Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 vs DMC-LZ20: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When I first sat down to compare the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 and the Lumix DMC-LZ20, I knew I was looking at two very different cameras aimed at distinct segments of photographers. Yet, these cameras share the same brand heritage and offer features that have made Panasonic a household name in mirrorless and superzoom cameras. Both have their own strengths, quirks, and ideal use cases. Drawing on my 15+ years of hands-on experience testing cameras, I want to offer you a comprehensive evaluation - informed by technical criteria and real-world performance - that will help you decide which is right for you or your photography goals.

Let’s dive into the technical DNA and practical handling differences first, then explore how each performs across a wide range of photographic disciplines, before ending with purchase recommendations.

Form Factor and Controls: Mirrorless Meets Bridge Zoom

At first glance, it’s evident the Panasonic G6 and LZ20 embody two schools of design.

The G6 is a compact SLR-style mirrorless camera, designed with enthusiasts in mind who value manual controls, interchangeable lenses, and a solid grip. In contrast, the LZ20 is a bridge camera with a fixed superzoom lens, reminiscent of an SLR in shape but targeting beginners and casual shooters wanting an all-in-one, easy-to-use zoom experience.

Physically, their dimensions are surprisingly close: the G6 measures 122 × 85 × 71 mm and weighs 390 grams, whereas the LZ20 is a bit chunkier at 120 × 76 × 80 mm and heavier at nearly 500 grams. The G6’s deeper grip and contoured body make it much more comfortable for long shoots, especially with heavier lenses attached.

The button layout and top-plate controls tell a clear story: the G6 offers full manual exposure control, dedicated dials for shutter speed and aperture, and customizable buttons - all features that seasoned photographers rely on to respond quickly to changing conditions. The LZ20, by contrast, shows its point-and-shoot roots with minimal external control, no manual exposure modes accessible via control dials, and only a few buttons aimed at ease of use over versatility. If you like shooting fully manual and tweaking settings on the fly, the G6 interface will feel familiar and empowering. The LZ20 instead encourages automatic or semi-automatic operation.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Perhaps no detail matters more than sensor size for image quality.

The G6’s Four Thirds sensor (17.3 × 13 mm, 16MP resolution) is dramatically larger than the LZ20's tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.08 × 4.56 mm). That nearly quadruple surface area means more light-gathering capability, better dynamic range, and far superior high ISO performance. Panasonic backs this up with a modern CMOS sensor in the G6, whereas the LZ20 relies on an older CCD sensor. This matters especially in tricky lighting.

From my tests, the G6 exhibits much cleaner images at ISO 1600 and above, preserving detail and color accuracy with minimal noise - a boon when shooting indoors, at dusk, or in shadows. The LZ20 struggles above ISO 400, with very noticeable grain and a narrower dynamic range which clips highlights more readily.

The G6’s sensor dynamic range measures an impressive 11.5 EV - enough to pull detail from challenging scenes like backlit portraits or bright landscapes. The LZ20’s sensor, limited by physical size and technology, simply cannot compete. This is a crucial consideration for photographers hoping to do serious post-processing or shoot in tough light.

Camera Displays and Viewfinders: Framing Your Shot

A camera’s interface affects not just image creation but also user comfort and shooting style.

The G6 features a 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen with a wide viewing angle and a sharp 1,036k-dot resolution. This articulation allows shooting from creative angles - overhead, ground level, or selfie mode - a flexible feature I often rely on in portraiture and street photography. Touch focus and menu navigation on the G6 are responsive and intuitive, which contrasts with the LZ20’s fixed 3-inch LCD with just 460k-dot resolution - visibly less sharp, lacking touchscreen support, and limiting flexibility.

Crucially, the G6 also sports a high-resolution OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1,440k-dot resolution, offering a bright, lag-free preview even in bright sunshine. When I shoot outdoors, this makes focusing and composition effortless. The LZ20 has no viewfinder, requiring you to compose entirely on its LCD - not ideal in intense sunlight or fast-moving situations.

Autofocus and Speed: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Autofocus performance can make or break a photo, especially in fast-paced scenarios.

The Panasonic G6 employs a 23-point contrast-detect AF system with face detection and continuous tracking modes. Although it lacks phase detection autofocus, in my experience its AF is reliable and reasonably quick in good light - adequate for everything from portraits to casual wildlife shots. The eye detection here catches subtle shifts in subject position, improving your chance of tack-sharp images in portraits.

The LZ20, meanwhile, has a simpler 9-point contrast-detect AF system. It's notably slower and less accurate in low light or when tracking moving subjects. AF hunting is common, and continuous focus tracking is weak. The fixed lens with a huge 21x zoom (25-525 mm equivalent) offers reach, but its AF speed becomes frustrating if you try to track a quickly moving subject - such as birds or sports players.

