Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic S2: In-Depth Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

When diving into the world of compact and bridge cameras, Panasonic’s Lumix lineup stands out as a hallmark of innovation and accessible performance. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 (2013) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 (2012) are two models from the same Japanese giant that seemingly share a family resemblance but cater to quite different photographer profiles. My aim here is to dissect these two cameras - from sensor tech to ergonomics - based on extensive hands-on testing, so you get a grounded understanding of what to expect if you’re considering either for your photography needs.

Whether you are a hobbyist craving versatility, a casual vacation shooter, or someone stepping into superzoom photography for the first time, this comprehensive comparison is tailored to illuminate all critical aspects. Let’s begin.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Holding the Cameras in Your Hands

At a glance, the FZ70 is a bridge camera with an SLR-like feel, whereas the S2 is a compact point-and-shoot - the physical build narrates half the story.

The FZ70 feels significantly more substantial with its 606g heft and dimensions of 130x97x118 mm. The body is designed for those who seek a grip-first experience - robust, confident, and with a shape that invites steady one-handed operation. In contrast, the S2 weighs only 112g and measures a svelte 98x57x21 mm, fitting effortlessly in jacket pockets or small bags. This long difference in handling translates directly to stability and control - the FZ70’s larger platform houses a deep grip, textured surfaces, and well-placed buttons that encourage prolonged shooting sessions without fatigue.

The S2’s slimness comes at the expense of control refinement. It’s more of an ultra-portable option for quick snaps rather than ergonomically optimized use. If you’re someone who immediately feels the benefit of a thoughtfully designed grip and responsive dials, the FZ70 delivers a more satisfying tactile experience.

Top Design and Control Layout: Intuitive or Minimalist?

Shifting focus to operational interfaces, we must consider how each camera’s top panel and controls influence real shooting workflow.

The FZ70 impresses with dedicated dials for shutter priority, aperture priority, manual exposure modes, and exposure compensation. This range of modes signals Panasonic’s intention for it to serve as a serious enthusiast tool. The control rings and buttons have a reassuringly tactile feedback, which I noticed translates into faster setting adjustments during action sequences or changing light conditions.

Conversely, the S2 is markedly barebones - lacking any dedicated manual exposure modes or even a prominent exposure compensation dial. This pushes the S2 firmly into beginner or casual territory; automated operation is the default, and manual intervention is quite limited, mainly custom white balance and basic adjustments. I found that switching modes on the FZ70 felt like second nature after a few minutes, but on the S2, the menu-driven controls often slowed the process, especially in dynamic scenes.

Sensor Technologies: CMOS vs. CCD and What It Means

One of the most crucial engine components dictating image quality is the sensor. Here, the FZ70 boasts a 16MP 1/2.3" CMOS sensor while the S2 uses a 14MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor.

In my real-world tests, the CMOS sensor on the FZ70 brought tangible benefits: better low light performance, superior dynamic range, and faster readout speeds facilitating continuous shooting and video capabilities. It yields a DXOMark overall score of 41, with excellent color depth (19.4 bits) and dynamic range (10.8 stops). The low-light ISO rating of 171 (higher is better) indicates a strength over CCDs in handling noise at elevated sensitivity.

By contrast, the S2’s CCD sensor - an older technology - struggled particularly under dim lighting. Color reproduction was decent for daylight conditions, but noise noticeably increased beyond ISO 400, and no DXOMark data is available to back an objectivescore. CCD sensors traditionally have great color fidelity in optimal conditions but are less versatile with higher ISO performance.

If image quality, especially beyond sunny outdoor conditions, is a priority, the FZ70’s CMOS sensor offers a substantial advantage. The S2 is best reserved for daylight shooting or snapshots under controlled lighting.

Screen and Viewfinder: Critical Windows to Your Composition

When composing shots, your interface with the camera’s screen or viewfinder greatly affects framing and usability.

The FZ70 sports a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with 460K dots. It compensates for its non-touch design with a bright, clear display that is usable in various lighting. More importantly, it includes an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 202K resolution and 100% coverage. Though the EVF isn’t as sharp as flagship mirrorless units, it’s a lifesaver for bright outdoor shooting or fast framing.

