Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 vs. Lumix DMC-GX850: A Comprehensive Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Selecting the right camera hinges on matching your photographic intentions with a device’s capabilities across functionality, ergonomics, and image quality. Here, we analyze two Panasonic models at distinctly different points in technological evolution and category: the 2010 bridge superzoom Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 and the 2017 entry-level mirrorless Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850. Both reflect Panasonic’s engineering priorities but are directed at diverse use-cases and user expectations.

With over 15 years personally testing hundreds of cameras across genres, I have dissected these models on key photographic disciplines, technical merits, and operational realities to provide an authoritative guide. The goal is to enable photography enthusiasts and professionals to discern which camera best suits their creative demands and workflow preferences.

Visualizing Size and Handling Differences: Ergonomics in Context

Form factor fundamentally influences usability, especially during extended shooting sessions or rapid operation scenarios such as sports or wildlife photography.

The Panasonic FZ100 embodies a SLR-like bridge camera design, measuring approximately 124x82x92 mm and weighing 540 grams. This bulkier footprint provides a substantial grip and an intuitive layout for photographers accustomed to DSLR ergonomics. The large body accommodates bigger control dials and a deep handgrip, benefiting stability during long telephoto use.

Conversely, the GX850’s rangefinder-style mirrorless body is significantly smaller and lighter at 107x65x33 mm and 269 grams. This makes it discreet and portable, ideal for street, travel, and casual photography. However, the lack of a traditional grip may challenge users with large hands or in scenarios requiring rapid, one-handed adjustments. The compactness also limits physical controls, nudging reliance towards touchscreen operations.

Top-Down Control Layout and Design Philosophy

Understanding control philosophy reveals operational efficiency differences and how quickly one can adapt the cameras in fluid shooting conditions.

The FZ100’s top plate features dedicated dials and buttons for shutter speed, exposure compensation, mode selection, and zoom toggling with the ring. This direct access reduces menu diving and enhances responsiveness - a boon for portrait photographers managing depth of field or wildlife photographers requiring exact exposure control mid-action.

The GX850 opts for minimalistic top controls, focusing on a shutter button and a dial, designed with touchscreen navigation as the primary interface. Although this streamlines the body appearance, it may introduce latency or awkward hand positions during action-centric shooting or macro photography, where quick exposure shifts are essential.

Sensor Size and Implications for Image Quality

Sensor technology underpins photographic performance, influencing dynamic range, noise behavior, depth of field control, and final image fidelity.

• FZ100: Employs a modest 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm), offering 14 megapixels. This sensor size caps potential image quality, especially in noise suppression and dynamic range. The sensor’s small area (27.72 mm²) inherently limits highlight and shadow recovery and impacts bokeh smoothness when shooting wide apertures.

• GX850: Leverages a much larger Four Thirds sensor (17.3 x 13 mm) with 16 megapixels, significantly increasing sensor surface area to 224.9 mm². This translates to materially improved color depth (23.2-bit DxoColorDepth score), dynamic range (13.3 EV), and high ISO performance (ISO 586 DxoLowLightISO score), supporting shooting scenarios with challenging lighting or demanding post-processing workflows.

For professionals or enthusiasts prioritizing print quality, landscape photography, or low-light portraiture, the GX850’s sensor affords a noticeable advantage. The FZ100’s sensor performs respectably for casual day-to-day use but reveals inherent noise and detail limitations past ISO 400.

Articulated Displays and Interface Nuances

Screen design critically affects composition, especially for non-traditional angles or situations requiring tilt adjustments.

• FZ100: Features a 3-inch fully articulating LCD with 460k-dot resolution. The articulation permits front-facing flips, beneficial for vlogging or creative framing and macro work at low angles. However, the relatively low resolution limits fine detail inspection on-screen during critical focus checks.

• GX850: Sports a more compact 3-inch tilting touchscreen with over double the resolution at 1040k dots, enhancing preview sharpness and menu interaction agility via touch. While not fully articulating, the upward flip is highly practical for selfies or street photographers shooting discreetly. The touchscreen interface increases operational flexibility but can slow down workflow for users accustomed to tactile control wheels.

Image Samples and Real-World Photo Quality

To ground the sensor and processing differences in visual reality, direct image comparisons highlight strengths and weaknesses.

