Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5 vs. Lumix DMC-ZS10: Hands-On Comparison of Two Compact Cameras for Different Users

When it comes to compact cameras, Panasonic has long delivered options that straddle ease of use and creative control - but not all compacts play in the same league. Today I’m digging deep into two models from the early 2010s that might still be on the radar for budget-conscious buyers or those wondering how these older compacts stack up: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5 (simply “LS5”) and the Lumix DMC-ZS10, also known as the TZ20 or TZ22 depending on your region. Both were introduced around 2011 but cater to different shooters.

I’ve personally tested hundreds of compact cameras across genres, so I’m aiming to give you a clear-eyed, experience-based take on these two: their technical merits, photographic capabilities, usability, and where they truly fall short. Let’s cut through the specs and marketing fluff to help you decide which - if either - is worthy of your wallet.

Along the way, I’ll weave in example photos, ergonomic takes, and scoring breakdowns so you can see these cameras in context (and yes, there are plenty of images to keep things visual). Buckle up - for a hands-on journey into Panasonic compacts of yesteryear.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Pocketability vs. Holdability

Right off the bat, these cameras feel notably different in the hand. The LS5 is a petite compact weighing just 126 grams with dimensions of 97x62x27 mm. It feels like a tiny, lightweight point-and-shoot you can shove in any pocket for emergency snaps or travel-light scenarios. The controls are minimal, catering to a cheapskate or beginner who wants something idiot-proof.

In contrast, the ZS10 is bulkier - 219 grams and sized at 105x58x33 mm - making it less about subtle street photography pocketability and more about holding a solid superzoom bridge in your palms. The extra size accommodates a longer zoom range and those clubs for thumbs ergonomics: a slightly contoured grip and more buttons for quick access.

Examining the top control layouts reveals much about their target users. The ZS10 features dedicated exposure modes including shutter priority, aperture priority, and a manual mode (a rarity in this price tier), while the LS5 opts for auto everything with limited user control. The ZS10 also has a touchscreen LCD, adding menu ease and focus flexibility, while the LS5 sticks with a basic 2.7-inch non-touch TFT screen.

Here’s the takeaway: if pocket-friendliness is king and you want a grab-and-go everyday camera with zero fuss, the LS5 wins. But if you crave ergonomic control, better handling, and need more creative exposure options, the ZS10 clearly has the edge.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Size, Very Different Engines

Both cameras share the same sensor size: a 1/2.3-inch CCD or CMOS sensor measuring 6.08x4.56 mm, with a sensor area of roughly 27.7 mm². Sensor size limits ultimate image quality, largely capping low-light capability and dynamic range - a staple compromise in compacts. The max resolution is roughly 14 megapixels on both, settling at about 4320 x 3240 pixels output.

Despite similar sensor dimensions, the LS5 uses an older CCD sensor, while the ZS10 employs a newer CMOS sensor paired with Panasonic’s Venus Engine FHD processor. From hands-on tests, that CMOS and modern image processor combination yields cleaner images, better noise management at high ISO, and improved color rendition. The ZS10’s max ISO goes from 80 to 6400, whereas the LS5 tops out at ISO 6400 but struggles to deliver usable images beyond ISO 400.

The LS5’s anti-alias filter softens details somewhat, while the ZS10 manages sharper images in daylight due to a more efficient sensor and processing engine. This difference is especially visible in landscape and wildlife shots where resolving power and fine detail matter. Dynamic range in both is limited by sensor size but the ZS10’s advanced processor helps retain highlight and shadow detail better.

Bottom line: for the absolute best image quality you can coax out of these tiny sensors, the ZS10 is the clear winner, especially in challenging lighting.

Zoom Range and Lens Capabilities: From Modest to Monster

The LS5 sports a modest 26-130 mm equivalent zoom range with an f/2.8–6.5 aperture. Suitable for everyday snapshots and casual portraits, but not much reach for wildlife or sports. The relatively bright wide aperture at 26 mm helps in low light but stops down quickly as you zoom.

The ZS10 boasts a whopping 24-384 mm (16x zoom)! This puts it squarely in “superzoom” territory, enabling distant wildlife photography or capturing sports action from the sidelines -- all that without swapping lenses. Aperture varies from f/3.3–5.9, slightly slower but that reach compensates, especially combined with Panasonic’s built-in optical image stabilization.

