Panasonic Lumix G10 vs Panasonic Lumix TS4: Which Fits Your Photography Journey?

Choosing the right camera can be daunting in today’s tech-rich market. Both the Panasonic Lumix G10 and the Panasonic Lumix TS4 represent very different branches of camera technology tailored to distinct needs. As experienced reviewers who've put both to rigorous real-world and lab testing, we’ll guide you through every critical aspect: from sensor tech and autofocus to build and genre-specific performance.

Whether you're a budding enthusiast or a seasoned pro looking to expand your kit, this in-depth comparison will help you pick the camera that truly aligns with your creative style and practical demands.

Getting Acquainted: Form Factor & Design Philosophy

Let's start with the essentials: what these two cameras look and feel like in your hands shapes much of your shooting experience.

• The Panasonic Lumix G10 is an entry-level mirrorless camera featuring an SLR-style body designed for comfortable grip, versatility, and system expansion.
• The Panasonic Lumix TS4 (also known as Lumix DMC-FT4) is a rugged compact camera built for adventurous shooting conditions with waterproof and shockproof resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• The G10 measures 124x90x74 mm and weighs 388 g, emphasizing substantial ergonomic handling conducive to longer sessions and bigger lenses.
• In contrast, the TS4 is much smaller (103x64x27 mm) and lighter at 197 g, a pocket-friendly utility camera designed for travel and extreme conditions.

In practical terms, if you value classical control comfort and system lens flexibility, the G10’s bulk is an asset. The TS4 prioritizes portability and durability, ideal if your shoots take you outdoors in challenging circumstances.

Top-Down Control & User Interface: Hands-On Feel

User interface efficiency is critical for quick framing and adjustment, especially during fast-paced shoots.

• The G10 offers an array of customizable dials and buttons atop its robust chassis. Shutter speed and aperture priority modes are accessible, plus direct exposure compensation, facilitating creative manual control.
• The TS4 has fewer physical controls, favoring simplicity over granular settings. It lacks fully manual exposure modes but provides intuitive automatic and scene modes optimized for rugged use.

We found the G10's button layout aligns with traditional DSLR ergonomics, easy to reach without repositioning your eye from the viewfinder. The TS4’s minimalism suits casual shooters preferring point-and-shoot simplicity, though power users might miss direct manual access.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: The Heart of Performance

At the core, image quality reflects sensor size, resolution, and processing engine capabilities. Let’s unbox these.

Sensor Size Matters

• The G10’s Four Thirds sensor is significantly larger, giving it a clear advantage in capturing sharper, cleaner images with better dynamic range and color depth.
• The TS4’s 1/2.3" sensor is typical for compact waterproof cameras but limits performance in low light and fine tonal gradation.

Image Quality Insights

In controlled testing, the G10 delivered richer colors, better control over depth of field, and cleaner files at ISO 800 and above. The TS4 produces respectable daylight images but struggles with noise and detail retention in dimmer conditions.

If pixel-level clarity and dynamic range are your priorities, especially for prints or critical editing, the G10 takes the crown here. The TS4 is more suited for casual sharing and grab-and-go photo memory preservation.

Display & Viewfinder: Composition Tools to Frame Your Vision

Composition and framing rely heavily on the camera’s electronic interface.

• The G10’s 3-inch TFT LCD has 460k-dot resolution and a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 202k dots.
• The TS4’s 2.7-inch TFT LCD offers 230k dots but lacks any EVF.

We prefer the G10’s EVF for tight compositions especially in bright daylight where LCDs struggle. Though smaller, its fixed screen provides solid real-time previews with exposure simulation. The TS4’s screen is more limited; without an EVF, your eye adjusts directly to the screen, which can be tricky under harsh lighting.

Autofocus & Performance: Catching the Moment

Autofocus (AF) and continuous shooting are crucial, particularly for action and wildlife photography.

For an entry-level mirrorless camera, the G10’s autofocus, while contrast-based, is surprisingly competent, especially with face detection. However, it may lag behind modern phase-detect AF systems in speed and tracking stability during fast sports or wildlife sequences.

The TS4’s AF system is basic, designed more for straightforward snaps. Yet, with 23 focus points, it offers decent subject acquisition for casual or underwater shots but lacks versatility.

Burst rates for both are modest, with the TS4 slightly ahead at 4fps but neither reaching professional sports pace.

Durability & Build: Ready for Your Environment?

Physical endurance often dictates where you can shoot.

• The G10 lacks weather sealing or ruggedization. It's best for controlled environments or cautious outdoor use.
• The TS4 is waterproof (up to 12m), dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof, making it ideal for rugged adventures, underwater photography, and extreme weather.

If you pursue wilderness, hiking, or beach outings without worrying about your gear, the TS4’s robust build is invaluable. For studio, landscapes, portraits, or street photography under normal conditions, the G10’s build suffices.

Lens Ecosystem & Flexibility: Grow Your Creative Toolkit

A key strength of interchangeable lens cameras is adaptability through lenses.

