Tough vs. Zoom: Panasonic TS4 and Samsung HZ25W Showdown for the Practical Photographer

When scouting for a compact camera that fits your photography style, two contenders often fly under the radar but pack intriguing features: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4 (TS4) and the Samsung HZ25W (WB5000). Launched close together in the early 2010s, these cameras target budget-conscious enthusiasts and casual pros who want the benefits of handy compacts without hauling around clubs for thumbs (AKA bulky DSLRs).

I've spent plenty of hands-on time with both models, putting them through their paces across genres, scenarios, and conditions ranging from rugged outdoors to urban street scenes. Here’s a no-nonsense, thoroughly tested comparison to help you see which camera strikes the best balance for your needs.

Shaping the Grip: How Size and Ergonomics Impact Use

Looking first at form and fit, these two couldn't be more different in feel and handling.

The Panasonic TS4 is a compact, ruggedized waterproof model designed to endure abuse. With dimensions roughly 103 x 64 x 27 mm and a dainty 197 g weight, it feels solid but not bulky. Its all-plastic build benefits from environmental sealing – waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof – making it a go-to for adventure or travel photography where weather is unpredictable. Its grip is modest; there’s no dedicated thumb rest or rubberized padding, but the textured body helps when hands are wet or gloved.

By contrast, the Samsung HZ25W is a small-sensor superzoom powerhouse measuring 116 x 83 x 92 mm and weighing a beefy 428 g – over twice the Panasonic’s mass. That extra heft mainly comes from the monster 24× telephoto zoom lens (26-624 mm equivalent). It feels bulkier, harder to slip into a pocket, and puts more strain on your wrist over prolonged shooting sessions. Despite the weight, the HZ25W has a more pronounced grip area, though it lacks weather sealing. If your shooting is mostly casual, stationary, and indoors or mild outdoor conditions, this tradeoff might not deter you. But if you like to hike, boat, or shoot in harsher conditions, the TS4’s tough body is a compelling winner.

The control layouts also reveal priorities - rugged on the Panasonic, zoom-centric on the Samsung – which you can see clearly in this overhead view:

The Heart of the Images: Sensor and Image Quality Breakdown

Both cameras feature a modest 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm with the same active sensor area of roughly 27.72 mm². They both offer 12-megapixel resolution (4000 x 3000 pixels), which was common in their era. However, sensor size and technology alone don’t tell the full story of image quality.

Here’s where differences surface:

• Panasonic TS4

  • The TS4 sticks with a known Venus Engine FHD processor that manages noise reduction and colors quite stably for CCD tech of the time.
  • ISO range is 100-6400 native (no ISO boosting).
  • No RAW shooting support, limiting post-processing flexibility.
  • Optical low-light performance is average; CCD sensors generally produce more noise at high ISOs compared to CMOS.
  • The lens starts at f/3.3 and closes to f/5.9 at telephoto, which is fairly standard for rugged compacts.

• Samsung HZ25W

  • Also uses a CCD with no detailed processor specs publicly available, but it supports RAW capture, a significant plus for image quality control downstream.
  • ISO range is 64-3200 native with a boosted option up to 6400.
  • The lens is faster at the wide end (f/2.8), which helps in low-light scenarios and shallow depth-of-field ambitions.
  • However, boosting ISO above 800 tends to produce obvious grain and softness.
  • The tremendous 24× zoom reach is unique in this segment, enabling shots impossible for the Panasonic.

In real-world testing, the Samsung’s image files show more versatility post-capture thanks to RAW, but the Panasonic’s photos often have more direct-to-use punch with its JPEG engine tuned for rugged use. Here’s some side-by-side sample shots under similar conditions, unfiltered:

Panasonic TS4 front Panasonic TS4 screen back Samsung HZ25W front Samsung HZ25W screen back

Look closely at edge sharpness and highlight retention. The Panasonic struggles a bit with dynamic range, especially in bright outdoor scenes, but its colors are slightly more vibrant straight out of the camera. Samsung delivers better detail at longer focal lengths but sometimes washes out skin tones or mids due to less aggressive in-camera processing. Neither camera is designed for high-end image quality, but each has strengths tailored for their niche.

Navigating Focus: Autofocus and Shooting Speed

Autofocus (AF) is where things get critical for more active shooting genres like wildlife, sports, or street.

• Panasonic TS4

  • Relies on contrast-detection AF with 23 focus points.
  • Offers continuous, single, and tracking AF modes.
  • No face or eye detection.
  • Maximum continuous shooting speed is a moderate 4 frames per second (fps).
  • No buffer for extended bursts.

• Samsung HZ25W

  • Uses contrast-detect AF, but no continuous AF or tracking modes.
  • No face detection.
  • No info on frame rate means continuous shooting is likely limited or nonexistent.
  • Manual Focus is enabled, which some users appreciate for precision, but no focus-assist lamps hinder speed.