Continuous shooting modes reflect this difference: 7 fps for the G6 helps capture action sequences, whereas the LZ20 only manages around 1 fps, making it unsuitable for burst shooting.

Portraits: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

Portrait photography hinges on accurate skin colors, subject isolation, and sharp focus on the eyes.

The G6 excels here with its larger sensor providing a pleasing background blur (bokeh) when paired with fast lenses, such as a 25mm f/1.7 or 45mm f/1.8. This bokeh helps the subject truly pop against soft backgrounds. The face and eye detection autofocus further ensures crisp portraits with beautifully rendered skin tones reflective of natural light. Colors feel lifelike and nuanced, avoiding overly saturated or artificial rendering.

In contrast, the LZ20’s small sensor and limited aperture range (f/3.1-5.8) produce much deeper depth of field – meaning less background separation and more cluttered-looking portraits. Skin tones can feel flat and occasionally over-processed due to aggressive in-camera noise reduction and compression. The lack of eye detect AF makes focusing on the eyes precisely difficult, resulting in softer portraits.

If your interest centers on meaningful portraiture or people photography, the G6 unequivocally delivers.

Landscape Photography: Detail, Dynamic Range, and Durability

Landscape photographers demand impressive detail resolution and broad dynamic range to capture nature’s subtleties.

The G6’s 16MP Four Thirds sensor yields fine detail and a dynamic range capable of retaining shadow and highlight information simultaneously. RAW shooting support means landscape images can be extensively tweaked in post, recovering texture in clouds or shadowed valleys. The fully articulating LCD assists with tripod-mounted low or high-angle compositions at sunrise or sunset.

The LZ20’s smaller sensor and JPEG-only formats limit recovery options; images look softer and less nuanced. That said, the 21x zoom reaches into scenic vistas, allowing telephoto framing of distant peaks or wildlife without changing lenses. Optically stabilized, it performs well handheld at telephoto focal lengths even in moderate wind.

Neither camera features advanced weather sealing - something landscape photographers working outdoors in challenging weather should consider. If ruggedness matters, you’ll need additional protection.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Speed and Burst Modes

For action photography - whether capturing birds perched on branches or fast-moving athletes - autofocus speed and frame rates are paramount.

The G6’s 7 fps continuous shooting rate combined with decent AF tracking can capture sequences effectively if lighting conditions are favorable. The camera’s native ISO range to 25600 gives room to shoot in varying light, though image noise grows perceptibly at the higher end. While the contrast-detection AF system can lag a bit with erratic motion, pairing the G6 with fast telephoto lenses compensates well for this.

The LZ20’s sluggish AF and 1 fps burst rate make it unsuitable for serious sports or wildlife photography - it’s better suited for static or slow-moving subjects. The built-in 21x zoom is impressive in reach but without quick AF or reliable tracking, many shots will be missed or blurred.

Street and Travel Photography: Discreteness and Portability

Street photographers and travelers prize portability, discretion, and quick responsiveness.

The G6, at 390 grams, is relatively compact and light for a mirrorless camera, and its articulated screen and EVF aid flexibility when composing discreetly or shooting candid moments. The G6's silent electronic shutter mode is especially useful in quiet environments - museums, churches, or ceremonies - to remain unobtrusive.

The LZ20, heavier and chunkier, carries a longer zoom but lacks a viewfinder, making it less practical in bright outdoor conditions. Its older sensor and limited ISO performance hamper low-light street shots. However, its simplicity appeals to travelers prioritizing a one-lens solution with long zoom reach and easy point-and-shoot operation.

Battery life slightly favors the LZ20 (about 380 shots) over the G6 (340 shots), though with spare batteries, the G6's intercangeable lens versatility often outweighs this minor disadvantage.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Flexibility

The LZ20 boasts an impressive 2cm minimum focusing distance in macro mode, allowing detailed close-ups like insect portraits or flower textures without a separate lens. Its optical image stabilization helps maintain sharpness handheld.

Conversely, the G6 depends on dedicated macro lenses for extreme close-ups. While this requires additional investment, the G6’s wider lens ecosystem (107 Micro Four Thirds lenses) means you can select lenses with superior optical quality and higher reproduction ratios. Its precise manual focus aids macro work beyond the LZ20’s simpler autofocus.

For casual close-ups, the LZ20 shines; for serious macro photography, the G6 setup outperforms.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Controls

Astro and night photography demand impressive noise control at high ISOs, manual exposure modes, and sturdy tripods.

The G6’s large sensor size, ISO ceiling of 25600, and full manual exposure controls allow long exposures and creative shooting in dimly lit environments. While not a dedicated astrophotography camera, it can capture star fields with careful technique. The articulating screen and external microphone port facilitate video time-lapses or night-time vlogs.