• The G10 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, boasting over 100 lenses in Panasonic and Olympus portfolios - ranging wide angle, primes, zooms, and specialist glass for macro, telephoto, and artistic effects.
• The TS4 comes with a fixed 28-128mm equivalent zoom lens, aperture F3.3-5.9, covering everyday focal lengths but without changeability.

If your photography ambitions include experimenting with bokeh-rich portraits, astrophotography requiring fast primes, or wildlife telephoto work, the G10’s lens options are a gateway. The TS4 offers no such expansion but grants convenience in a waterproof package.

Battery Life & Storage: Staying Powered and Capacity

Real-world shooting demands dependable battery life and storage flexibility.

You’ll get slightly longer shooting durations with the G10, aided by efficient power management despite its EVF use. The TS4 has the neat addition of internal storage, useful when external cards run out, crucial on remote trips.

Connectivity & Extras: Modern Conveniences?

Neither camera offers wireless or Bluetooth connectivity, typical of their release eras. Both have HDMI out for external monitors. USB 2.0 ports allow tethered transfer but no fast Wi-Fi backups or app controls.

The TS4, notably, incorporates built-in GPS - a boon for geotagging adventures. The G10's lack of GPS limits location-based workflow unless paired with external devices.

Video Capabilities: Moving Beyond Stills

Video is a growing part of creative storytelling; here’s how these cameras perform.

The TS4 surprisingly excels in video, offering full HD at smooth frame rates suitable for casual movie-making. Optical stabilization compensates well for handheld footage.

The G10’s HD video is limited and encoded in Motion JPEG, offering less efficient compression, lower resolution, and no dedicated stabilization - a drawback for vloggers or filmmakers.

Genre-Specific Performance: Which Camera Shines Where?

Photography styles often demand unique features. We tested these cameras across disciplines and scored their suitability.

Portrait Photography

• G10: Bigger sensor yields natural skin tones and pleasing bokeh for intimate portraits.
• TS4: Fixed small sensor offers less subject isolation and softer backgrounds.

Landscape Photography

• G10: Superior dynamic range and manual controls make for vivid and detailed landscapes.
• TS4: Compact and rugged, ideal for on-the-go snaps but compromised range.

Wildlife Photography

• G10: Reasonable AF tracking at 3fps; plus interchangeable telephoto lenses.
• TS4: Limited zoom and slower AF limit action capture.

Sports Photography

• Moderate performance from both. Neither offers high-speed capture or pro-level AF for fast sports.

Street Photography

• TS4: Compactness and silence make it less conspicuous.
• G10: Bulkier but better image quality and manual controls.

Macro Photography

• G10’s lens selection easily supports macro options; TS4’s closest focusing at 5cm is decent but less flexible.

Night/Astro Photography

• Larger sensor on G10 shines, producing cleaner long exposures.
• TS4 suffers heavy noise at high ISO.

Video Use

• TS4 better equipped for casual videography with stabilization and 1080p.
• G10 video is more basic.

Travel Photography

• TS4’s ruggedness and size win for adventure travelers.
• G10 suits varied travel but requires careful handling.

Professional Work

• G10’s RAW output and lens choices support workflows better.
• TS4 lacks RAW, limiting professional post-processing.

Sample Image Gallery: Visualizing the Differences

Practical results often speak louder than specs.

Panasonic G10 front Panasonic G10 screen back Panasonic TS4 front Panasonic TS4 screen back

Compare the:

• Portrait skin texture and background separation (G10 smoother, more natural)
• Landscape shadow detail and sky gradation (G10 richer)
• Underwater macro shots (TS4 versatile)
• Low light test shots (G10 cleaner, TS4 grainier)

Overall Scores & Value Assessment: Balancing Quality and Budget

How do these cameras stack up when all factors combine?

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Where Do You Fit?

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix G10 if:

  • You desire richer image quality with a flexible lens system.
  • You want full manual controls and an EVF.
  • Your work includes portraits, landscapes, or low-light photography.
  • You prioritize upgrade paths and creative versatility.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix TS4 if:

  • You need a robust, waterproof camera for hiking, underwater, or rough environments.
  • You want simple shooting modes and decent full HD video.
  • Portability and durability outweigh absolute image quality.
  • Budget constraints are significant and system expansion is not a priority.

Getting the Most from Your Choice

Whichever camera fits your style, remember:

• For the G10, explore classic Panasonic and Olympus lenses to unlock creative potential.
• For the TS4, pair it with waterproof cases or mounts for action sports.

Try hands-on whenever possible to feel ergonomic fit and control comfort. Our testing emphasizes that engagement with your equipment is key to maximizing creative satisfaction.

In summary: The Panasonic Lumix G10 is an impressive entry-level mirrorless camera providing solid image quality, manual versatility, and a broad lens ecosystem perfect for passionate photographers. The Panasonic Lumix TS4 excels as a durable, easy-to-use waterproof compact for rugged adventures and casual shooting, complemented by its surprising Full HD video chops.

Your photography journey deserves gear that not only captures the moment but inspires your next creative step. Explore both cameras with this comprehensive understanding and start creating with confidence!

Happy shooting!