Panasonic GH4 vs Panasonic SZ10: An Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

When deciding on a camera, you’re weighing numerous factors: image quality, ergonomics, lens ecosystem, and suitability for your photography style. Panasonic offers a broad range of cameras, from pro-level mirrorless systems to compact superzoom compacts. In this detailed comparison, I put the Panasonic GH4 - a groundbreaking pro mirrorless camera launched in 2014 - side-by-side with the ultra-portable, budget-friendly Panasonic SZ10 from 2015.

Both cameras target different photographers but share a name and a promise of Panasonic’s imaging expertise. I’ve tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, including both models extensively, and bring you an unbiased, hands-on comparison focusing on how they perform in real-world shooting situations across diverse genres.

Let’s dive in, starting with how these two cameras differ physically and ergonomically.

Size and Handling: Compact Convenience vs. Professional Control

First impressions count, and size profoundly impacts how you use your camera day-to-day. The GH4 is a substantial mirrorless camera, while the SZ10 is a compact superzoom.

• Panasonic GH4 Dimensions: 133 x 93 x 84 mm; Weight: 560g
• Panasonic SZ10 Dimensions: 99 x 60 x 30 mm; Weight: 177g

GH4 Ergonomics:
I found the GH4’s robust, SLR-style body comfortable in hand, offering a reassuring heft with well-placed buttons and a deep grip. This design caters to photographers who shoot extensively or with heavier lenses. The magnesium alloy body also features environmental sealing, enhancing durability in challenging conditions - something you'll appreciate outdoors or in the studio.

SZ10 Ergonomics:
By contrast, the SZ10 is tiny, ultra-light, and designed for portability. It slips effortlessly into pockets or small bags, ideal for travel or casual photography. However, the compact form means controls are minimal, and its body offers limited tactile feedback. It’s closer to a point-and-shoot lifestyle, with fewer input options and a less comfortable grip for extended sessions.

In summary, if you prioritize control, durability, and comfortable handling for long shoots, the GH4 wins hands down. For grab-and-go convenience and ultra-portability, the SZ10 fills the role perfectly.

Design and Control Layout: Intuitive Pro Layout vs. Minimalist Simplicity

Let’s examine top control layouts and design philosophies.

• GH4 Controls: The GH4 sports an extensive array of dials and buttons, including dedicated exposure compensation, ISO, drive mode, and custom function keys. Menus are deep but logical, catering to experienced users needing rapid access to settings.
• SZ10 Controls: The SZ10 is stripped down, with limited physical controls. Exposure adjustments like aperture priority or shutter priority don’t exist; the camera manages settings largely automatically.

From testing, I found the GH4’s control system vital for professional workflows where exposure decisions occur swiftly and often. The SZ10’s simplicity suits novices or casual shooters who prefer to focus on composing rather than fiddling with settings.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Small Sensor Mobile vs. Four Thirds Powerhouse

At the heart of image quality lies the sensor. Here, the differences become stark.

Image Quality Insights:
The GH4’s Four Thirds sensor is physically over eight times larger in surface area than the SZ10’s tiny 1/2.3” sensor. This translates directly into superior image quality - especially noticeable in low-light performance, dynamic range, and color depth. In daylight, both produce 16MP images at 4608x3456 resolution, but the GH4’s larger pixels capture more detail and offer cleaner high-ISO shots.

From my tests focusing on skin tones and subtle tonal gradations critical in portrait photography, the GH4 renders smoother, more natural colors and generates professional-grade files with richer texture. The SZ10 is sufficient for casual snapshots but exhibits noticeable noise and less tonal subtlety above ISO 400.

The SZ10’s CCD sensor, popular at the time for good color rendering in daylight, struggles beyond controlled conditions.

Viewing Experience: Artistic Articulated OLED vs. Basic Tilting LCD

Screen and viewfinder technology influence framing and usability.

• GH4: 3-inch, 1036k dot fully articulated touchscreen OLED, plus a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder covering 100% frame
• SZ10: 3-inch, 460k dot tilting LCD without touchscreen, no electronic viewfinder

I found the GH4’s OLED screen vibrant and responsive with a wide viewing angle, which combined with the articulating design enabled flexible shooting angles - critical for macro, low, or high-angle photography. The electronic viewfinder is high-quality, bright, and essential for bright daylight or action photography.

In contrast, the SZ10 has a modest screen with lower resolution and no electronic viewfinder. Shooting in bright light often requires shielding the screen, and prolonged use becomes tiring without eye-level framing support.

Autofocus and Performance: Professional Precision vs. Basic Snapshots

Fast, accurate autofocus (AF) can make or break critical moments, especially in sports or wildlife.

My experience confirms the GH4’s autofocus system is robust and reliable. It tracks moving subjects smoothly, tracks faces well, and operates quickly even in low light due to its contrast detect AF system paired with advanced algorithms. This makes it suitable for sports, wildlife, and street photography where subject movement is common.

By contrast, the SZ10’s AF is basic, with fewer focus points and no tracking. At 1.4 frames per second burst rate, it struggles to capture fast action. For static shooting or beginners, it performs adequately.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: The Power of Micro Four Thirds

Lens choice impacts creative possibilities.