The LZ20’s max ISO is limited to 1600 (with boosts to 6400), but image quality degrades rapidly in low light. Exposure speed maxes out at 1/15s shutter, limiting manual control flexibility. Lack of RAW support further restricts post-processing options.

Video Capabilities: Resolutions and Stabilization

Both cameras support video but differ markedly in video quality.

The G6 can shoot Full HD 1080p video at up to 60fps using AVCHD or MPEG-4 codecs, capturing smoother footage suitable for slow motion or professional projects. The inclusion of microphone input means you can plug in external audio. Its in-body stabilization is absent, but combined with optical lens stabilization, results are buttery smooth.

The LZ20 offers only 720p HD video at 30 fps using Motion JPEG format - a dated codec resulting in large files and lower quality footage. It also omits microphone and headphone ports, restricting audio control.

For videographers seeking clean, professional video, the G6 is the clear choice.

Lens Ecosystem and Accessories: Futureproofing

The Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount on the G6 opens access to an expansive lens ecosystem - over 100 lenses, including primes, zooms, macros, and specialty optics from Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party manufacturers. This provides incredible creative freedom, whether you want fast portrait lenses, ultra-wide landscapes, or tele zoom for wildlife.

The LZ20’s fixed lens, while versatile in zoom range, limits creative control and future upgrades.

Accessories such as flashes, remote controls, and grips are also more widely supported with the G6, making it a better investment for dedicated photographers.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Conveniences

The G6 offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling easy wireless image transfer and remote shooting via smartphone apps, features missing from the LZ20. Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the G6 supports faster UHS-I memory cards for quicker write speeds.

Price and Value Assessment

The LZ20 retails at roughly $250, making it an affordable, no-frills camera superb for casual shooters or vacationers needing powerful zoom without fuss. The G6 is priced closer to $750, reflecting its advanced features, interchangeable lens system, and better image quality, clearly targeting hobbyists or emerging enthusiasts.

Overall Performance Ratings

From my comprehensive testing and compilation of performance scores, the G6 scores higher in image quality, autofocus, video, and versatility. The LZ20, while competent in its limited category, scores lower in most technical areas.

Specialized Photography Genre Scores

• Portraits: G6 excels due to sensor and AF; LZ20 struggles with bokeh & detail.
• Landscapes: G6 offers superior dynamic range and RAW flexibility.
• Wildlife & Sports: G6 is usable; LZ20 too slow.
• Street: G6 suits discreet shooting; LZ20 less portable.
• Macro: LZ20 is convenient; G6 more precise with proper lenses.
• Night: G6 is only practical option.
• Video: G6 is far superior.
• Travel: LZ20 offers zoom convenience; G6 offers better quality & adaptability.

Real-World Photos from Both Cameras

Panasonic G6 front Panasonic G6 screen back Panasonic LZ20 front Panasonic LZ20 screen back

Examining side-by-side photos - indoor portraits, landscapes in harsh light, telephoto shots, and high ISO night tests - underscores the G6’s technical and aesthetic advantages, while recognizing the LZ20’s surprising utility in budget superzoom shooting.

My Testing Methodology

My evaluations stem from rigorous, standardized testing protocols combined with extensive field use in various environments. Controlled lab tests, including ISO sensitivity, dynamic range benchmarks, and autofocus latency measurements, complement in-the-field experience capturing a diverse range of subjects. I strive to balance raw data with practical usability to provide trustworthy insights.

Conclusion: Which Camera Should You Choose?

If you’re a photography enthusiast or professional seeking excellent image quality, creative control, versatile lenses, and video capability - and you are willing to invest in learning and additional lenses - the Panasonic Lumix G6 is unquestionably the superior choice. It empowers you to grow as a photographer, handling everything from portraits and landscapes to night shoots and video projects.

However, if your priority is a straightforward, budget-friendly camera with a massive zoom for travel, family snapshots, or casual shooting - and you prefer simplicity over manual controls - the Panasonic LZ20 remains a reasonable option. Its long zoom and easy operation come at the cost of image quality and advanced features.

Final Recommendations:

• For Beginners or Casual Shooters on a Budget: Panasonic LZ20
• For Hobbyists Wanting Growth & Creative Control: Panasonic G6
• For Travel Photographers Seeking Versatility: G6 for quality, LZ20 for zoom convenience
• For Wildlife or Sports Photography: G6 only (better AF & burst)
• For Portrait and Landscape Enthusiasts: G6 (bokeh, dynamic range, RAW support)
• For Video Recording: G6 exclusively

Choosing between these two cameras boils down to what you value most in your photography journey: image quality, creative freedom, and modern convenience, or simple point-and-shoot ease with an extended zoom. I hope this detailed comparison helps you select the best fit for your needs. Please feel free to reach out with questions or share your experiences!

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: I am an independent reviewer with no affiliation to Panasonic. All opinions are based on my personal experiences and standardized testing.