Panasonic FZ100 front Panasonic FZ100 screen back Panasonic GX850 front Panasonic GX850 screen back

• FZ100: Exhibits decent color rendition in daylight with acceptable sharpness across its focal range from 25-600mm equivalent. However, images under low light show moderate noise and softness at telephoto extremes. Bokeh is limited by sensor size and maximum aperture of f/2.8-5.2, producing generally less background separation.

• GX850: Delivers crisp fine detail and vibrant yet natural colors due to larger sensor and no anti-aliasing filter. Noise control at ISO 1600 and above surpasses the FZ100 noticeably. Shallow depth of field portraits show smooth bokeh with well-rendered skin tones, suitable for expressive portraiture and artistic landscapes.

Autofocus System Capacities and Tracking Efficiency

Autofocus (AF) defines usability and success rates in genres like wildlife, sports, and macro photography.

• FZ100: Uses contrast-detection autofocus with basic face detection and tracking functionality. It supports 11 fps continuous shooting, which is remarkable for a bridge camera, but AF tracking often struggles with fast or erratic subject movement, evident in wildlife and sports conditions.

• GX850: Implements an enhanced contrast-detection AF with 49 focus points and selective AF area capability. It boasts face detection and tracking with higher accuracy and speed, particularly in live view mode. The electronic shutter offers quiet operation and speeds up to 1/16000s, which aids in controlling motion blur and shooting at wide apertures in bright conditions. Continuous shooting peaks at 10 fps.

For action photography, the GX850 provides better consistency in autofocus acquisition and tracking, although neither model incorporates phase-detection AF, which limits absolute speed compared to flagship mirrorless systems.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Versatility

• FZ100: Fixed 25-600mm f/2.8-5.2 lens with 24x optical zoom covers a tremendous focal length range with optical image stabilization. This superzoom lens is ideal for travelers and wildlife on a budget or users seeking all-in-one convenience without lens changes. The macro focus at 1 cm permits close-up shooting but with limited control over depth of field and no interchangeable lens flexibility.

• GX850: Compatible with the extensive Micro Four Thirds lens mount, offering over 100 lens options, including fast primes, macro lenses, telephotos, and specialized glass. This adaptability enables system growth and tailored optic selection, critical for portraits needing large apertures, sports telephotos, or landscapes requiring ultra-wide fields of view.

The fixed lens on the FZ100 can limit creative expression but simplifies carrying. The GX850 is for users valuing adaptability and ready to invest in a lens ecosystem.

Video Recording Capabilities

• FZ100: Outputs full HD 1080p video at 60 fps with AVCHD format, supports external microphones, and provides basic video stabilization optical compensation. The VX engine processor was competent for its time but lacks 4K or slow-motion features. Articulated screen aids in finding creative angles but absence of headphone output restricts audio monitoring.

• GX850: Supports 4K UHD video at 30p and 24p up to 100 Mbps bitrate, with MP4 and AVCHD codecs. 4K photo mode allows frame extraction post-shoot. The absence of microphone and headphone ports limits professional audio recording and monitoring options, but in-body video stabilization is also not present. The touchscreen and live view enhance usability in video mode.

Videographers emphasizing resolution and frame rates will prefer the GX850, although those needing comprehensive professional audio tools may find both models wanting.

Battery Endurance and Storage Solutions

• FZ100: Does not specify rated battery life clearly but uses proprietary lithium-ion batteries standard for bridge cameras of the era. Storage relies on one SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot with internal memory. Expect moderate endurance, reflecting early superzoom camera efficiencies.

• GX850: Rated for approximately 210 shots per charge, typical for compact mirrorless systems with smaller batteries. Employs microSD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot. Battery life may constrain long outdoor sessions without spares.

For travel photographers, the FZ100 likely offers longer continuous shooting capacity with a bulkier battery, whereas the GX850’s lighter weight and portability may require more battery planning.

Connectivity and Modern Wireless Features

• FZ100: Omits wireless connectivity options, reflecting technology standards at its 2010 release date.

• GX850: Integrates built-in Wi-Fi functionality, supporting remote camera control and image transfer to smart devices. However, it lacks Bluetooth and NFC capabilities.

