Panasonic Lumix GM1 vs Lumix TS4: The Ultimate Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing your next camera is a major step in your photography journey. Whether you want the flexibility of a mirrorless system or the ruggedness of a go-anywhere waterproof compact, Panasonic offers two very different but capable options: the Lumix GM1 and the Lumix TS4 (also known as Lumix FT4). We've spent hundreds of hours testing and evaluating these cameras in real-world scenarios across multiple photography genres to offer you an honest, detailed guide on how they compare.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Build Quality

Panasonic GM1: Compact Rangefinder Elegance

The GM1 is a 2013 entry-level mirrorless camera with a rangefinder-style body that is incredibly compact for its class. It’s designed for photographers who want a lightweight, minimalistic system camera with flexibility for interchangeable lenses.

• Dimensions: 99 x 55 x 30 mm
• Weight: 204g (body only)
• Build: Plastic-heavy but pleasantly solid for the size
• No weather sealing or protective coatings

Panasonic TS4: Rugged and Ready for Adventure

In contrast, the TS4 is a 2012 rugged compact camera engineered for extreme environments. It's slightly larger than the GM1, though still pocketable, and designed to resist water, dust, shock, freeze, and more.

• Dimensions: 103 x 64 x 27 mm
• Weight: 197g
• Build: Fully weather-sealed, waterproof to depths of several meters, freeze-proof, dustproof, and shockproof
• Fixed lens, simplified controls, designed for easy use on the go

Ergonomics and Handling: The GM1 opts for minimalist ergonomics without an electronic viewfinder, relying on the rear touchscreen. The TS4's rugged design includes larger buttons for gloved or wet hands. Both cameras lack dedicated grips, making stable handling a consideration especially with the GM1’s interchangeable lenses.

Sensor and Image Quality: Specifications and Practical Performance

Sensor Technology and Format

• GM1: 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.3 x 13 mm) with anti-aliasing filter
• TS4: 12MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm), fixed lens

The GM1’s Four Thirds sensor is significantly larger (over 8x sensor area) than the TS4’s 1/2.3" CCD sensor. This difference is critical for image quality, depth of field control, and low light performance. While the TS4 uses an older CCD sensor primarily optimized for compactness and waterproof ruggedness, the GM1’s CMOS sensor offers better dynamic range and color depth.

Real World Image Quality Assessment

The GM1 clearly outperforms the TS4 in image quality potential, especially in color depth and dynamic range critical for professional-grade results. In practice, this translates to cleaner images with more detail in shadows and highlights, richer skin tones, and less noise at higher ISOs.

Lens Flexibility and Image Stabilization

• GM1: Compatible with Micro Four Thirds lenses (over 100 available), allowing true creative freedom from ultra-wides to telephoto primes and zooms. No built-in stabilization, relying on lens-based or external stabilization solutions.
• TS4: Fixed 28-128mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens with optical image stabilization (OIS) built into the camera, crucial for handheld shots in rough conditions.

Autofocus, Shooting Speed, and User Interface

Autofocus System

The GM1 utilizes a contrast-detection AF system with 23 focus points and face detection, including continuous, single, and tracking AF modes. Though it lacks phase detection, it performs well in good lighting and delivers sharp focus in portrait and street photography.

The TS4 also uses contrast detection but with fewer AF modes and no face or eye detection. It offers continuous and single AF, tracking focus, but overall is optimized more for basic autofocus needs rather than speed or precision.

Continuous Shooting Rates

• GM1: 5 frames per second (fps) - moderate for enthusiast mirrorless cameras of its era
• TS4: 4 fps - respectable for a rugged compact, useful for casual action shots

User Interface and Controls

• GM1: 3" touchscreen with 1036k-dot resolution; no viewfinder. Minimal physical dials but intuitive touchscreen control for focus and exposure. Strong support for exposure compensation and manual modes.
• TS4: 2.7" fixed TFT LCD with 230k-dot resolution, no touchscreen or EVF. Controls are large and straightforward, with limited manual exposure options.

The GM1 offers a superior interface for photographers who want control over focus and exposure, whereas the TS4 is simplified for rugged use and ease.

Performance across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• GM1 shines due to larger sensor and interchangeable lenses permitting shallow depth of field and pleasing bokeh. Face detection AF helps nail skin tones and eye focus.
• TS4, with its small sensor and fixed zoom lens, has limited background blur and no face/eye detection, making portraits less refined.

Landscape Photography

• GM1’s larger sensor delivers excellent dynamic range, crucial in landscapes for capturing details across bright skies and shadows. Compatibility with wide-angle MFT lenses is a big plus.
• TS4 is rugged enough for harsh environments but limited in resolution and dynamic range, so landscapes lack fine detail.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• GM1 offers lens flexibility with telephoto zooms for wildlife but moderate burst speed and contrast AF may challenge fast action shooting.
• TS4 is less suited here, due to fixed lens zoom range and slower autofocus.

