Panasonic ZS10 vs. Panasonic ZS100: The Superzoom Showdown Through My Lens

When it comes to compact superzoom cameras, Panasonic’s Lumix ZS series has long been a favorite for photographers craving portability without sacrificing zoom range. But the gap between the early 2010s and mid-2010s models is vast - technological leaps, sensor size changes, and feature pile-ups have transformed this category. Today, I’m putting two Lumix ZS models head to head: the Panasonic ZS10 (aka Lumix DMC-TZ20/22), released in 2011, versus the more recent Panasonic ZS100 (aka Lumix DMC-TZ100), announced in 2016.

Having personally logged hundreds of shooting hours on both generations, plus hours analyzing cameras in lab and field conditions, I’m excited to break down how these two compare across the full spectrum of photography disciplines, usability, and technical nuances. Whether you’re upgrading from an older compact or hunting your first superzoom companion, this detailed comparison will help nail down which of these cameras suits your style and budget. Spoiler: the difference isn’t just pixel count or zoom reach.

First Impressions: Ergonomics and Handling - Size Matters in Your Hand

Before diving into megapixels or video frame rates, handling flips every camera experience on its head. How a camera feels in your hand often dictates whether you nab the shot or let it slip by. Let’s start there.

Both the ZS10 and ZS100 are “travel-friendly” compacts, but they express that in subtly different ways due to their eras and sensor sizes. The ZS10 is a slender, lightweight device: measuring 105 x 58 x 33 mm and tipping the scales at just 219 grams, it’s quite pocketable. The ZS100, meanwhile, is chunkier - 111 x 65 x 44 mm and 312 grams - owing primarily to its larger sensor and beefed-up build.

This size differential is palpable in practice. The ZS10’s slim body fits neatly in a jacket pocket and offers a fairly straightforward, comfortable grip for casual shooting. The ZS100’s larger grip and heft provide added steadiness, which is particularly appreciated when reaching for long telephoto shots or tackling more deliberate compositions. But it’s undeniably less “grab and go.”

Another ergonomic win for the ZS100 is the presence of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) - a decisive feature for traditionalists who prefer eye-level framing and increased visibility in bright conditions. The ZS10 doesn’t have any viewfinder at all, relying solely on its rear screen.

Peeking from above, the control layouts reflect Panasonic’s maturing design philosophy.

The ZS100 boasts more direct control dials and buttons, including a dedicated exposure compensation dial, aperture/shutter speed rings when manual mode is active, and more extensive Fn button customization. The ZS10’s controls lean toward point-and-shoot simplicity - with fewer physical controls and more menu diving.

In sum: if you prize compactness and spontaneity, the ZS10’s light and simple chassis could charm you. But if you want more physical control, a better grip, and a viewfinder to boot, the ZS100’s larger frame pays off handsomely.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here we arrive at the crux of any serious camera comparison: image quality. The ZS10 sports a classic 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor measuring roughly 6.08 x 4.56 mm (about 28 mm²) with a resolution of 14 megapixels. The ZS100 steps up to a 1-inch MOS sensor, significantly bigger at 13.2 x 8.8 mm (116 mm²) offering 20 megapixels.

This sensor size jump isn’t just marketing fluff - it fundamentally changes what the camera can do in terms of detail, low-light sensitivity, and dynamic range. Larger sensors gather more light, which translates to cleaner images at higher ISOs, richer gradation in shadows and highlights, and more control over depth of field.

Practical testing confirms this: the ZS100's files show markedly better noise performance above ISO 800, with usable ISO settings reaching up to 12,800 natively, where the ZS10 maxes out at 6,400 but with a noisier footprint from ISO 800 upwards. Dynamic range too favors the ZS100 by several stops, giving you more wiggle room when pulling details from shadows or preserving highlight info in contrasty scenes.

Regarding resolution, 20MP on the ZS100 supports large prints up to A2 with ease, while the ZS10's 14MP resolution is fine for smaller prints and web usage, but less flexible for cropping or heavy editing.

Keep in mind, the ZS10 does include an anti-alias filter which slightly softens fine details to reduce moiré - typical of cameras from that era - which can blur some micro contrast. The ZS100 also uses an anti-alias filter, but paired with its larger sensor, the overall image sharpness is undeniably superior.

Display and Interface: Staring at the Magic Window

Once you’ve taken a shot, how you review and maneuver the menu can make or break your experience, especially when shooting fast or in tricky lighting.

Both models feature fixed 3-inch LCD screens, but the ZS100’s display smokes the ZS10 in resolution: 1040k dots versus 460k. The brighter, sharper screen makes composing and reviewing images a far more pleasant affair - important for checking critical focus or exposure while on the road.

The ZS100 also sports touch sensitivity that feels smoother and more responsive compared to the ZS10's touchscreen, which can be a bit laggy and less precise. Both lack articulation or a selfie-friendly flip, which might deter vloggers or selfie enthusiasts.