On the other hand, the S2 has a smaller 2.7-inch screen at 230K dots and absolutely no viewfinder. For me, this is a significant drawback when shooting outdoors or in bright conditions. I frequently found reflections and poor screen visibility limiting my shooting precision. The absence of any EVF means you’re tethered to the LCD, leading to more instability - units like the FZ70 allow more ergonomic shooting by holding the camera to your eye.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility Across Genres

From portraits to wildlife, autofocus (AF) performance affects your success rate.

The FZ70 houses a 23-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection and tracking capabilities. I noticed it was remarkably responsive for a bridge camera, with continuous autofocus modes supporting action shoots at 9 frames per second. This burst rate combined with reliable AF tracking makes it surprisingly versatile for sports and wildlife photography within the constraints of the fixed lens.

The S2 has the same 23-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection but without continuous tracking or burst shooting beyond 2 fps. Its slower shutter speed range (max 1/1600s vs 1/2000s on the FZ70) and laggy focus hunting rendered it less capable for fast-moving subjects or challenging focus hunts in macro situations.

While neither camera matches high-end DSLRs or mirrorless systems on AF sophistication or speed, the FZ70’s AF suite clearly edges out the S2, providing a more confident shooting experience across genres demanding focus agility.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Get Closer Without Changing Glass

As fixed lens cameras, the FZ70 and S2 must maximize zoom versatility to appeal to broad use cases.

The FZ70’s 20–1200mm equivalent lens (60x zoom) is jaw-dropping for enthusiast superzoom users. The wide F2.8–5.9 aperture range starting at ultrawide through to extreme supertelephoto is versatile but suffers aperture narrowing at longer focal lengths, as is commonplace. I appreciated the FZ70’s minimum macro focus distance of 1cm, enabling stunning close-ups with good subject-to-background separation.

By comparison, the S2's 28–112mm equivalent lens (4x zoom) is more pedestrian - adequate for casual zoom needs but lacking reach for meaningful wildlife or sports photography. Its narrower maximum apertures (F3.1–6.5) further reduce its low light abilities and depth of field control. Macro focusing tops out at 5cm minimum, which restricts extreme close-up work.

For telephoto enthusiasts or wildlife shooters looking for an all-in-one camera, the FZ70 is the clear winner. The S2 caters more to general snapshot or travel photography where portability wins over zoom.

Image Stabilization and Shutter Specifications: Ensuring Sharp Results

Both cameras employ optical image stabilization (OIS), crucial for handheld telephoto shooting.

The FZ70’s OIS is notably effective, compensating for shake across extended focal lengths. Coupled with its max shutter speed of 1/2000s and a minimum shutter speed of 8s, you gain flexibility to freeze action or experiment with long exposures at night.

The S2 has similar OIS tech but slightly inferior shutter speed range - maxing out at 1/1600s max shutter speed limits freezing very fast motion, and its longer minimum exposure times can be impractical in some low light scenarios.

Overall, the FZ70 provides better breadth in shutter control and image stabilization performance necessary for demanding shooting environments.

Video Capability: Stepping Into Moving Image Capture

Video recording supports both casual use and hybrid photo/video workflows.

The FZ70 offers Full HD 1080p recording at 50i/60i and 25p/30p, plus 720p in various frame rates, encoded in AVCHD and MPEG-4. It lacks microphone/headphone jacks but features an HDMI output for external monitoring or playback. The inclusion of manual exposure modes during video shooting (thanks to the shutter/aperture controls) is a boon for enthusiasts seeking creative control.

The S2’s video is limited to 720p 30fps Motion JPEG, with significantly fewer options, no HDMI, and no audio input - more a basic video snapshot tool than a versatile camcorder.

Videographers or hybrid shooters will appreciate deeper video recording flexibility on the FZ70.

Battery Life and Storage: Sustaining Your Shoots Out In The Field

Shooting length matters for travel and event photographers.

The FZ70 uses a rechargeable battery pack rated at around 400 shots per charge under standard conditions. This number was fairly consistent in my typical shooting scenarios, including zooming and video recording.

The S2’s battery life is weaker (280 shots), compounded by the smaller body limiting battery size, although its slower burst rates and less power-hungry sensor mitigate drain somewhat.

Both utilize SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with single storage slots. The FZ70’s modern connectivity includes USB 2.0 and HDMI, but no wireless or Bluetooth on either model.