Street Photography

• GM1’s compact size and quiet shutter make it highly discreet. Touchscreen AF control aids quick shots.
• TS4 bulkier and less stealthy but rugged for outdoor urban adventures in any weather; autofocus slower.

Macro Photography

• GM1 supports specialized macro lenses with precise manual focus.
• TS4 allows macro shooting down to 5 cm but fixed lens limits magnification.

Night and Astro Photography

• GM1’s superior low light ISO performance and manual exposure modes make it a better choice for night shots.
• TS4 struggles with noise and limited manual controls.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras shoot Full HD video, but:

• GM1 supports 1080p at 60i/50i/24p with better codec options and manual control during video.
• TS4 also shoots Full HD, but with fewer frame rates and less manual control.

Neither camera supports 4K or external microphone input, limiting video enthusiast appeal.

Travel Photography

GM1 offers versatility with compact size and lens options, though no weather sealing demands care. Battery life is moderate (230 shots per charge).

TS4 is designed specifically for travel in rough environments with longer battery life (310 shots). Its ruggedness lets you shoot anywhere without worry.

Professional Workflows

• GM1 supports RAW shooting with flexible file formats, making it better suited for professional post-processing workflows.
• TS4 does not support RAW and lacks workflow flexibility.

Handling and Ergonomics in Real Use

While both cameras are compact and lightweight, their physical handling experience diverges drastically.

The GM1 favors photographers prioritizing manual control and image quality, while the TS4 is for adventurers needing rugged durability.

Panasonic GM1 front Panasonic GM1 screen back Panasonic TS4 front Panasonic TS4 screen back

Connectivity and Extras

Wireless connectivity on the GM1 enables easy image transfer and remote control via smartphone - valuable for on-the-go workflow. The TS4’s built-in GPS is advantageous for geotagging adventures but lags in connectivity features.

Summary Table: Head-to-Head Specification

Deep Dive: Genre-Specific Performance Scores

Let's analyze how each camera fares across popular photography types based on hands-on experience, focusing on image quality, autofocus reliability, ergonomics, and feature set.

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Why Get the Panasonic GM1?

You’re a photography enthusiast or even a professional who:

• Prioritizes creative control with interchangeable lenses
• Wants superior image quality and dynamic range
• Values compactness without sacrificing sensor size
• Needs manual exposure modes and RAW format
• Enjoys street, portrait, landscape, or travel photography in controlled environments
• Can handle delicate gear carefully without weather sealing

Get started with the GM1 if you want a small, flexible system mirrorless camera to explore creative photography seriously. Explore Micro Four Thirds lenses, and check out stabilizers if you need steady video or handheld low light.

When to Pick the Panasonic TS4?

You are:

• An adventurer or casual shooter needing a tough, waterproof camera
• Shooting active outdoor sports, underwater scenes, or demanding environments
• Interested in a pocketable, all-in-one zoom without carrying extra lenses
• Wanting longer battery life and GPS geotagging
• OK with moderate image quality and limited manual controls
• Not needing RAW or advanced video/audio features

The TS4 is your go-anywhere companion that won’t quit when the weather worsens or conditions get rough. It encourages spontaneous shooting and is great for family outings, hiking, or snorkeling trips.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Performance and Purpose

At the heart of this comparison lies two very different cameras, designed for distinct user profiles and shooting conditions.

• The Panasonic GM1 impresses with its bigger sensor, excellent image quality, and creative potential thanks to Micro Four Thirds compatibility. It is perfect for thoughtful photographers who prioritize aesthetics, depth of field control, and manual control over ruggedness.
• The Panasonic TS4 is a durable point-and-shoot that embraces rugged travel and rough use. It balances simplicity and reliability. Though limited in image quality and manual controls, it shines as a reliable secondary or specialized camera.

Panasonic GM1 front Panasonic GM1 screen back Panasonic TS4 front Panasonic TS4 screen back

Recommendations for Next Steps

• Try before you buy: Visit a local store and handle both cameras, checking size, controls, and comfort.
• Consider your use cases: If your primary focus is image quality and optics, GM1 leads. If durability is your priority, TS4 is better suited.
• Lens and accessory investment: If you want to grow your kit, GM1’s lens ecosystem offers vast potential.
• Think about connectivity: The GM1’s built-in WiFi can speed up your workflow, while TS4’s GPS is handy for travel mapping.

Thank you for reading our detailed comparison between the Panasonic Lumix GM1 and TS4 cameras. With your photography goals and shooting environments in mind, we hope this guide empowers you to make a confident choice and dive deeper into your creative exploration.

Happy shooting!