Panasonic GM1 vs Panasonic TS10: A Hands-On Deep Dive Into Two Very Different Cameras

When it comes to cameras, not all boxes are created equal - even when the boxes come from the same brand. Panasonic’s lineup over the past decade has been a study in contrasts: sleek, capable mirrorless machines like the GM1, versus rugged, action-ready compacts like the TS10 (also known as the Lumix FT10). I’ve spent weeks shooting with both cameras extensively, pushing them through various photographic disciplines to see how they stand up - not just on paper, but in real life.

In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll walk you through how these two Panasonic models stack up across everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, portraits to wildlife, and even video capture. Whether you want a stylish travel companion or a splash-proof all-rounder for rough adventures, you’re in the right place to find out what each offers - and where they fall short.

Let’s start with a visual primer to get a sense of their physical presence.

Looks and Feel: Pocketability vs. Rugged Handling

Both cameras are relatively compact, but the GM1 and TS10 serve very different use cases in build and design. The GM1 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless with a luxurious heft and surprisingly compact dimensions for what it does: 99x55x30 mm and 204 grams. Its sleek body feels delicate but refined, clearly made for photographers who want sophisticated controls in a pocket-sized frame.

The TS10, a tough little compact designed primarily for outdoor adventures, measures 99x63x24 mm and weighs 188 grams. While slightly chunkier front-to-back, it’s built for durability with weather sealing, dustproofing, shockproofing, and freeze-proofing in its DNA. It lacks the tactile refinement of the GM1, but that’s the trade-off for rugged handling and splash-proof confidence.

Both forego electronic viewfinders - something I found limiting on the GM1 especially during bright daylight shooting, making framing a bit trickier with just the fixed 3-inch touchscreen. In contrast, the TS10’s 2.7-inch, lower-res display offers basic framing but no touchscreen functionality, which quickly feels dated.

The GM1 sports a well-laid-out top plate with a mode dial, shutter button, and an exposure compensation dial. This setup allows quick, intuitive access to shooting modes and exposure tweaks without diving into menus - a feature I particularly appreciated when switching between street scenes and portraits on the fly. The TS10, however, has a more minimalist control scheme and runs on an automatic shooting mode with no manual exposure options, which may suit beginners or casual shooters but frustrates anyone wanting creative control.

For long shoots, the smaller, slightly grippier TS10 feels better in hand thanks to its plasticized body and rubber bumpers, while the GM1 demands a more careful hold or an additional grip accessory for comfort.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now, let’s peel back the layers and get technical with the sensors - the soul of any camera.

The Lumix GM1 boasts a Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor (17.3x13 mm) with 16 megapixels delivering a maximum resolution of 4592x3448 pixels. Panasonic equipped it with an anti-aliasing filter to minimize moiré, but many photographers appreciate the sensor’s capability to capture impressive color depth (22.3 bits as per DxOMark) and dynamic range (11.7 EV stops) - figures pretty solid for an entry-level mirrorless body, enabling rich image quality with lots of editing latitude.

In contrast, the TS10 features a much smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.08x4.56 mm) with a 14-megapixel count. Not exactly a powerhouse - it topples most modern compact cameras in low-light noise levels and dynamic range due to its older sensor technology, which Panasonic’s Venus Engine IV tries its best to compensate for. This sensor is simply not built for nuanced image quality; it excels in good light but quickly loses its grip once the sun dips below the horizon.

If you’re after standout image clarity and flexibility, especially for print or cropping, the GM1 wins hands down. The TS10’s sensor is acceptable for casual snapshots or rugged regional vacations but doesn’t impress in detailed image quality.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Precision Matter

Moving on to what makes shooting smooth (or not) - the autofocus and continuous shooting speeds.

The GM1 sports a contrast-detection autofocus system with 23 focus points, which is respectable given its time. It supports face detection, live view autofocus, and modes like AF single and continuous, plus tracking autofocus. Animal eye detection is missing, which is a minor disappointment if you plan any wildlife shoots. However, in practice, I found the GM1’s AF good for still subjects and moderately fast-moving subjects, but it sometimes stumbles in low light or chaotic scenes.

The TS10, constrained by its simple autofocus system, has 9 focus points and uses only contrast detection without face or eye detection. Its autofocus is slower and less reliable - especially in dim environments or when trying to nail moving targets.

When it comes to burst shooting, the GM1 offers 5 frames per second, which is modest but adequate for casual sports or action. The TS10 drags behind at 2 fps, making it ill-suited for fast-paced capture.

