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Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic TS3

Portability
63
Imaging
39
Features
53
Overall
44
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 front
Portability
92
Imaging
35
Features
31
Overall
33

Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic TS3 Key Specs

Panasonic FZ70
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 3200 (Push to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 20-1200mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
  • 606g - 130 x 97 x 118mm
  • Introduced July 2013
Panasonic TS3
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 28-128mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 197g - 103 x 64 x 27mm
  • Announced August 2011
  • Also referred to as Lumix DMC-FT3
  • Previous Model is Panasonic TS2
  • Later Model is Panasonic TS4
Photography Glossary

Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic TS3: An Expert Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer

When stepping into the world of compact and versatile cameras, Panasonic offers a diverse lineup tailored to very different needs. Today, we’re taking an in-depth, no-nonsense look at two of their distinct models: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 (hereafter “FZ70”) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 (“TS3”). Both cameras provide unique value propositions, yet they serve very different photography styles and scenarios.

I’ve personally tested thousands of cameras over the years in real-world conditions - from portrait studios and rugged outdoor landscapes to fast-paced wildlife and action situations. This comparison reflects that experience, marrying technical analysis with practical insight to help you pick the camera best suited to your creative needs.

Let’s unpack how these two Panasonic models hold up in everyday shooting, technical performance, and overall value.

Getting to Know the Cameras: Size and Design Differences

First, it helps to visualize what you’re holding and shooting with.

Feature Panasonic FZ70 Panasonic TS3
Body Type SLR-like Bridge Camera Compact Waterproof
Dimensions (mm) 130 x 97 x 118 103 x 64 x 27
Weight 606g 197g
Lens Mount Fixed lens (20-1200mm equiv.) Fixed lens (28-128mm equiv.)
Screen Size 3 inches 2.7 inches
Viewfinder Electronic (202k dots, 100%) No viewfinder

Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic TS3 size comparison

Takeaway: The FZ70 is considerably larger and heavier, designed with advanced control and ergonomics that mimic DSLR-style handling. Its robust grip and bigger form factor make it comfortable for long shoots and telephoto use. In contrast, the TS3 is a compact waterproof camera that slips easily into your pocket or bag - ideal if you need a rugged, lightweight companion for travel, adventure, or water sports.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: Bridging Size and Performance

At the heart of any camera is the sensor. Both cameras feature a small 1/2.3” sensor size, common in compact and bridge cameras, but their sensor types and resolutions differ notably.

Aspect Panasonic FZ70 Panasonic TS3
Sensor Type CMOS CCD
Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.1 mm²) 6.08 x 4.56 mm (27.7 mm²)
Resolution 16 MP 12 MP
Max ISO 3200 (native) 6400
Sensor Processor Venus Engine Venus Engine FHD
Raw File Support Yes No

Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic TS3 sensor size comparison

The FZ70’s 16MP CMOS sensor combined with Panasonic's Venus Engine provides superior image quality performance, particularly in dynamic range and low-light scenarios. DXO Mark scores for the FZ70 underscore its better color depth (19.4 bits) and dynamic range (10.8 EV) than typical 1/2.3” sensors.

Conversely, the TS3 employs an older CCD sensor technology that, while capable of vibrant colors in good light, falls behind in noise handling and shadow detail. Notably, the TS3 lacks RAW image support, limiting your post-processing flexibility.

Real-World Impact: Expect crisper details and cleaner images at moderate to high ISOs with the FZ70, especially useful for portraits and landscapes. The TS3 shines best in brightly lit conditions or scenes where convenience and durability outweigh image quality priorities.

Control Layout and Usability: Navigating Your Creative Workflow

Ergonomics and controls affect how you interact with the camera, especially when moments won’t wait.

Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic TS3 top view buttons comparison

The FZ70’s DSLR-like body features dedicated dials for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, plus 23 focus points with face detection and continuous autofocus options for tracking movement. This layout supports manual and semi-manual modes, giving you creative freedom in any photographic discipline.

In contrast, the TS3 trims down controls for simplicity. It has fewer autofocus points (11) and no manual exposure modes or shutter/aperture priority. However, it does provide continuous autofocus and face detection for straightforward point-and-shoot use. The absence of a viewfinder means you rely solely on the rear LCD, which, while modest at 2.7” and 230k resolution, is readable for framing outdoors.

LCD Screens and User Interface

Let’s look at the user interface experience through the rear display.

Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic TS3 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

The FZ70’s 3-inch screen at 460k resolution offers a clearer view for composing shots and reviewing images. Its electronic viewfinder also reduces eye strain and improves framing accuracy in bright environments.

The TS3’s smaller, lower-resolution screen is functional but less detailed, and without an EVF, you’ll sometimes struggle with reflections or harsh light.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus performance is critical across most genres, from fast-paced sports to macro and wildlife.

