Panasonic FZ47 vs. Panasonic G10: A Veteran Superzoom Meets a Mirrorless Classic - Which Fits Your Photography Needs?

Choosing your next camera often feels like navigating a labyrinth of specs, bells, and whistles. Today, I’ll walk you through a detailed comparison between two distinct but venerable Panasonic cameras: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 - an impressive small-sensor superzoom - and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10, an entry-level mirrorless camera that helped define Micro Four Thirds in its early days. Both were announced around 2010–2011, so while not recent, they provide a fascinating contrast between bridge superzoom convenience and mirrorless flexibility.

Having extensively tested both cameras over the years, often side-by-side, this article digs deep into their sensor performance, handling, autofocus systems, and real-world usability across photography genres. By the end, you’ll have actionable insights to match these cameras to your style and budget, framed by a practical understanding rather than marketing fluff.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Before diving into sensor tech and image quality, let’s talk about how these cameras feel in hand and how their physical design supports or hinders shooting experiences.

The Panasonic FZ47 is a classic bridge camera with an SLR-like body, weighing about 498 grams and measuring roughly 120x80x92mm. Its design leans into the superzoom niche, offering a hefty lens barrel housing a 24× optical zoom spanning 25–600mm equivalent focal length. It’s chunky but balances well due to its ergonomic grip.

In contrast, the G10 sets itself apart as an entry-level mirrorless shooter with a smaller footprint (124x90x74mm) and lighter weight (388g). It’s still SLR-style but more compact due to its interchangeable lens system and Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount. The body feels solid with straightforward control placements - educational if you’re starting in mirrorless.

This size and weight difference creates distinct handling philosophies. The FZ47’s fixed lens and larger body make it less discreet but front-load balance is better for extended telephoto shooting - great for wildlife and travel when you want reach without changing lenses. The G10 offers lens interchangeability with a lighter body making it more versatile but necessitates carrying additional glass.

Top-Down View: Button and Control Layout

Control ergonomics can win or lose the shooting experience, especially for enthusiasts who like to adjust settings on the fly.

Both cameras offer traditional control layouts, but Panasonic tailored each to their audience:

• The FZ47 favors direct physical dials for shutter/aperture priority, exposure compensation, and quick access to zoom functions along its thick lens barrel. Its buttons are placed for easy one-hand operation, though the smaller 460k dot fixed rear screen limits menu navigation ease.

• The G10 sacrifices the oversized zoom ring but compensates with more dedicated buttons for ISO, white balance, and a command dial for exposure compensation. Its electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a small but helpful 202k-dot unit with 100% coverage, enhancing framing accuracy outdoors - an advantage over the FZ47’s limited electronic finder.

In practice, the G10’s button layout feels like a stepping stone into serious photography, empowering users to learn the ropes without overwhelming complexity. The FZ47 caters more to travelers and casual shooters who want to zoom from wide to super-telephoto quickly.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now to the crux: image quality. Both cameras share a 12MP resolution, but sensor technology, size, and processing differ significantly, impacting results.

Sensor Technology and Size

• FZ47: Uses a small 1/2.3" CCD sensor (~6.08x4.56mm, 27.7 mm²), typical for compact superzoom cameras. CCD sensors excelled in earlier times for color fidelity, but generally lag behind CMOS in high-ISO performance and dynamic range.

• G10: Employs a 4/3” Live MOS sensor (17.3x13mm, 224.9 mm²), part of the Micro Four Thirds system. It’s roughly 8 times larger in area than the FZ47's sensor, allowing significantly better light gathering, improved noise control, and better depth of field control.

Image Quality Metrics

Using DXOMark data and personal field tests, the G10 scored a respectable 52 points overall, with color depth at 21.2 bits and dynamic range at 10.1 EV stops. The FZ47 lacks official DXOMark metrics, but small-sensor CCDs are known to achieve modest dynamic range and struggle at ISO above 400.

In real-world usage:

• Dynamic range: The G10 outperforms with richer tonal gradations and better highlight retention - valuable for landscapes and harsh lighting. The FZ47’s narrower range makes it tougher to recover shadows or highlights in post.

• ISO Performance: The G10 maintains usable images up to ISO 1600, with clarity at 3200 in controlled conditions. The FZ47’s noise becomes pronounced past ISO 400–800, restricting low light usability.

• Color Rendering: FZ47 provides vibrant jpeg colors straight from camera, great for snapshots and travel, but the G10’s raw support (more on this later) affords fine control with superior color fidelity.