In practice, TS4’s AF is snappier, more reliable for moving subjects, and better for casual action photography despite lacking fancy tracking algorithms. The HZ25W feels sluggish in AF with some hunting under low light or zoomed-in shots. Continuous shooting isn’t its forte.

For wildlife or sports photography, TS4’s better AF and burst speed mark it as the more usable tool, though neither will rival modern mirrorless or DSLR cameras in this capacity.

Viewing Your Shots: Screen and Interface Realities

Neither camera features electronic viewfinders (EVFs). You’re restricted to LCD monitoring, and both screens are fixed type.

• Panasonic TS4

  • 2.7” TFT LCD screen.
  • Resolution of 230k dots.
  • No touchscreen functionality.
  • Real-time exposure info and intuitive menus.
  • Tough enough to withstand external wear.

• Samsung HZ25W

  • 3” LCD screen.
  • Also 230k dots resolution.
  • No touchscreen.
  • Menu system is straightforward but less snappy.

Here’s a direct comparison:

The Samsung has the advantage of a bigger screen size, which I appreciate for review and composition checks, especially for telephoto shots where precise framing matters. But the Panasonic's screen is slightly more responsive and visible in bright sunlight due to better anti-reflective coatings.

Neither offers touchscreen, which is a minor inconvenience for modern users but understandable given their age.

Facing the Test Across Photography Genres

Let’s dive into how these cameras perform across the key photography disciplines most enthusiasts and pros care about.

Portrait Photography

Good skin tones, bokeh quality, and eye detection elevate portraiture.

• Panasonic TS4

  • No face or eye detection.
  • Lens is modestly fast but struggles achieving strong background blur due to small sensor and lens aperture limits.
  • Color rendition is pleasingly warm.
  • Manual exposure allows creative choices in lighting.

• Samsung HZ25W

  • Also no face/eye detection.
  • Faster f/2.8 aperture at wide angle can help isolate subjects.
  • Downsides include harsher color reproduction and softer images at longer zooms.

Overall, neither camera impresses with shallow depth of field or portrait-specific features. The Panasonic edges out on skin tones and user exposure control.

Landscape Photography

Resolution, sensor dynamic range, and weather sealing play major roles.

• TS4’s waterproof and dustproof sealing is a major upgrade for shooting in inclement or challenging outdoor environments.
• Both have the same sensor size, so resolution is equivalent.
• Panasonic’s optical image stabilization (OIS) helps steady shots in low light.
• Samsung’s wider zoom can target distant landscape detail but lacks sealing, risking damage.

TS4’s ruggedness wins hands down for serious landscape hikers.

Wildlife Photography

Autofocus speed, high zoom reach, and burst shooting matter most.

• Samsung’s zoom lens (26–624 mm equiv.) is a wildlife photographer’s dream for framing distant subjects without extra optics.
• However, AF sluggishness and no continuous AF or tracking limit usefulness for fast-moving subjects.
• Panasonic’s more responsive AF and burst (4 fps) let you capture action more reliably but with less telephoto reach.

If your priority is telephoto reach, Samsung fills the bill but manage your expectations in AF performance.

Sports Photography

High frame rates and reliable tracking complete the equation.

Neither camera suits fast-paced sports photography due to limited frame rates, AF systems, and no tracking autofocus. The TS4’s continuous shooting is measurably better, though essential sports shots still suffer.

Street Photography

Goals include discreetness, portability, and decent low-light performance.

• Panasonic TS4’s compact shape and splashproof body make it a solid street companion in variable weather.
• Samsung HZ25W’s bulk, weight, and noisier operation reduce discretion.
• TS4 picks up thanks to decent max ISO 6400 (native) though noisy at top values.

TS4 wins here for urban explorers and street shooters.

Macro Photography

Close focusing distance and stabilization matter.

• TS4 offers closer macro focusing at 5 cm versus 10 cm on Samsung.
• Both cameras use optical stabilization.
• Panasonic’s macro shots demonstrate better clarity and less focus hunting.

Macro enthusiasts will appreciate TS4’s closer lens and steadier focusing.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light capacity and exposure flexibility are key.

• Panasonic offers higher ISO ceiling and manual exposure modes for long exposures.
• Samsung maxes out at 3200 native ISO and lacks manual exposure.
• Neither has built-in intervalometers or astrophotography-tailored features.

TS4 again leads for night shooters wanting creative control.

Video Capabilities

Videographers require high-resolution recording, frame rates, and stabilization.

• Panasonic shoots Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 60 fps with MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats.
• Samsung tops out at HD 720p at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format (bulkier files, lower quality).
• Neither offers mic or headphone jacks.
• Panasonic's OIS helps reduce shake during video.