Feature Panasonic FZ70 Panasonic TS3
Focus Points 23 (contrast detection) 11 (contrast detection)
Face Detection Yes No
Autofocus Modes Single, Continuous, Tracking Single, Continuous, Tracking
Face and Eye AF Face detection only No
Live View AF No Yes

With the FZ70, we observed swift and reliable autofocus locking in good and moderate lighting, aided by its multiple focus points and face detection - helpful in portrait and street shooting. Its continuous AF and tracking are adept for wildlife or action but not class-leading by modern standards.

The TS3's AF system is simpler, with fewer points and no face detection, yet it performs acceptably for casual snapshots or travel photography. However, under low light or fast movement, AF hunting is noticeable.

Lens Capabilities: Zoom, Aperture, and Macro Use

A standout feature of the FZ70 is its extraordinary 20-1200 mm equivalent lens with a 60x zoom range and bright f/2.8 aperture on the wide end, creeping to f/5.9 telephoto.

The TS3 is more modest with a 28-128 mm (4.6x zoom) lens at f/3.3-f/5.9.

Lens Feature Panasonic FZ70 Panasonic TS3
Zoom Range 20-1200mm (60x) 28-128mm (4.6x)
Maximum Aperture f/2.8-5.9 f/3.3-5.9
Macro Focusing Range 1 cm 5 cm
Optical Stabilization Yes Yes

This gives the FZ70 exceptional versatility, from ultra-wide landscapes to extreme telephoto wildlife shots without changing lenses.

The TS3’s lens, coupled with waterproof sealing and ruggedness, is more about convenience than reach. Its 5 cm macro range lets you explore close-ups but with less focusing precision than the FZ70.

Durability and Environmental Resistance: Will Your Camera Go the Distance?

The TS3 is designed for the outdoors and extreme conditions.

Feature Panasonic FZ70 Panasonic TS3
Waterproof None Yes (up to 10 m)
Dustproof No Yes
Shockproof No Yes
Freezeproof No Yes
Crushproof No No
Weather Sealing No Yes

Its rugged, shockproof body with waterproofing (down to 10 meters) makes TS3 a trusted companion for adventure photography - think hiking, swimming, or snowy conditions where the FZ70 would be vulnerable.

The FZ70 lacks any environmental sealing but compensates with a more professional feel and better controls.

Performance in Different Photography Genres

Let’s dive into how these cameras perform across popular photography types.

Portrait Photography

  • FZ70: Face detection and 23 AF points make nailing sharp portraits easier. The sharp 16MP sensor preserves fine skin detail, and the bright f/2.8 wide aperture offers pleasing background blur at short focal lengths.
  • TS3: Lacks face detection, has fewer AF points, and a smaller 12MP sensor. Background bokeh is limited by the lens and sensor size.

Verdict: FZ70 delivers better portrait results with more control.

Landscape Photography

  • FZ70: Wide 20mm equivalent lens and good dynamic range enable rich landscapes. No weather sealing, however, tempers use in rough conditions.
  • TS3: Weatherproof and freezeproof with solid wide lens but lower resolution and dynamic range limit image quality.

Verdict: For pristine image quality, FZ70; for rugged travel landscapes, TS3.

Wildlife Photography

  • FZ70: 60x zoom, continuous AF, 9 fps burst make it surprisingly competent for wildlife shooting near and far.
  • TS3: Zoom and burst rate (4 fps) are modest. Designed more for casual wildlife snapshots.

Verdict: FZ70 is clear winner.

Sports Photography

  • FZ70: Fast shutter range and burst rate help capture fast action; reliable AF tracking helps.
  • TS3: Limited shutter speed range and burst rate make fast sports shooting difficult.

Verdict: FZ70 is suitable; TS3 less so.

Street Photography

  • FZ70: Large body less discreet; EVF helpful in bright light.
  • TS3: Compact, discreet, rugged. Ideal for urban shooters who want simplicity and durability.

Verdict: TS3 preferred for on-the-go street work.

Macro Photography

  • FZ70: 1cm minimum focus distance and precise AF provide excellent macro potential.
  • TS3: 5cm macro range adequate for simple close-ups but not detailed.

Verdict: FZ70 has clear edge.

Night/Astro Photography

  • FZ70: Better high ISO performance and manual exposure modes allow more control for night scenes.
  • TS3: Higher ISO max but more noise; limited manual controls constrain creativity.

Verdict: FZ70 superior.

Video Capabilities

Feature Panasonic FZ70 Panasonic TS3
Max Video Resolution 1920x1080 (60i/30p) 1920x1080 (60p)
Formats AVCHD, MPEG-4 AVCHD, MPEG-4
Stabilization Optical Optical
Mic/Headphone Ports None None

Both cameras produce decent full HD video. The FZ70’s zoom and stabilization are advantageous for video versatility, though neither model offers microphone inputs, limiting professional audio capture.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery performance impacts how long you can shoot in the field.

