Panasonic Lumix FZ70 vs TS20: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the vast and often bewildering landscape of digital cameras, choosing the right tool for your photographic journey can be a daunting task. Today, I’m diving deep into a pair of Panasonic Lumix cameras from very different corners of the market: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70, a bridge superzoom powerhouse announced in mid-2013, versus the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS20, an adventurous waterproof compact from early 2012. Both share the Panasonic badge and a 16-megapixel resolution, but beyond that, they couldn't be more different in design philosophy, target use, and capabilities.

Having personally put hundreds of cameras through their paces - testing sensor nuances, autofocus agility, ergonomics under pressure, and image quality across genres - I've found the best way to break down any comparison is to first understand the roles these cameras are meant to fulfill, then dig into how they perform in real, often messy, photographic scenarios. So, buckle up: we’ll cover everything from sensor specs and autofocus magic, through portraiture and wildlife, to battery life and ergonomic feel. I’ll be honest about where each camera shines and where you might want to temper expectations.

Getting Acquainted: Size, Handling, and Design

First impressions count - especially when you’re out in the field juggling lenses, accessories, and the inevitable cups of coffee. The FZ70 and TS20 are poised at very different ends of the size and usability spectrum.

Look at the dimensions and build:

• FZ70: A robust bridge camera with a hefty 606g weight and SLR-like body measuring 130x97x118mm.
• TS20: A petite compact at just 142g, with a slim 101x58x19mm, engineered for rough and tumble environments.

The FZ70’s size delivers a very comfortable grip and dedicated physical controls. The large grip feels reassuring - I've found it especially handy when holding the camera steady at long zoom lengths. The TS20 meanwhile is almost pocketable and screams “grab-and-go”. Its slimness, lightweight, and rugged housing make it the perfect hiking or beach companion.

The TS20 tops the waterproof and durability front, boasting weather sealing with waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof certifications. It’s built to accompany you wherever you dare to venture - whether diving into a pool or hiking through a snowy morning mist.

On the control front, PCI enthusiasts will appreciate the FZ70's thorough physical control layout and customizable buttons, while the TS20 keeps things simple with just the basics - no manual exposure modes, no shutter priority - streamlining complexity but somewhat restricting artistic control.

This difference in design philosophy is critical: the FZ70 demands an intentional approach to shooting and allows you to dig into creative control, whereas the TS20 is your rugged, carefree sidekick. It’s a bit like comparing a Swiss Army knife to a tough little multitool. Both get jobs done, just in vastly different contexts.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality Analysis

Ah, the sensor - the beating heart of any camera. Both cameras use 1/2.3" sensors with a 16MP count, but Panasonic paired a CMOS sensor in the FZ70 with their Venus Engine processor, whereas the TS20 carries a CCD sensor. This technical choice has far-reaching effects on noise performance, dynamic range, and overall image quality.

Here’s the sensor comparison on paper:

FZ70 Sensor:

• 1/2.3” CMOS with 16MP resolution.
• Sensor area approximately 28.07 mm².
• DxOMark overall score: 41, boasting a solid color depth (19.4 bits) and dynamic range (10.8 EV).
• Native ISO tops out at 3200, boosted to 6400.
• Optical low-light ISO performance scores around 171 on DxOMark - a moderate figure for the sensor size.

TS20 Sensor:

• 1/2.3” CCD sensor, also 16MP, sensor area slightly smaller at 27.72 mm².
• Lacks formal DxOMark testing data, but older CCD tech is generally less adept in low light, with narrower dynamic range and more noise.
• Native ISO is actually higher at 6400 but with limited usability due to noise.

From my real-world testing, the FZ70 produces cleaner images with better noise control thanks to CMOS and modern processing - particularly in dim environments. The CCD in TS20 tends to produce images with more noise and less detail shadow recovery. You do get vivid colors and good detail in well-lit scenes, but low light should be avoided unless you want grainy surprises.

Practical take-away: If image quality is a priority for portraits, landscapes, or anything requiring dynamic range, the FZ70's sensor and processing tech are a clear win.

Looking Through the Lens: Zoom, Aperture, and Optical Performance

The most obvious hardware distinction between these cameras lies in their optics - the FZ70 sports a jaw-dropping 20–1200mm equivalent (60x) zoom range with a bright-ish f/2.8–5.9 aperture, whereas the TS20 has a far more modest 25–100mm (4x) zoom range at f/3.9–5.7.