As a wildlife photographer, I found the GM1 better suited, though its AF system doesn’t compete with modern mirrorless giants. The TS10 is firmly in the snapshot camp.

Ergonomics and User Interface: Navigating Your Camera with Ease

A camera’s joy extends beyond its specs - it’s about ease of use and how naturally it fits your shooting style.

The GM1’s 3-inch fixed TFT LCD touchscreen with 1036k dots shines here, offering responsive touch focusing and intuitive menu navigation. The absence of a viewfinder remains a small frustration, but the touchscreen made composing and previewing shots precise enough. The menus are typical Panasonic fare - comprehensive but approachable.

The TS10’s 2.7-inch LCD with only 230k dots lacks touch capability and offers a humbler viewing experience. Without touchscreen or viewfinder and limited manual controls, navigating feels clunky and dated. But for quick, casual snaps or underwater fun, it gets the job done simply.

Battery life proves a limitation on both, with the GM1 rated at about 230 shots per charge and the TS10’s official numbers not listed but known to be modest - typical of compact batteries intended for casual use. If extended shooting sessions are a priority, I recommend carrying spares.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Expand or Stay Fixed?

One game-changing advantage the GM1 enjoys is adopting the Micro Four Thirds lens mount used widely by Panasonic and Olympus cameras. This opens an extensive lens ecosystem - from compact primes for portraits to wide-angle options for landscapes, plus super-telephoto and macro lenses. I found this diversification invaluable for creative control and future-proofing.

The TS10 is a fixed-lens camera with a 35-140 mm equivalent zoom at f/3.5-5.6 aperture. It caters more to walk-and-shoot users craving simplicity, offering decent reach and a respectable minimum focusing distance of 10 cm for basic macro shots. But no lens upgrades or manual focus control means you’re locked into the built-in lens capabilities.

Photographers seeking creative breadth and evolving kit will likely prefer the GM1, while casual adventurers wanting waterproof shooting without fuss may prefer the TS10’s grab-and-go simplicity.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Ready for Adventure or Studio?

Here’s where the TS10 really shines. It’s fully waterproof (IPX8 rating), dustproof, shockproof, and freezer proof - the real deal for thrill-seekers, beachgoers, and anyone worried about the elements. This camera laughs in the face of rainstorms, sand, or snow.

The GM1 offers no such protection. It’s an elegant rangefinder best preserved in dry conditions, supplemented only by careful handling or weatherproof bags.

Choosing between these two for adventure hinges on your tolerance for risk: do you want a worry-free camera for wild conditions, or a delicate tool for controlled shooting environments?

Image Stabilization and Flash Performance

The TS10 boasts optical image stabilization, essential given its longer zoom range and sensor limitations. This helps combat shaky hands especially in dim light or at full zoom. The GM1 lacks in-body stabilization, relying on stabilized lenses - meaning your handheld shooting success depends on your chosen glass.

Both cameras include built-in flashes, with the TS10’s flash range slightly better at 4.9 m versus 4.0 m on the GM1. However, neither allows external flash use, limiting creative lighting options.

Video Capabilities: Casual Clips or More?

The GM1 supports Full HD video at 1920x1080 resolution with frame rates up to 60i, 50i, or 24p, and also offers HD options down to 640x480. It records in AVCHD or MPEG-4 formats - a decent range for budding videographers. However, it lacks microphone and headphone ports, limiting audio control.

The TS10’s video maxes out at 1280x720p at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format, representing more of a basic clip-cam than a serious video tool.

Neither camera offers 4K or advanced stabilization for video, which in 2024 terms is rather modest. Yet the GM1 is clearly the better video performer by a wide margin for enthusiasts.

Real-World Use: How They Perform Across Photo Genres

Let me put these cameras through their paces by photography genre - based on personal field testing.

Portraits

The GM1’s better sensor and access to fast primes produce lovely skin tones and background blur (bokeh) when paired with wide-aperture lenses. Its face and eye detection aid precision focus, delivering sharp portraits with nuance.

The TS10 struggles here: small sensor, slower autofocus, and fixed zoom lens limit image quality and shallow depth-of-field options. Good for casual portraits in daylight but not for expressive portraits.

Landscapes

Here the GM1 shines. Its larger Four Thirds sensor captures dynamic range better, and you can pair it with quality wide or ultra-wide lenses. Fill flash and exposure compensation give creative control over varied light.

The TS10’s small sensor and limited zoom make landscapes softer and less detailed, but in sunny conditions it’s acceptable. Its ruggedness could be a plus in harsh terrain.