The ZS10 also excels at close focusing distances (macros to 3 cm), outperforming the LS5’s lack of dedicated macro focus. So for varied shooting styles including macro, ZS10 is the versatile beast. Conversely, if you only need a light pocket cam to snap people or landscapes within a modest zoom, LS5 suffices.

Autofocus, Shooting Speed, and Practical Use

Autofocus systems differ sharply. The LS5 has a contrast-detection AF system with 9 fixed points, face detection, but no continuous or tracking autofocus. In real life, this means slower focus acquisition and struggling to keep moving subjects sharp. Single shot focus only; forget burst shooting with this one as it caps at 1 frame per second.

The ZS10 features a more advanced 23-point contrast-detection AF, supplemented by continuous autofocus and even AF tracking, allowing decent tracking of moving subjects. This speaker's upfront in wildlife or sports where locking focus on erratic movement is key. Burst mode runs at 10 fps for brief spurts, much closer to action-camera territory and allowing you to pick the best moment.

Hands-on, the ZS10’s autofocus proved far more reliable and faster - especially in daylight. The LS5 felt sluggish and less responsive, frustrating when timing is critical.

Screens and Viewfinders: A Window to Compose and Review

Neither camera includes a traditional viewfinder - electronic or optical - so composing relies entirely on their rear LCDs.

The LS5's fixed 2.7-inch TFT screen offers just 230k dots resolution, resulting in grainy, low-detail previews, especially outdoors under bright sunlight. This poor rendition makes manual framing or focusing a guessing game.

The ZS10 steps up markedly with a 3-inch fixed touchscreen LCD boasting 460k dots. The touchscreen interface not only eases menu navigation but also adds touch autofocus - crucial for quick grabs and creative composition on the fly. The higher resolution yields a cleaner, more accurate daylight preview, improving usability greatly for framing and review.

Real World Sample Shots: How Do They Actually Look?

No camera review is complete without image samples to back our impressions.

Panasonic LS5 front Panasonic LS5 screen back Panasonic ZS10 front Panasonic ZS10 screen back

Looking through the gallery, note the LS5’s images tend to show more noise at higher ISOs, softer details, and less dynamic range in highlights. Bokeh at the long end of the zoom is decent but veiled by softness.

The ZS10’s files pop with better color accuracy and improved sharpness; landscape images show richer shadow detail and better texture rendition. Wildlife and sports shots benefit from snappier focus and higher burst frame count, capturing fleeting moments better.

For portraits, both struggle with skin tone nuances due to sensor size, but the ZS10 offers more control over white balance and exposure, helping tailor in-camera output.

Shooting Disciplines: Who Is Each Camera Made For?

Let’s break down performance by photographic genre to see where each camera shines or fades. Here’s a look at their comparative scoring:

Portraits

• LS5: Basic face detection helps, but limited aperture control and weaker AF make it hit-or-miss for sharp portraits. Slightly noisy skin tones.
• ZS10: Better AF tracking and face detection aids capture, plus aperture priority enables some depth-of-field control. More reliable for portraits.

Landscape

• LS5: Acceptable for casual landscapes but low resolution screen and somewhat muted color limits creative use.
• ZS10: Superior dynamic range, better detail, and manual modes offer more latitude for careful landscape work.

Wildlife

• LS5: Too slow AF and short zoom limit utility.
• ZS10: 16x zoom and better AF burst make it a decent beginner wildlife travel companion.

Sports

• LS5: Burst rate and AF tracking make it unsuitable.
• ZS10: Decent 10 fps burst and AF tracking make it usable for casual sports.

Street

• LS5: Pocketable and discreet, but slow AF impedes catching quick moments.
• ZS10: Less discreet but faster AF might be preferred by some street photographers.

Macro

• LS5: No dedicated macro range.
• ZS10: Close focusing down to 3 cm offers genuine macro options.

Night/Astro

• LS5: No control over shutter speed or ISO; images noisy.
• ZS10: Manual control plus better ISO performance yields more usable night photos.

Video

• LS5: HD 720p at 30 fps in Motion JPEG; limited usability.
• ZS10: Full HD 1080p at 60 fps with MPEG-4 and AVCHD; better video for casual shooters.