When I’d tested the FZ70 in the field - hunting birds, capturing distant landscape details - I was stunned by the reach and usable quality at those long telephoto ends. Sure, at 1200mm you’re essentially shooting “handheld telescope,” and some softness creeps in, but the optical image stabilization works wonders mitigating shake, letting you seize shots impossible for most cameras at this price point.

The TS20’s zoom is much more pedestrian but suits everyday snapshots, group photos, and casual landscapes well. The 4x zoom and shorter tele range mean it’s less versatile but also easier to keep stable without a tripod. It’s a true point-and-shoot zoom adapted to rugged activity inside a waterproof shell.

Macro capabilities differ too: the FZ70 can focus down to 1cm, bringing out fine texture and detail in flowers or textures, whereas the TS20’s minimum focuses at 5cm, which is respectable for a rugged compact but less flexible for close-up artistry.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Ease of Use

Autofocus performance can make or break your shooting experience, especially when subjects are moving or conditions tricky.

The FZ70 uses a contrast-detection AF system with 23 focus points (center-weighted and multi-area), face detection, continuous, single shot, and tracking autofocus modes. I've found its AF snappy and reliable in most lighting conditions, with decent tracking for wildlife and sports (though not as sharp as the newest hybrid or phase-detection systems on premium models).

The TS20 also offers contrast-based autofocus with 23 points and introduces contrast-detection live view AF, but it's generally slower to lock and less accurate in low light or fast action, partly due to its lower processing power and simplified electronics. Face detection is absent here, which limits portrait framing confidence.

In practical terms, for fast-moving subjects like kids or wildlife, FZ70 will typically perform better, allowing for higher keeper rates. TS20 is more suitable for relaxed, leisurely shooting without demanding autofocus bursts.

Display and Viewfinding: Composing Your Shots

Both cameras feature fixed LCD screens with no touch functionality - typical for their generation and market segments.

• FZ70: 3-inch TFT LCD with 460k dots resolution.
• TS20: Smaller 2.7-inch TFT LCD at 230k resolution.

The FZ70’s screen provides brighter, more detailed live-view composition, especially useful in bright sunlight when frame-checking or navigating manual controls. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 202k dots and 100% coverage in the FZ70 is also a massive boon for stable framing and outdoor shooting, especially in bright conditions where LCD glare is a pain.

In contrast, the TS20 lacks any EVF and has a smaller, less defined screen. This sometimes makes composition tricky in harsh daylight, a trade-off common in compact rugged cameras prioritizing size and sealing over sophisticated user interface.

Video Capabilities: What Can They Shoot?

For multimedia creation, both cameras offer HD video but with notable differences:

• FZ70: Full HD 1080p at 50i/60i and 25p/30p, plus 720p and VGA options, using MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats.
• TS20: Limited to 720p at 30fps and VGA 480p at 30fps in MPEG-4.

The FZ70’s video output is sharper, with richer bitrates and smoother frame rates. Its optical stabilization performs superbly, minimizing handheld jitters during walk-and-talk videos. Meanwhile, TS20’s video is serviceable for quick clips but lacks both quality and advanced recording features.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone ports - something to keep in mind if you’re after pro-quality audio. The FZ70 includes a mini HDMI output for external displays; the TS20 does not.

Diverse Photography Genres: Practical Performance Insights

Let’s talk about how these cameras hold up across popular photography styles, based on hands-on tests:

Portraits:

FZ70 nails skin tones with its better sensor and balanced color rendering. Its face detection and eye-area focusing help frame subjects sharply, while the zoom allows creative framing and natural bokeh at tele-lengths.

TS20 offers decent portraits in good light but lacks face detect and struggles in low light, plus its zoom and aperture are limited for soft backgrounds.

Landscapes:

FZ70’s versatile zoom and improved dynamic range give more room to explore composition, while the fixed lens’s mid-wide end is useful for sweeping vistas. No weather sealing here though, so caution in damp conditions.

TS20’s rugged design is inviting for outdoor landscapes in messy weather, but sensor limitations mean sometimes flatter images and less fine detail.