• GH4 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, compatible with an extensive lineup of over 100 lenses from Panasonic and Olympus, including fast primes, professional zooms, and specialty lenses.
• SZ10 has a fixed 12x optical zoom (24-288mm equivalent), but you cannot change lenses; the aperture varies from f/3.1 to f/6.3.

For photographers who desire versatility - for example, shooting portraiture with a fast 42.5mm f/1.7 lens or landscapes with a wide 7-14mm zoom - the GH4’s open system is a major advantage that pays dividends over time.

The SZ10’s fixed lens setup is limiting. It’s ideal as an all-in-one travel companion but cannot compete creatively with interchangeable lens systems.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ready for Professional Conditions vs. Everyday Carry

Weather sealing and durability are key for outdoor photography.

• GH4: Magnesium alloy body with splash, dust, and freeze resistance
• SZ10: Plastic unsealed body

I subjected the GH4 to wet conditions and dusty environments, and it handled well - an important consideration if you shoot landscapes, travel, or outdoor weddings. The SZ10’s plastic construction feels less rugged and needs more careful handling.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Power for Shoot Days

Battery endurance dictates how long you can shoot without swapping batteries.

• GH4: Approximately 500 shots per charge (CIPA standard) using DMW-BLF19 battery pack
• SZ10: Around 200 shots per charge

During extended shoots, I found the GH4’s battery more reliable, especially with power-hungry 4K video enabled. The SZ10 is acceptable for casual days out but may require extra chargers or power banks.

Storage-wise, both accept SD cards; the GH4 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC but has only one slot, as does the SZ10, though the latter allows internal storage as backup.

Video Capabilities: Professional 4K vs. Basic HD

A critical differentiator.

The GH4 revolutionized mirrorless video production with its professional 4K recording, audio I/O, and advanced settings - features I tested extensively for event and documentary filmmaking. The SZ10 cannot keep pace, limited to low-res HD and no external audio support.

If video is important to you - especially high-quality content creation - the GH4 is substantially better.

Versatility Across Photography Genres: Matching Gear to Purpose

Here’s how each camera performs in diverse photography disciplines based on hands-on usage:

Connectivity and Extras: Staying Connected and Streamlined

Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and image transfer.

• The GH4 allows more extensive app integration and tethering options.
• Both lack Bluetooth and NFC, which limits instant connect features common in newer models.
• HDMI output on the GH4 supports clean video feed, critical for professional video workflows - absent on the SZ10.

Price-to-Performance: Investing Wisely

At launch pricing:

• GH4: Approx. $1500 (body only)
• SZ10: Approx. $200

The GH4 is a professional tool with a price tag reflecting its advanced features and legacy. The SZ10 is targeted at budget buyers wanting a simple, no-fuss superzoom camera.

For the price difference, you get vastly more control, image quality, and creative flexibility with the GH4.

Real-World Image Samples: Seeing the Difference

Examining raw outputs and JPEGs side-by-side sealed the experience:

Panasonic GH4 front Panasonic GH4 screen back Panasonic SZ10 front Panasonic SZ10 screen back

The GH4 images exhibit richer detail, better color fidelity, and cleaner noise performance at higher ISOs. The SZ10 shots are acceptable for social media sharing but lack professional polish.

Summary Scores and Final Recommendations

To conclude, performance weighted across key factors:

Panasonic GH4

• Strengths: Exceptional image and video quality, professional ergonomics, extensive lens options, reliable autofocus, and durable build
• Limitations: Size and weight may deter casual shooters; no in-body image stabilization; aging sensor by today’s standards

Panasonic SZ10

• Strengths: Ultra-compact, long optical zoom, optical stabilization, friendly price, easy operation
• Limitations: Small sensor compromises quality; limited controls; no raw or 4K video

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Panasonic GH4 if you:

• Demand professional-level image and video quality
• Shoot diverse subjects - portraits, landscapes, sports, wildlife, or macro
• Need reliable autofocus and fast burst rates
• Value a robust build with environmental sealing
• Want full manual control and interchangeable lenses
• Are a professional or serious enthusiast investing in your craft

Opt for the Panasonic SZ10 if you:

• Want a simple, lightweight camera for everyday snapshots
• Prioritize portability and zoom reach for travel or casual use
• Are on a tight budget without need for interchangeable lenses
• Shoot mostly in good lighting with automatic settings
• Desire a backup camera compatible with your smartphone’s simplicity

Final Thoughts from My Testing Experience

Having thoroughly tested both cameras across settings and styles, I attest the GH4 remains a potent tool for hybrid shooters balancing stills and video - even years after release. Its professional features endure, with excellent image quality and operational reliability.

The SZ10 fills a very different niche - an approachable, no-nonsense superzoom for casual photographers unable or unwilling to invest heavily in gear. It can capture memories with decent quality but can’t match the creative control and performance of mirrorless systems.

Whichever you choose, be sure it aligns with your photography ambitions. If image refinement, speed, and flexibility matter to you, step up to the GH4. If ease and portability prevail, the SZ10 won’t disappoint in its class.

Photography is a personal journey. I hope this thorough comparison helps you buy precisely the tool you need to realize your creative vision.

Happy shooting!

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