Wireless integration benefits social media shooters and event photographers requiring rapid image sharing or remote triggering, giving the GX850 a contemporary edge.

Price-to-Performance Considerations

At launch, the FZ100 was priced around $500, while the GX850 retails near $550. Examined by today’s standards:

• The FZ100 offers a cost-efficient all-in-one superzoom experience with rugged handling but compromises in sensor performance, dynamic range, and AF sophistication.

• The GX850 commands a slight premium but delivers modern sensor technology, 4K video, superior image fidelity, and a flexible lens system. Its compact body appeals to lifestyle and travel enthusiasts prioritizing image quality over zoom reach.

Detailed Genre-Specific Performance and Recommendations

Portrait Photography

The GX850’s larger sensor, higher resolution screen, face detection AF, and bokeh control via interchangeable lenses make it a superior choice for portraits demanding tonal subtlety and eye tracking. The FZ100 can manage casual portraits outdoors but struggles on intricate skin tones and background separation.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution advantage clearly favor the GX850. Additionally, compatibility with quality wide-angle lenses and sharper sensor output support landscape detail rendition. The FZ100’s small sensor and less flexible lens limit professional-level landscape applications.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The FZ100’s long fixed zoom and 11 fps burst rate initially appear advantageous; however, its slower AF tracking reduces hit rates in fast action. GX850’s more advanced AF system and faster shutter speeds, combined with access to telephoto lenses, yield better results with some investment.

Street Photography

GX850’s compact, quiet operation with tilt screen and touchscreen control favors street photography. The FZ100’s bulk and zoom ring noise can draw unwanted attention. Low-light capability is also stronger on the GX850.

Macro Photography

The FZ100 can focus down to ~1 cm but with limited working distance and aperture control. The GX850 facilitates focus stacking and bracketing, together with compatible macro lenses, enabling precise focus and depth of field control for advanced macro work.

Night and Astro Photography

The GX850’s larger sensor, higher native ISO, and manual exposure modes support night shooting and star trail photography well beyond the capabilities of the FZ100’s small sensor and limited ISO ceiling.

Video Capabilities

GX850 leads with 4K resolution and simplified 4K photo extraction features. The FZ100 offers only 1080p with older codecs, suitable for casual video. Both lack advanced audio ports, limiting videographic professionalism.

Travel Photography

FZ100’s zoom range and rugged grip serve well for diverse scene capture without changing lenses. GX850’s lighter carry weight, better image quality, and Wi-Fi connectivity appeal to travelers prioritizing portability and instant sharing.

Professional Workflows

Support for raw image files and extensive manual controls exist on both. The GX850, however, integrates modern file structures, better dynamic range, and post-focus utilities aligning with professional retouch workflows.

Overall Performance Ratings

Our collective test ratings highlight the GX850’s superiority in image quality, autofocus, and video functions. The FZ100 scores well for ergonomic handling and zoom versatility but trails materially in sensor performance metrics.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 and GX850 target fundamentally different photographic requirements. The FZ100 is an early-era superzoom bridge camera that suits users needing a versatile zoom range and DSLR-like handling for travel and casual wildlife photography, albeit with image quality constraints from its small sensor.

The GX850, representing the growing mirrorless market with a larger Four Thirds sensor, modern interface, and 4K video support, appeals to enthusiasts and professionals seeking portability, superior image fidelity, and system flexibility, especially advantageous in portrait, landscape, and street photography.

Recommendations:

• Choose the Panasonic FZ100 if:

  • You require an all-in-one superzoom solution without changing lenses.
  • Ergonomics and dedicated physical controls are paramount.
  • Budget constraints favor older-generation hardware with reasonable capability.
  • Wildlife or travel photography with long reach is your primary interest.

• Choose the Panasonic GX850 if:

  • Image quality, low-light performance, and 4K video are priorities.
  • You desire a compact, versatile camera with access to an extensive lens lineup.
  • You shoot portraits, street scenes, landscapes, or macro with high creative control.
  • Wireless connectivity and modern interfaces enhance your workflow.

Through detailed real-world testing and technical evaluation, these insights facilitate an informed commitment to either model according to your photographic ambitions and operational preferences. Your investment in a camera is long-term, and understanding the nuanced trade-offs evident here ensures you maximize creative output while minimizing workflow friction.