Wildlife

GM1’s better focusing and burst rate make it a candidate for casual wildlife shots, but lack of predictive autofocus means fast animals are still a challenge. The TS10 is not really designed for wildlife, reflecting slow AF and low fps.

Sports

Again, the GM1 with 5 fps and better control is preferable, though serious sports photographers might look elsewhere. TS10’s limitations hold it back.

Street

GM1’s small, stylish body makes it discreet - great for street scenes. Touchscreen AF lets you react fast. The TS10’s bulk and minimal controls undermine street photography’s spontaneous nature.

Macro

GM1 paired with macro lenses delivers superior focusing precision and magnification. The TS10’s 10cm macro focusing distance suffices for casual close-ups but won’t satisfy enthusiasts.

Night/Astro

GM1’s higher native ISO and better low-light performance make it more capable under stars. TS10’s sensor noise becomes problematic here.

Video

GM1’s full HD video and frame rate versatility beat TS10 hands-down. Neither excels, though.

Travel

Here, tough choice: GM1 offers versatility, image quality, and lens options but no weather sealing. TS10’s toughness and waterproofing make it ideal for backpacking, beaches, or outdoor festivals.

Professional Work

GM1 supports raw shooting, reliable exposure modes, and manual control - good for pros on a budget or as a second camera. TS10 cannot fulfill professional needs.

Connectivity, Storage, and Workflow Integration

Connectivity is basic on both cameras. The GM1 includes built-in wireless (Wi-Fi), which I found useful for quick sharing or remote control via smartphone apps - though it lacks Bluetooth or NFC. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports offer wired connections.

The TS10 offers none of these wireless features and lacks an HDMI port, so offloading and remote options are limited.

Storage-wise, both rely on a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, standard fare.

File formats differ - the GM1 supports raw and JPEG, vital for post-processing flexibility; the TS10 shoots only JPEG.

Price-to-Performance: Is the Premium Worth It?

At around $750 on release, the GM1 demanded a premium reflective of its sensor size, lens interchangeability, and image quality.

The TS10’s $249 price tag targeted budget-conscious users needing rugged simplicity.

If image quality and creative control are paramount, the GM1 is worth the extra cost. For casual or rough-and-ready shooting, the TS10 offers phenomenal value.

Summing Up the Scores

After extensive testing, here are the overall scores synthesizing technical specs and real-world experience:

And if you want a quick glance at genre-specific suitability:

Sample Images Gallery

Because seeing is believing, here is a selection of side-by-side photo samples from both cameras under varied conditions - including portraits, landscapes, macro, and low light. I’ve chosen untouched jpegs to reveal their genuine output.

Panasonic GM1 front Panasonic GM1 screen back Panasonic TS10 front Panasonic TS10 screen back

Note the richer color depth and cleaner shadow detail from the GM1 images compared to the TS10’s noisier, softer output.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Choose Panasonic Lumix GM1 if…

• You want solid image quality in a compact mirrorless with interchangeable lens options.
• Manual controls, raw support, and a touchscreen interface enhance your creative workflow.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, travel, or video where quality and flexibility matter.
• You can spare the extra cash and don’t need environmental sealing.
• You appreciate the style of a sleek, rangefinder-style body and don’t mind babying it in damp conditions.

Choose Panasonic Lumix TS10 if…

• Your priority is a “grab it and go” waterproof camera that can withstand rugged conditions.
• You want something simple to operate with minimal fuss and no manual exposure setup.
• Your shooting is casual, mainly daytime, or during outdoor activities like snorkeling or hiking.
• Budget constraints rule out a higher-end mirrorless system.
• You’re okay with basic image quality and video for casual sharing and memories.

In Closing

Though both these Panasonic cameras bear the company logo, they occupy different worlds: the GM1 is an ambitious, elegant gateway into mirrorless photography with solid image quality and features for the serious enthusiast or pro on the go; the TS10 is a splash-proof point-and-shoot made for users who value toughness and simplicity over complexity or image finesse.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras throughout my career, I can say the choice ultimately boils down to your photographic priorities, budget, and shooting environment. The GM1 delivers compelling performance and creative freedom at a respectable price for an entry-level mirrorless, whereas the TS10 excels in its niche as an affordable, rugged everyday shooter - proof that in photography gear, form really does follow function.

I hope this comparison helps you find your perfect fit, whether in the studio, on the trail, or wherever your photographic adventures lead you next.

Happy shooting!