don’t mind treating it gently, the FX48 delivers a classic compact experience tuned for travel and everyday life.

Both cameras can be found used or at bargain prices, so you won’t break the bank. But if you want to future-proof or jump into photography with RAW capture, faster lenses, or interchangeable bodies, it's worth considering newer compacts or entry-level mirrorless rather than relying on these aging CCD models.

I hope this hands-on comparison helps you cut through the spec sheets and marketing fluff to choose the right lumix for your photographic adventures. If you have questions or want tips on these models in specific shooting contexts - drop me a line. Until then, happy clicking!

This article is based on years of personal testing, technical analysis, and real-world shooting with Panasonic Lumix FX48 and TS10 cameras.