Durability and Build Quality: Weather Sealing and Robustness

Neither the FZ70 nor the S2 offers environmental sealing - they are not designed for extreme weatherproofness, splash, or dust resistance. The FZ70’s larger, more substantial build provides better protection for typical outdoor use but lacks rugged certification. Neither is crush-, shock-, or freeze-proof.

If you frequently shoot in rough outdoor environments, neither should be your primary tool - weather sealing cameras or rugged compacts (e.g., Panasonic’s rugged Lumix series) are more appropriate.

Real-World Image Gallery: Side-by-Side Comparisons

Seeing is believing. Below I’ve included sample images taken with both cameras under various conditions: portraits, landscapes, and telephoto shots.

Panasonic FZ70 front Panasonic FZ70 screen back Panasonic S2 front Panasonic S2 screen back

Notice the FZ70’s superior sharpness at telephoto extremes, richer dynamic range in landscape shots, and smoother skin tones on portraits. The S2 excels in daylight casual use but struggles with noise and dynamic range in shadows. The FZ70’s deeper zoom reach also allows you to frame wildlife or distant subjects clearly, an advantage not matched by the S2.

Scores and Ratings: Objective and Subjective Performance Summary

Our expert reviewers assessed both cameras rigorously across key metrics:

The FZ70 achieves a noticeably higher overall score due to sensor quality, zoom versatility, AF capability, and video features. The S2 rates lower, primarily limited by its dated sensor technology and minimal manual controls.

Further breaking down scores by genre:

• Portraits: FZ70 leads with better skin tone rendering and bokeh control due to longer focal lengths and wider apertures.
• Landscape: Higher resolution and dynamic range on FZ70 produce superior images.
• Wildlife and Sports: FZ70’s fast AF and high burst rates make a world of difference.
• Street & Travel: S2 wins in portability, but compromises low light performance.
• Macro: FZ70’s closer minimum focus distance and stabilization yield sharper close-ups.
• Night/Astro: Limited on both, but FZ70 handles noise better.
• Video: FZ70 is usable for hobbyists and semi-pro videographers; the S2 is basic at best.

Who Should Choose Which? Recommendations by Use Case

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 if you:

• Want an all-in-one camera with versatile superzoom capabilities (20–1200mm).
• Demand better image quality and dynamic range, especially in low light.
• Need manual exposure controls for creative flexibility.
• Shoot wildlife, sports, or action requiring fast burst rates and AF tracking.
• Value an electronic viewfinder for framing in harsh light.
• Appreciate advanced video features like Full HD and AVCHD support.
• Are willing to carry a larger, somewhat heavier camera for better handling.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 if you:

• Prioritize pocket-friendly portability in a compact form.
• Shoot mostly daylight snapshots, casual travel photos, or family events.
• Have a limited budget and want a simple-to-use camera without steep learning curves.
• Don’t expect to shoot fast action or require advanced manual controls.
• Need less zoom reach and can live with a modest 4x zoom range.
• Are not concerned with advanced video or prolonged battery life.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Performance, Portability, and Price

Both the FZ70 and S2 illustrate how Panasonic targets different segments within the small sensor fixed lens camera niche. The FZ70 is best seen as a bridge camera offering exceptional zoom and functional control, pushing the boundaries of what a small sensor camera can achieve when paired with competent optics and electronics. Its price point (around $300) delivers strong value considering its capabilities.

The S2, a considerably more modest compact camera released a year earlier, trades away much of that ambition in favor of extreme portability and affordability (around $110). It shines as a grab-and-go travel companion but lacks the performance features or image quality that more discerning users will require.

If you’re an enthusiast or serious amateur, my conclusion after exhaustive side-by-side testing is clear: the Panasonic FZ70 is the better choice, offering a significantly more versatile and enjoyable shooting experience, with technical competence that stands up well even today for its price point. However, if budget and size constraints reign supreme, the S2 can fulfill the simplest photo needs without fuss.

The choice ultimately hinges on your photographic priorities, but I hope this deep dive armed you with the necessary insights to pick the Lumix that best fits your vision.

Please feel free to reach out if you want practical advice on lenses, accessories, or shooting techniques optimized for either model!