Wildlife:

FZ70 stands out due to its monster 1200mm equivalent reach and continuous autofocus up to 9fps - great for distant birds or animals. Sharpness holds okay up to 600–800mm; beyond that, stabilization complements the reach well.

TS20’s tele end is too short for serious wildlife work.

Sports:

FZ70 offers reasonable burst rates and tracking, ideal for casual sports snaps rather than pro-level action.

TS20’s single frame shooting and slow AF make it unsuitable for most sports photography.

Street:

TS20’s compact build and stealthy profile fit street photography’s discreet demands far better. Weatherproofing is another plus for this genre.

FZ70 is larger and less discreet but compensates with zoom versatility.

Macro:

FZ70’s 1cm focusing is impressive, capturing fine detail with added manual focus aid.

TS20 has reasonable macro abilities but less flexibility.

Night/Astro:

FZ70 outperforms due to lower noise and manual exposure modes.

TS20 struggles with noise and limited exposure control.

Travel:

TS20’s ruggedness and pocket size make it ideal for travel where weather and portability matter.

FZ70 is versatile but bulkier.

Professional use:

FZ70’s RAW support, manual controls, and superior image quality make it the stronger choice for entry-level professional workflows.

TS20 is more casual, best as a second camera or rugged back-up.

Ergonomics, Battery, and Connectivity

FZ70 shines with 400 shots per charge and a large grip that invites hours of shooting without hand fatigue. However, no wireless connectivity is a disappointment in 2023 (understandable for its launch time).

TS20 offers 250 shots per battery and super slim form at the cost of fewer controls. No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which is typical for rugged compacts of its period.

Both have single SD card slots and USB 2.0 output but only FZ70 supports HDMI output - very useful for professional tethering or review.

Value and Pricing Reflections

At their respective launch prices - $299.99 for the FZ70 and $179.00 for the TS20 - the two satisfy very different buyer personas.

The FZ70 delivers exceptional zoom range, manual controls, and image quality for less than $300, a fantastic all-rounder for enthusiasts wanting an affordable superzoom bridge.

The TS20’s ruggedness, waterproofing, and pocket portability come at the expense of flexibility and image quality, but it's a smart investment for adventure seekers on a budget.

Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

To distill these findings into actionable advice:

Here is a summarizing splash of their all-around performance ratings by varied photography types, based on thorough evaluations and scores:

And the overall performance scoreboard, just for comparison’s sake:

Final Thoughts: Bridging the Gap Between Versatility and Durability

The Panasonic Lumix FZ70 and TS20 both offer compelling experiences - yet appeal to quite different kinds of photographers. The FZ70 is a multi-faceted bridge camera with a stupendous zoom and surprisingly versatile imaging prowess, capable of serving serious enthusiasts or semi-professionals looking for range and control without breaking the bank.

The TS20 excels in a niche where resilience and no-fuss operation matter most - underwater escapades, rugged hikes, or situations where a camera crashing wouldn't be a financial or sentimental loss.

If you’re leaning towards an all-in-one zoom and imaging swiss-army knife with some manual flexibility, the FZ70 is a satisfying pick. If staying lightweight, waterproof, and no-nonsense means more, the TS20 is your trustworthy companion.

Sample Shots: Proof in Pictures

Before I wrap up, here are some sample images from both cameras showcasing their output in real-world conditions - from bright daylight landscapes to indoor portraits and macro close-ups. You can see the FZ70’s richer detail and dynamic range contrasts with the TS20’s punchy but less nuanced captures.

Panasonic FZ70 front Panasonic FZ70 screen back Panasonic TS20 front Panasonic TS20 screen back

In Summary

My years of testing have taught me that no camera is universally perfect - each is a set of compromises optimized for certain photographic needs. Both the Lumix FZ70 and TS20 shine for their intended audiences, whether you want an expansive zoom playground or an indestructible traveling buddy.

Hopefully, this deep dive makes your choice a little easier - with clarity on what each brings to the creative table without the marketing gloss.

Got more questions or want to hear about alternative options? Just ask - I’m always up for nerding out about cameras.

Happy shooting!

About the Author

With over 15 years of hands-on photography testing, hundreds of published reviews, and professional studio experience, I bring a seasoned eye and technical rigor to demystify camera choices from the perspective of real users and diverse shooting scenarios. My passion is empowering photographers - beginners and pros alike - to find gear that truly enhances their creative journey.