This sensor gap is the defining factor in image quality differences. The G10 benefits from 2010s mirrorless tech, delivering a more flexible canvas for enthusiasts aiming to push creativity.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance Dynamics

Autofocus (AF) systems often decide whether you capture fleeting moments or miss them - especially in wildlife and sports.

• FZ47: Offers contrast-detection AF with 23 focus points, face detection, and basic AF tracking. Autofocus speed is decent for static subjects but slows notably under low light or moving scenes. Continuous shooting tops out at 4 fps.

• G10: Also uses contrast detection but with more refined algorithms, face detection, selective AF area options, and live view AF. Its AF is slower than modern mirrorless cameras but noticeably better than the FZ47 in accuracy and consistency, particularly when paired with fast MFT lenses. Burst shooting is slightly slower at 3 fps but with less buffering delay.

Testing notes: In wildlife scenarios, the FZ47’s super-telephoto reach can capture distant birds well, but AF lag sometimes results in missed shots during flight. The G10 needs lenses with longer zoom to match reach but outperforms in acquiring focus quickly in good light.

For sports and fast action, neither camera is ideal by modern standards, but the G10’s more precise AF tracking grants it an edge for slower-moving subjects.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder Usability

Monitoring your shot composition and reviewing images is fundamental to photographic control.

The FZ47 and G10 both sport 3-inch fixed LCDs at 460k dots, which by today’s standards are basic but serviceable. The G10’s TFT color LCD offers clearer visuals in sunlight and better color accuracy.

In electronic viewfinders:

• FZ47’s finder is electronic with 100% coverage, but resolution details are unspecified and tends to lag slightly on fast pans.

• G10’s EVF is 202k dots with 0.52x magnification - small but sharper, providing a more reliable framing guide, especially in bright outdoor conditions.

Using the G10’s EVF is preferable when precision is paramount, while the FZ47’s viewfinder serves as a backup to the main LCD.

Lens Ecosystem: Zoom Versatility vs. Interchangeability

Arguably the most critical consideration: fixed superzoom versus a mirrorless system.

• FZ47: Comes with a built-in 25–600mm equivalent f/2.8-5.2 zoom lens delivering massive reach without lens swapping. This "all-in-one" appeals to travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and casual photographers wanting convenience.

• G10: Features a Micro Four Thirds mount with 107 native lenses available, from ultrawide primes to telephoto zooms, macro lenses, and fast apertures. It’s a gateway to vastly superior optics but requires investment and carrying extra gear.

This fundamental difference dictates workflows and budgets:

The FZ47 gets you started with incredible zoom range and optical image stabilization included, well-suited for spontaneous photography or trips where packing light is crucial.

The G10 demands more commitment but rewards with higher image quality and creative possibilities over the long term.

Build Quality and Weather Protection

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or rugged durability. Their plastic and metal chassis provide reasonable protection from daily wear but won't withstand dust, water spray, or freezing conditions.

If you shoot outdoors frequently in challenging weather, you’ll want to invest in protective gear or consider other models.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

• FZ47: Rated for roughly 400 shots per charge, powered by a proprietary battery pack. It uses a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

• G10: Offers about 380 shots per battery, similar battery type, and also utilizes a single SD card slot.

In practice, battery life is comparable and modest, typical of cameras from this era. Carrying spare batteries is recommended for intensive sessions.

Connectivity and Video Capabilities

Neither model includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, common for cameras of their release time.

For video:

• The FZ47 shoots Full HD 1080p at 30fps using AVCHD compression - a solid feature for the period, suitable for casual videography.

• The G10 records 720p HD videos but in simpler Motion JPEG format, limiting clip length and file sizes. It lacks external mic inputs or headphone jacks, capping its professional use.

Thus, if video is a priority, the FZ47 stands out with superior resolution and codec.

In-Camera Features and Exposure Control

Both cameras offer:

• Manual exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, full manual)
• Exposure compensation, AE bracketing, WB bracketing
• Face detection AF

However, the FZ47 does not support RAW image capture - a significant limitation for those who want post-processing flexibility. The G10 supports RAW, opening creative workflows for professionals and serious enthusiasts.

Neither has in-body stabilization in the G10 body, relying on optical stabilization in lenses (where supported), while the FZ47 incorporates effective optical image stabilization built into the lens assembly.

Practical Performance Across Genres

Now, let’s see how these specs translate into results by genre.