Feature Panasonic FZ70 Panasonic TS3
Battery Life (CIPA) 400 shots 310 shots
Storage SD/SDHC/SDXC (1 slot) SD/SDHC/SDXC (1 slot)

Good endurance on both cameras, but the FZ70’s bigger capacity suits longer outings or intensive shooting.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera boasts wireless features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Both include HDMI and USB 2.0 ports.

The TS3 includes built-in GPS, excellent for geotagging photos on adventures.

Price-to-Performance Overview

Model Price (Approx.) Notable Strengths Weaknesses
Panasonic FZ70 $299 Zoom range, image quality, manual controls Large/Heavy, no environmental seal
Panasonic TS3 $380 Ruggedness, waterproofing, compactness Lower resolution, no RAW, simple controls

Here you can appreciate how the FZ70 captures finer detail and dynamic range in various scenes, while the TS3 shines in vibrant daylight and underwater photography.

Which Camera is Right for You?

Choosing between these two depends largely on how and where you shoot. Here’s my expert advice:

Choose the Panasonic FZ70 if:

  • You want a versatile all-in-one camera with ultra-long zoom for wildlife, sports, and travel.
  • You appreciate manual controls and RAW image flexibility.
  • You prioritize image quality and better autofocus performance.
  • You don’t mind a larger, heavier camera body.
  • You’re shooting portraits, landscapes, macros, or night scenes and want higher quality results.

Choose the Panasonic TS3 if:

  • You need a rugged, waterproof camera for outdoor adventures, beach, hiking, or poolside photography.
  • Portability and durability are more important than maximum image quality.
  • You prefer a simple, straightforward point-and-shoot experience.
  • You shoot primarily in well-lit conditions and want GPS for travel photo geotagging.
  • You’re on a budget and don’t require RAW or advanced manual controls.

Final Thoughts: Harnessing Each Camera’s Strengths

Both the Panasonic FZ70 and TS3 are admirable tools in very different photographic arsenals.

The FZ70 impresses with its telephoto reach, control depth, and image quality - ideal for enthusiasts or budding professionals who crave flexibility and serious zoom power without jumping into interchangeable lens systems.

Meanwhile, the TS3 caters to photographers and content creators who desire a tough compact companion that won’t quit in wet or rugged conditions, even if that means making compromises in image finesse and control.

No matter your choice, I encourage you to handle these cameras firsthand if possible. Try shooting around your favorite subjects and environments to gauge which aligns best with your workflow and creative voice. And remember, the best camera is the one that gets in your hands and sparks your passion for capturing the world.

Additional Resources

  • Check out Panasonic’s official lens and accessory options for these models to expand your shooting potential.
  • Explore online user forums and sample galleries to see real-world usage by other photographers.
  • Experiment with manual modes on the FZ70 to deepen your understanding of exposure and focus control.

Get started with confidence - both cameras offer unique paths to Create, Capture, and Inspire.

Thank you for reading this comprehensive comparison. If you have questions or want recommendations for specific use cases, feel free to reach out!

Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic TS3 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic FZ70 and Panasonic TS3
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3
General Information
Make Panasonic Panasonic
Model Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3
Otherwise known as - Lumix DMC-FT3
Category Small Sensor Superzoom Waterproof
Introduced 2013-07-18 2011-08-16
Body design SLR-like (bridge) Compact
Sensor Information
Processor Venus Engine Venus Engine FHD
Sensor type CMOS CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 12 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Full resolution 4608 x 3456 4000 x 3000
Max native ISO 3200 6400
Max boosted ISO 6400 -
Min native ISO 100 100
RAW format
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Number of focus points 23 11
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 20-1200mm (60.0x) 28-128mm (4.6x)
Maximal aperture f/2.8-5.9 f/3.3-5.9
Macro focus range 1cm 5cm
Crop factor 5.8 5.9
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen size 3 inch 2.7 inch
Resolution of screen 460 thousand dot 230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Screen tech TFT Screen LCD Display TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic None
Viewfinder resolution 202 thousand dot -
Viewfinder coverage 100% -
Features
Slowest shutter speed 8 seconds 60 seconds
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/1300 seconds
Continuous shooting speed 9.0fps 4.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes -
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range 13.50 m 5.60 m
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro
Hot shoe
AEB
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (50i/60i, 25p/30p), 1280 x 720p (50p/60p or 25p/30p), 640 x 480 (25p/30p) 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Max video resolution 1920x1080 1920x1080
Video data format MPEG-4, AVCHD MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None BuiltIn
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 606 grams (1.34 pounds) 197 grams (0.43 pounds)
Physical dimensions 130 x 97 x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") 103 x 64 x 27mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1")
DXO scores
DXO All around score 41 not tested
DXO Color Depth score 19.4 not tested
DXO Dynamic range score 10.8 not tested
DXO Low light score 171 not tested
Other
Battery life 400 shots 310 shots
Battery form Battery Pack Battery Pack
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 secs) Yes
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage slots One One
Price at launch $300 $380