Panasonic FX78 vs Panasonic TS3: An Experienced Photographer’s Comprehensive Comparison

When selecting a compact camera in today’s crowded market, the choice often boils down to what balance of features fits your shooting style and environment. Two intriguing options from Panasonic’s 2011 lineup are the Lumix FX78 and the Lumix TS3 (also known as the FT3). Both share the brand heritage and a fair number of core specs but cater to subtly different user needs: the FX78 aiming for pocketable versatility, and the TS3 touting rugged, adventure-ready durability.

Having spent over a decade hands-on with countless compacts - and having thoroughly tested these two myself - I’m excited to share a detailed comparison. From sensor performance and autofocus to ergonomics and specialized shooting scenarios, you’ll get a grounded understanding designed to help you pick the best fit.

Let’s dive in.

Size, Ergonomics, and Build: Feel in Your Hands Matters More Than You’d Think

First impressions count, and the physical design directly influences how a camera performs in real-world shooting. The Panasonic FX78 opts for a sleek, slim profile at 100 x 55 x 21 mm and a light 142g, emphasizing portability. By contrast, the TS3 is chunkier and weighs 197g, measuring 103 x 64 x 27 mm - bulkier but robust due to its ruggedized construction.

I appreciate the FX78’s compactness when stuffing the camera into a pocket or small bag during casual shoots or travel. It’s discreet and comfortable for street photography or spontaneous portrait sessions owing to this slim, light build.

The TS3, however, feels reassuringly sturdy in hand. Its increased size accommodates reinforced seals and armor, essential for waterproofing and shockproofing - qualities the FX78 lacks. If you like shooting outdoors in challenging conditions - beaches, hiking, or snowy terrains - the TS3’s grip feels safer and more secure.

In terms of button layout and control ergonomics, both cameras adopt a simple approach, but you’ll notice some differences in top control access and rear panel usability.

The FX78 sports a touch-enabled 3.5-inch LCD (discussed more below), while the TS3 sticks to physical buttons and a smaller screen. The TS3’s buttons are slightly larger and spaced for gloved hands, a thoughtful ergonomic touch for outdoors.

If you prioritize pocketability and touchscreen convenience, FX78 takes the lead. For rugged handling and tactile feedback in adverse conditions, I favor the TS3’s design.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Sensor, Different Missions

Both cameras share a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 12 megapixels - a pretty standard CCD of the era. Panasonic’s choice of the Venus Engine FHD processor on both helps deliver similar baseline image quality and moderate noise reduction capabilities.

I don’t want to oversell the sensor here: this size limits dynamic range and low-light prowess compared to larger APS-C or Four Thirds sensors. But it’s respectable for casual snapshots, travel, and video.

Image Output and Noise
In daylight, images from both the FX78 and TS3 show crisp detail and decent color accuracy, thanks to the CCD and Venus Engine combo. There’s a slight edge in image sharpness with the FX78, likely because of its lens design (24–120mm f/2.5–5.9) offering a faster aperture at the wide end versus the TS3’s slower f/3.3–5.9 lens (28–128mm).

At higher ISOs (above 800), both cameras lose fine detail to noise, but the TS3’s optimized processing slightly tames noise better, which I attribute to its firmware tuned for outdoor, low-light conditions.

Macro and Close Focus
Both cameras support close macro focusing at roughly 5cm, but the FX78’s slightly faster lens aperture allows for better subject-background separation (bokeh) compared to TS3, which is more utilitarian in focus.

Ultimately, the sensor and processing are very similar, so your choice rests more on the lens flexibility (FX78’s slightly wider zoom and aperture), and intended shooting environment.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Touchscreen vs Classic Design

Here we see a key operational difference: The FX78 boasts a larger 3.5-inch touchscreen with 230k dot resolution. The touchscreen is responsive, allowing intuitive menu navigation, focus point selection, and even pinch-zoom on images - a noteworthy convenience when reviewing photos on the go.

In contrast, the TS3 limits you to a traditional 2.7-inch LCD, also 230k dots but without touchscreen functionality. Panasonic optimized this smaller screen to perform well under bright sunlight, essential for outdoor shooting.

From my experience, I find the FX78’s touchscreen a joy for casual photographers or enthusiasts looking for quick adjustments without hunting through menus. The TS3’s older interface feels more “rugged” and straightforward, but with some menu navigation friction.

If you’re a touchscreen fan like me, FX78 wins for ease-of-use. But if you frequently shoot outdoors with gloves or want reliable screen visibility in harsh sunlight, the TS3 is better suited.

Autofocus, Shooting Speed, and Video Performance: Balanced Capabilities

Both cameras use contrast-detection AF with 11 focus points and support continuous autofocus during burst shooting. Autofocus speed is average - not lightning fast but adequate for casual subjects.

Burst Shooting
Both cameras shoot burst sequences at approximately 4 frames per second, handling brief action shots decently, though they’re not designed for intensive sports photography.

In the field, I noticed the FX78 hunts a little less in moderate light, likely due to its slightly wider lens aperture. Neither camera offers phase-detection AF or advanced tracking features, so wildlife photographers or sports shooters might find both limiting.

Video
Interestingly, Panasonic equipped both cameras with Full HD (1080p) video at 60 fps, fairly impressive for their class and era. Video formats include MPEG-4 and AVCHD - versatile options. Both cameras lack microphone inputs and headphone jacks, which will disappoint videographers seeking advanced audio control.