Portrait Photography

• Skin Tones & Bokeh: The larger MFT sensor of the G10 allows for shallower depth of field with fast lenses, producing pleasing background blur. Its RAW support lets you fine-tune skin tones during editing. The FZ47’s small sensor limits bokeh and its JPEG engine renders skin tones with moderate accuracy but less nuance.

• Eye Detection: Both have face detection AF, but G10’s selective AF areas provide more precision.

Verdict: The G10 is preferable for portrait work.

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic Range & Resolution: G10’s larger sensor and extended dynamic range capture wider tonal gradations critical for landscapes. Its 12MP is sufficient for quality prints.

• Weather Sealing: Neither camera offers this.

• Zoom Flexibility: FZ47’s huge zoom range is irrelevant here; landscape shooters prefer wide-angle lenses - better on G10.

Verdict: G10 delivers superior image quality for landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

• Autofocus Speed & Telephoto Reach: FZ47’s 600mm zoom lens is a priceless advantage for distant subjects, though limited AF speed may miss some moments.

• Burst Rates: Both modest.

• Lens Flexibility on G10: Potential for higher-quality telephoto lenses but at extra cost and weight.

Verdict: FZ47’s all-in-one pocket telephoto edge is tough to beat for casual wildlife.

Sports Photography

• Tracking & Low Light: Neither excels here. G10 AF is more accurate but slower. Frame rates under 4fps limit action sequences.

Verdict: Neither ideal; G10 edges with better focusing but compromises exist.

Street Photography

• Discreteness & Portability: G10’s smaller size and interchangeable lenses (e.g., pancake primes) make for discreet shooting.

• Low Light Performance: G10 superior.

Verdict: G10 preferred by street shooters.

Macro Photography

• Magnification & Focus Precision: G10 wins due to lens options (dedicated macro glass, extension tubes) and focus peaking on live view.

• FZ47 Macro Range: Claimed 1cm but limited by sensor size and lack of manual focus aids.

Verdict: G10 best choice.

Night and Astro Photography

• High ISO Performance: G10’s sensor and RAW support are crucial for clean night images.

• Exposure Modes: Manual modes on both; G10 more flexible.

Verdict: G10 significantly superior.

Video Capabilities

• Resolution: FZ47 delivers 1080p vs. G10’s 720p.

• Stabilization: FZ47’s optical stabilization helps smooth video.

• Audio Ports: Neither offers external inputs.

Verdict: FZ47 better for casual HD video.

Travel Photography

• Versatility: FZ47’s all-in-one zoom lens is compelling - no lens changes during trips.

• Size vs. Image Quality: G10 shoots better images but needs lenses.

• Battery and Durability: Similar.

Verdict: FZ47 is a no-brainer for travel convenience; G10 is for those prioritizing image quality over simplicity.

Professional Work

• Reliability & Workflow: G10 supports RAW and has a stronger lens ecosystem, integrating smoothly into digital workflows.

• File Formats & Post: FZ47 limited to JPEG.

Verdict: G10 better suited for professional uses.

Sample Image Comparison

Here’s a gallery showing the output quality difference from both cameras under similar conditions. The G10 images reveal cleaner details and better tonality, while the FZ47 images showcase long zoom reach with decent color fidelity.

Panasonic FZ47 front Panasonic FZ47 screen back Panasonic G10 front Panasonic G10 screen back

Summarizing Overall Performance

A bird’s-eye analysis confirms the sensor benefits and flexibility of the mirrorless G10 versus the fixed superzoom convenience of the FZ47.

Genre-Specific Performance Scores

Breaking down by genre makes the choice crystal clear based on intended use:

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both cameras represent strong choices in their niches with complementary strengths:

• Choose the Panasonic FZ47 if:

  • You want an all-in-one zoom without lens swapping.
  • Video quality at 1080p matters.
  • You value ease of use and travel convenience.
  • You accept limited ISO range and no RAW.

• Choose the Panasonic G10 if:

  • Image quality and RAW capture are priorities.
  • You seek a versatile system with lens options.
  • You shoot portraits, landscapes, macro, or need better low light performance.
  • You're willing to invest in lenses and learn manual controls.

In conclusion, I encourage you to pair your shooting style with these insights. The FZ47 is a reliable, hefty superzoom with practical zoom reach and simple operation, while the G10 embodies the mirrorless evolution, delivering superior image quality and creative control if you’re ready for a system camera.

After 15 years of extensive camera testing, I suggest trying both hands-on if possible to feel their ergonomics and focus behavior firsthand. Either way, understanding their technical and photographic strengths arms you to pick your ideal photographic partner without surprises.

Happy shooting!