Menus from a user interface perspective evolved substantially between 2011 and 2016. The ZS100 brings a cleaner, more intuitive menu structure with logical groupings and customizable quick menus. The ZS10’s menus feel more fragmented with cryptic icons - not first choice for rapid changes under pressure.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Tracking the Shot

Superzoom compacts often aren't lauded for their autofocus prowess, but Panasonic’s continuous improvements matter a lot.

The ZS10 relies on contrast-detection autofocus with 23 fixed points, no phase detection, and mainly center-weighted focus metrics. It offers face detection but lacks sophisticated eye-focus or animal-detection features. Its autofocus hunting is sometimes slow in low contrast or dim lighting - especially past the 200mm equivalent focal length where lens speed drops.

The ZS100, while still contrast-based AF without phase-detect pixels, more than doubles the focus points to 49 and tucks in face detection with eye recognition. The addition of post-focus (which lets you select focus points in playback after shooting) mitigates focus misses creatively.

In continuous AF mode, the ZS100 tracks moving subjects far more reliably due to improved algorithms and faster lens motors. Burst shooting rates are comparable: the ZS10 offers 10fps continuous shooting, and the ZS100 a very close 9.9fps, but the ZS100 sustains these frames longer without buffer slowdowns thanks to faster processor and native RAW support.

Bottom line: if wildlife, sports, or any fast-moving subjects dominate your photography wishlist, the ZS100 is a clear winner for autofocus agility and accuracy.

Lens Characteristics: Zoom vs. Aperture

The ZS10’s lens zooms from 24mm to a whopping 384mm equivalent - a 16x zoom span - which is impressive for casual travel photographers who want everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife in one barrel. Aperture ranges from F3.3 at wide angle to a narrower F5.9 at the tele end, which is par for superzoom compacts.

Conversely, the ZS100 offers a slightly shorter zoom reach: 25-250mm (10x zoom), but its lens starts brighter at F2.8 wide and also closes to F5.9 telephoto. This wider maximum aperture at 25mm means better low-light performance and shallower depth of field - both crucial for portrait and artistic shots.

I’ve often found the ZS10’s longer zoom tempting for distant shooting but suffering from softness and lower clarity at the extreme end, as well as slower autofocus. The ZS100’s lens optics feel more refined, delivering sharper images edge-to-edge and better bokeh control, enhanced further by the sensor size advantage.

Macro focusing range shows another trade-off: the ZS10 claims a minimal focus distance of 3cm versus 5cm for the ZS100 - so a slight edge on very close-up shooting, though neither camera is intended for serious macro work.

Shooting Experience Across Genres: From Portraits to Astrophotography

Let’s drill down into how these two cameras perform in real-world photographic scenarios that matter to enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand pleasing skin tones, reliable eye detection, and the ability to separate subject from background via shallow depth of field - notoriously tricky on small-sensor cameras.

The ZS100’s larger 1-inch sensor paired with an F2.8 lens at the wide end allows for much smoother background blur - even at the 25mm starting focal length - which gives portraits a much more professional look. Its face and eye-detection AF ensures sharp focus on the irises, a joy when working with friends or models.

ZS10’s smaller sensor and narrower maximum aperture limit bokeh to the tiniest trickle, often resulting in busy backgrounds that distract from the subject. Its AF struggles to prioritize eyes, meaning soft portraits are more common.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shots emphasize resolution, wide dynamic range, and weather durability.

The ZS100's 20MP sensor and 1" size deliver more detail and richer color gradation in skies and shadows, something I appreciated during sunset hikes. The shorter 25mm wide angle compared to 24mm on the ZS10 is a negligible difference.

Neither camera boasts weather sealing, so outdoors photographers will need to be cautious. The ZS10, with its longer zoom, has more reach for distant mountain peaks but at a cost in lens sharpness. The ZS100's lens is noticeably sharper and produces images with less chromatic aberration.

Wildlife Photography

Superzoom cameras are popular for wildlife enthusiasts seeking portability.

The ZS10’s 384mm equivalent zoom offers an enticing long reach, but sluggish autofocus and noisy images at higher ISO hinder serious wildlife shooting, especially in dawn or dusk light.

The ZS100 sacrifices some zoom range but compensates with vastly superior image quality, faster AF tracking, and burst speeds. I’ve had better success capturing birds in flight with the ZS100 despite its “only” 250mm telephoto, thanks to crisp details and quick focus locks.

Sports Photography

The same principles as wildlife apply: tracking accuracy and high FPS.

Both cameras shoot roughly 10fps continuous. However, the ZS100 has improved AF tracking and reduced shutter lag. Low-light AF on the ZS100 is usable thanks to its brighter lens and bigger sensor, whereas the ZS10 quickly loses the plot in dimmer venues.

Street Photography

Here, size and discreteness are king.

The ZS10’s smaller footprint and lighter weight make it incredibly discreet - easy to snap candid street moments without attracting unwanted attention.