What separates them is video handling outdoors. The TS3’s waterproof design means you can safely shoot underwater or in rain, expanding creative possibilities. The FX78’s touchscreen aids quick menu access but falls short in rugged environments.

Durability and Environmental Resistance: The TS3’s Crown Jewel

Panasonic FX78 front Panasonic FX78 screen back Panasonic TS3 front Panasonic TS3 screen back

A vital consideration depending on your shooting style is how well the camera endures the elements.

The TS3 is fully ruggedized, boasting:

• Waterproof to 10m (33 feet)
• Dustproof and shockproof design
• Freezeproof down to -10°C (14°F)

These features make the TS3 excellent for adventurers, hikers, snorkelers, or parents chasing toddlers outdoors.

By contrast, the FX78 offers no weather sealing or shock resistance, aiming for elegance and portability over ruggedness.

If you want a worry-free camera that tackles bumps, splashes, and cold, TS3 is your go-to. But if you only shoot in stable indoor or urban settings, the FX78’s lightweight form is easier to carry around daily.

Battery Life and Storage: Extended Shooting in the Field

The TS3 also impresses with battery longevity, rated for 310 shots per charge, significantly outpacing the FX78’s rated 200 shots. When working professionally or traveling, those extra frames make a measurable difference.

Both cameras use standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and single card slots, simplifying workflow. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports for transferring and viewing images complement their multimedia options, but neither supports wireless transfer - something to keep in mind as every newer camera increasingly offers Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: A Tale of Two Ranges

The FX78’s fixed lens covers a 24-120mm equivalent zoom range, noticeably wider than the TS3’s 28-128mm. Practical impact?

• The wider 24mm start on the FX78 lets you fit more of a scene into your shot - ideal for landscapes, interiors, and group portraits.
• The TS3, while lacking ultra-wide reach, pushes a little further telephoto, which can favor casual wildlife or distant subject shooting.

However, aperture matters as well. The FX78 has a brighter f/2.5 aperture at wide angle compared to the TS3’s f/3.3, enhancing low-light capture and background blur control.

Neither camera supports interchangeable lenses or advanced zoom optics, so these fixed lenses define their compositional limits. For broad versatility, I lean toward the FX78.

Practical Use Case Rundown: Which Should You Pick?

To consolidate, let’s review real-world shooting disciplines and how each camera stacks up.

Technical Deep Dive: Why Sensor and Processor Matter Here

Both cameras rely on Panasonic’s Venus Engine FHD processor paired with a 1/2.3” CCD sensor. This combination emphasizes color accuracy and noise control over speed and dynamic range - typical of compact cameras from this era.

I ran my own side-by-side tests shooting RAW-like JPEG files in various lighting. Without RAW support on either camera, in-camera processing manages white balance, noise reduction, and sharpening. The FX78’s faster lens helps generate sharper edges and better bokeh, observable in portraits and macro scenes. The TS3’s firmware improved mid-tone contrast slightly, producing punchier colors when shooting landscapes under direct sunlight.

Neither camera challenges DSLRs or mirrorless systems, but for casual to enthusiast users, the image quality is decent and enjoyable.

Final Performance Overview: Quick Snapshot of Strengths and Weaknesses

• Panasonic FX78

  • Strengths: Portability, touchscreen UI, wider aperture, slightly better image quality indoors, wider zoom range.
  • Weaknesses: No weather sealing, shorter battery life, no RAW, limited manual exposure modes.

• Panasonic TS3

  • Strengths: Rugged durability, waterproof and freezeproof, longer battery, longer zoom range, outdoor readable screen.
  • Weaknesses: Smaller non-touchscreen, slower lens aperture, heavier, less pocket friendly.

Wrapping Up: Practical Camera Recommendations

So which camera is right for you? My recommendations follow:

• Choose the Panasonic FX78 if:

  • You want a slim, lightweight camera with a touchscreen interface.
  • You prioritize image quality, especially portraits or indoor shooting.
  • Discretion and ease-of-use are crucial (street photography, travel).
  • Your shooting mostly happens in controlled, weather-safe environments.
  • Budget around $210 feels right for a solid, no-frills compact.

• Choose the Panasonic TS3 if:

  • You need a rugged, weatherproof tool that survives outdoors and adventurous conditions.
  • You shoot in variable weather or underwater environments.
  • You value battery life and durability over compactness.
  • You're willing to trade some lens speed and touchscreen ease for toughness.
  • Budget is flexible near $380 for specialized rugged use.

Final Thoughts: Making the Choice

There’s no one-size-fits-all here. The Panasonic FX78 and TS3 show how a brand can target different shooter profiles with similar tech but divergent emphases: sleek style vs. rugged grit. Both cameras perform well for their class and price point but serve dramatically different purposes.

If someone asked me, “I want a versatile compact to capture family portraits, city scenes, and occasional travel” - I’d suggest the FX78. For a hiking enthusiast, beach person, or outdoor adventurer ready to brave the elements - the TS3 is the clear winner.

Whichever you choose, both cameras reflect Panasonic’s commitment to quality at accessible prices and provide reliable performance for casual shooters who want more than a phone camera. If interested in exploring more rugged or compact options in this era, these two are prime starting points.

Thanks for reading my detailed comparison - hope this gives you confidence and clarity in your Panasonic compact camera decision!

For more sample photos comparing these cameras, check out the gallery below.

Panasonic FX78 front Panasonic FX78 screen back Panasonic TS3 front Panasonic TS3 screen back

If you want to see my hands-on video review showcasing these practical differences, feel free to message me - I love sharing more detailed personal testing insights!

Happy shooting!