Panasonic is better positioned for casual video creators who want decent quality in a rugged package.

Travel Photography

For the traveler, versatility, battery life, and size are critical.

• Panasonic TS4’s lightweight, waterproof design, and 310 shots per charge battery life make it a solid travel camera.
• Built-in GPS is excellent for geotagging adventures.
• Samsung’s much heavier, larger form factor and shorter battery estimates reduce travel friendliness.

For travel junkies, TS4 blends durability and convenience better.

Professional Workflow Integration

The true pros want RAW support, reliable files, and broad lens options.

• Samsung supports RAW, advantageous for post-processing.
• Panasonic only delivers JPEGs.
• Neither has interchangeable lenses.
• File handling and connectivity are limited on both.

Samsung is better for data-flexible workflow, though limited compared to modern camera systems.

The Nuts and Bolts: Detailed Technical Features Compared

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

TS4’s ISO-standard waterproofing (up to 12 m depth), freezeproof (-10°C), and dustproof ratings trump Samsung’s plastic body with zero environmental sealing.

Lenses and Optical Specifications

Panasonic favors usability in most outdoor situations; Samsung’s crushes zoom needs but at a physical and handling cost.

Processor and Shooting Mechanics

Panasonic’s Venus Engine FHD delivers smoother JPEGs and video encoding than Samsung’s simpler processing pipeline.

Storage and Battery

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC cards, no dual slots.

Battery life favors Panasonic (310 shots per charge) versus Samsung’s unlisted but lower expected runtime given size and zoom motor demands.

Connectivity

Panasonic includes built-in GPS and HDMI output, whereas the Samsung is limited to USB 2.0 only. Neither have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC.

Scorecard Summary: Objective Ratings

Here are our overall ratings based on years of experience with similar models. (Scores out of 10.)

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4

Pros:

• Rugged, waterproof, freezeproof, and dustproof body
• Good image quality for CCD sensor with vibrant colors
• Decent video shooting in Full HD 60fps
• Built-in GPS tagging
• Relatively light and pocketable
• Effective optical image stabilization
• Useful macro focusing distance

Cons:

• Limited zoom range (4.6×)
• No RAW image capture
• Lacks advanced autofocus features like face/eye detect
• Small LCD screen by modern standards
• No wireless connectivity

Samsung HZ25W

Pros:

• Impressive 24× optical zoom (26-624 mm)
• Faster lens wide aperture (f/2.8)
• Supports RAW format for flexible editing
• Larger, brighter 3” LCD screen
• Manual focus control

Cons:

• No waterproofing or environmental sealing
• Poor autofocus performance and slow shooting rates
• Hefty size and weight for compact
• Video limited to 720p with lower quality codec
• No GPS or wireless features
• Shorter battery life expectation

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Panasonic TS4 if you:

  • Need a rugged action camera that can survive drops, water, and harsh environments.
  • Prioritize image quality straight from the camera over post-processing.
  • Want decent video and travel versatility.
  • Value battery life and size for portability.
  • Enjoy shooting in diverse conditions including macro and night.

• Choose the Samsung HZ25W if you:

  • Crave extreme zoom reach without carrying a large DSLR plus telephoto lens combo.
  • Want RAW files for advanced editing.
  • Mainly shoot stationary subjects or landscapes needing telephoto pull.
  • Don’t need weather sealing or extended battery life.
  • Don’t mind carrying a heavier camera for optical range.

Final Verdict: The Practical Winner Depends on Your Priorities

Both the Panasonic TS4 and Samsung HZ25W deliver solid bang for buck in their niches, but they target very different users.

If you respect durability, portability, and well-rounded versatility, especially outdoors or on the move, the Panasonic TS4 is your best bet. It’s a trusty companion for travel, casual landscape, macro, and even some light wildlife or street photography. Its waterproof capability alone makes it stand apart.

If, instead, you aggressively value massive zoom reach and raw editing control above all else - and don’t mind heft and limited weather toughness - the Samsung HZ25W offers a unique superzoom experience unmatched by many small cameras at this price.

Neither camera is perfect or suitable as a professional-grade primary camera in today’s standards, but each excels within its defined design and intended budget market. I recommend testing them in person if possible, making sure the handling matches your style before committing.

The choice ultimately boils down to whether you prioritize ruggedness and balanced usability or zoom power and flexible RAW format - and that clarity makes buying simpler.

If you’re a beginner or casual enthusiast aiming for a dependable everyday compact that doesn’t quit when the weather or terrain turns rough, roll with the Panasonic TS4.

If you’re a cheapskate telephoto hunter wanting to shoot from afar with good post-production options, go for the Samsung HZ25W.

Happy shooting, and I hope this deep dive clarifies your path to the right compact camera for your photographic adventures!

Images shown under fair use for educational and reviewing purposes.