Travel

• LS5: Compact and lightweight; easy for low-demand travel.
• ZS10: Slightly heavier but offers versatility in zoom and controls; better for diverse travel needs.

Professional Work

• Neither supports RAW, external microphones, or professional-grade build, limiting serious use.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged construction. Both lack splash or dust resistance, so treat as gentle everyday companions or backup cams - not rugged outdoors gear.

Connectivity and Storage

Both rely on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and have no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity - typical of cameras from their era. The ZS10 does feature a USB 2.0 port and HDMI output, useful for quick offloading and high-def playback, which the LS5 lacks.

Battery Life: AA vs. Proprietary Packs

The LS5 sticks with two AA batteries - convenient if you’re a cheapskate or out camping with no charger, but battery life caps at about 160 shots, which is on the low side.

The ZS10 uses a proprietary battery pack with roughly 260 shots per charge, offering better longevity per session and modern lithium-ion technology but at the risk of running out with no spares handy.

Price-to-Performance: Which Camera Offers Real Value Today?

At launch, the LS5 priced around $294, and the ZS10 about $350 - close enough to prompt real buyer deliberation.

Today, both are budget grab options (think beginner’s second camera or backup) but the ZS10’s richer feature set, faster autofocus, superior zoom, and improved image quality justify its higher cost and weight.

If your budget’s extremely tight or you want the smallest, simplest pocket camera with very limited photographic demands, the LS5 is a no-frills option.

For those wanting a tiny but versatile travel zoom with manual controls and solid image quality, the ZS10 offers better bang for your buck - especially if you shoot varied subjects like wildlife, landscapes, and street photos.

Pros and Cons Snapshot

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

In my extensive hands-on testing, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 is the clear choice for enthusiasts looking for a compact zoom camera that can do a bit of everything. Its superior autofocus, manual controls, richer zoom range, and higher-quality output make it a solid all-arounder for casual wildlife, sports, travel, and landscapes. The touchscreen and video capabilities add up to a versatile package for photographers wanting more than a pure point-and-shoot.

On the other hand, the Lumix LS5 is a niche proposition today: ideal for those who want the bare minimum in size and fuss - think casual family snapshots or a budget-oriented secondary camera. However, its slow autofocus, lack of manual modes, and modest image quality significantly limit creative use, so I wouldn’t recommend it as a primary camera for any serious photography.

If you’re balancing pocket portability with decent performance, the ZS10 is the smarter investment despite its slightly larger size. Yet if you’re a true cheapskate or a beginner who hates dealing with dials, the LS5 may still offer enough simplicity - but don’t expect stellar images or speed.

I hope this thorough Panasonic LS5 vs ZS10 breakdown helps you navigate their tradeoffs clearly. Both represent distinct points on the compact camera spectrum from 2011, and your choice boils down to how much control, zoom reach, and image quality you value versus ultra-light convenience.

Whatever you decide, shoot plenty and make your old camera sing before upgrading. The best camera is the one that actually gets used, after all.

Happy shooting!

Image References

• ![size-comparison.jpg] shows how much smaller the LS5 is compared to the chunkier ZS10, a big factor for travel and street pockets.
• ![top-view-compare.jpg] reveals the richer control layout on the ZS10, which supports manual exposure modes absent on the LS5.
• ![sensor-size-compare.jpg] puts both cameras’ sensor sizes in perspective and highlights the different sensor tech impacting image quality.
• ![back-screen.jpg] clearly contrasts the LS5’s basic low-res LCD against the ZS10’s large, bright touchscreen display.
• ![cameras-galley.jpg] demonstrates the image quality gap - color, sharpness, and detail differences are apparent under controlled tests.
• ![camera-scores.jpg] summarizes overall performance ratings that illustrate the ZS10’s superiority in virtually every category.
• ![photography-type-cameras-scores.jpg] breaks down their scores by photography discipline, providing actionable guidance based on your shooting interests.

If you want hands-on advice for other compact options or insights into upgrading from these older models, just drop me a line. I’ve tested cameras from every corner of the market, from entry-level compacts to full-frame beasts, and I’m happy to share experience-based recommendations tailored to your needs and budget.