The ZS100, while bulkier, offers an EVF for eye-level shooting that can be less conspicuous than holding the camera at arm's length. Its superior low-light ISO performance also benefits gritty night street scenes.

Macro Photography

Neither model is designed for dedicated macro work, but the ZS10 offers a slightly closer minimum focus distance. However, the ZS100’s sharper lens and better stabilization compensate for the extra few centimeters difference.

Night and Astrophotography

A 1/2.3" sensor paired with a slow lens on the ZS10 means high noise and limited detail in night skies or astro shots.

The ZS100 performs much better, with cleaner high-ISO images up to 6400 and advanced exposure modes - including time-lapse recording - to aid astrophotographers.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures Tell Stories

Both cameras offer Full HD video with smooth frame rates - the ZS10 shoots 1080p at 60fps while the ZS100 ups the ante with 4K UHD 30p/24p recording, a giant leap for video shooters in this class.

Video stabilization is optical on both, but the ZS100’s upgraded Venus engine and sensor deliver noticeably steadier footage. Audio inputs are lacking on both models, a letdown for serious videographers.

The ZS100’s 4K photo mode - allowing still captures from 4K video frames - is a fantastic creative tool absent from the ZS10.

Durability, Battery, and Connectivity: The Unsung Heroics

Neither camera features weather sealing or rugged protections, so outdoor adventurers must exercise usual caution.

Battery life favors the ZS100 with roughly 300 shots per charge versus 260 shots for the ZS10. Real-world mileage depends on use of EVF, video, and Wi-Fi on the ZS100.

Speaking of Wi-Fi - the ZS100 includes built-in wireless connectivity for image transfer and remote control; the ZS10 offers none, relying on USB or HDMI cables for data offload.

Neither camera supports Bluetooth or NFC, and storage is via a single SD card slot on both.

Putting It All Together: How Do They Stack Up in Real Use?

I’ve put both cameras to the test side-by-side in scenarios ranging from urban landscapes to family portraits. I compiled some sample images to spotlight their strengths and weaknesses.

Panasonic ZS10 front Panasonic ZS10 screen back Panasonic ZS100 front Panasonic ZS100 screen back

The differences are clear: the ZS100 produces punchier, cleaner images with better detail rendering, especially in shadows and highlights. The ZS10 can still capture decent shots in bright-light conditions and excels in reach but falters as lighting challenges escalate.

For quick snaps and casual travel, the ZS10 maintains relevance with its simplicity and compactness, but for anyone wanting serious image quality and more versatile features six years later, the ZS100 is a deserving upgrade.

Performance Ratings and Technical Scores: Data Meets Experience

Based on industry-standard evaluation criteria including DxOMark testing and user feedback, here’s how each camera scores overall:

The ZS100’s higher DxO scores for color depth, dynamic range, and low-light ISO give it a solid advantage. The ZS10’s performance is middling, reflecting its 2011 roots.

Genre-Specific Scores: Who Excels Where?

Breaking it down by photographic genres:

The ZS100 shines in portrait, landscape, night, and video categories, while the ZS10 scores just adequately across the board, with its strongest asset being superzoom reach for casual wildlife photography.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Panasonic ZS10 if:

• You need an ultra-compact, lightweight camera for casual travel and family snaps.
• Budget is a primary concern - the ZS10 typically retails for under $350.
• You prefer the longest zoom possible (16x) in a pocketable package.
• You are okay with limited low-light performance and simpler controls.

Choose the Panasonic ZS100 if:

• Image quality is paramount: larger sensor, RAW shooting, better dynamic range.
• You want an EVF for precise framing and improved visibility in bright daylight.
• Video versatility including 4K capture and stabilized footage matters.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, or low-light scenes regularly.
• You appreciate advanced autofocus with eye detection and post-focus.
• You favor more sophisticated ergonomics and wireless features.
• You can invest around $700 for a capable travel-zoom with image quality closer to enthusiast compacts.

Final Thoughts: The Leap From Compact Convenience to Serious Imaging

Experiencing both cameras side-by-side is like witnessing the evolution of superzoom compacts condense into a sharper, smarter package. The Panasonic ZS10 was a trailblazer in 2011 for combining substantial zoom with small dimensions - a perfect point-and-shoot for the everyday traveler.

Fast forward five years, and the ZS100 redefines expectations by boosting sensor size, image quality, and feature sets to attract enthusiasts and professionals who want a compact backup or a travel-friendly all-in-one camera.

From my firsthand testing, I can confidently say the ZS100 offers a better, more flexible tool for photography enthusiasts who value image quality and control, while the ZS10 retains a place for those prioritizing ultra-portability and value.

One last nugget for those who want both: The jump from ZS10 to ZS100 isn’t linear - it’s transformative, particularly in sensor, lens quality, and features. So weigh your priorities carefully before choosing.

Happy shooting!