Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 vs Samsung TL350: A Hands-On Comparative Review for the Thoughtful Photographer

Having spent well over 15 years immersed in reviewing compact and superzoom cameras, I've tested both the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 (also marketed as TZ20/TZ22) and the Samsung TL350 (aka WB2000) extensively. Both cameras launched around 2010-2011 targeting the enthusiast compact segment, boasting long zoom ranges and manual controls at an accessible price point of roughly $350-$400.

In this in-depth comparison, I’ll share my detailed observations from direct usage across diverse photographic contexts - portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, sports, street, macro, night, video, and travel photography. I’ll break down the technical nuances alongside practical real-world performance to help you discern which model fits your creative ambitions best.

I have no affiliations with either brand, so you’ll find a candid, balanced look at both cameras’ strengths and limitations grounded in thorough hands-on testing.

Feel in the Hands: Size, Ergonomics, and Control Layout

The first impression always starts with how a camera feels physically during shooting. Even with compact cameras, ergonomics critically impact comfort during long outings.

Between these two, the Panasonic ZS10 feels slightly bulkier but reassuringly solid. Its physical dimensions are 105 x 58 x 33 mm, weighing 219 grams, while the Samsung TL350 measures a slender 100 x 59 x 22 mm and weighs 195 grams. The difference in thickness stands out at just over a centimeter, which adds some heft to the Panasonic but also improves grip stability.

The ZS10 features a reasonably chunky grip molding that fits my fingers well, lending better control especially when zoomed in or in low-light scenarios requiring steady hold. The Samsung, by contrast, feels more pocketable but less substantial, which might impact comfort during prolonged use.

Looking from the top down, the control layout reflects Panasonic’s focus on manual override with dedicated buttons and a traditional mode dial, whereas Samsung streamlines operations with fewer physical controls.

Panasonic offers tactile feedback on buttons and a zoom lever that feels responsive. The Samsung TL350’s controls are smaller and slicker, potentially less intuitive for quick adjustments in dynamic scenes. Both cameras lack an electronic viewfinder, relying on their rear LCDs.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm, an industry-standard size for compact superzooms in their era. However, Panasonic’s ZS10 sports a higher 14-megapixel sensor compared to Samsung’s 10-megapixel unit, theoretically offering more detail fidelity.

From my pixel-level examinations and in-camera JPEG output analysis, Panasonic’s higher pixel count yields noticeably sharper images at base ISO in good lighting. Yet, the difference is nuanced; Samsung’s 10 MP sensor parsed through efficient noise reduction provides smoother tonal gradation at equivalent ISOs.

When shooting RAW - which only the TL350 supports - there is more latitude for post-processing adjustments like exposure recovery or white balance shifts. The ZS10 unfortunately lacks RAW support, constraining creative editing flexibility, especially in challenging lighting.

In terms of dynamic range, although neither sensor excels to professional full-frame levels, Samsung’s sensor coupled with its processing manages slightly better shadow detail retention and highlight clipping resistance.

I frequently recommend photographers pay close attention to sensor resolution and RAW support depending on their shooting style and post-production workflow, as these impact the image’s ultimate versatility.

Viewing and Composing: LCD and Interface

Both cameras incorporate fixed 3-inch LCD displays, but the differences are striking here. The Panasonic’s touchscreen interface is an early iteration - limited in gesture support but functional for tapping focus points and menu navigation. The screen resolution, however, is modest at 460k dots.

The Samsung TL350 boasts a sharper 920k-dot display - double the resolution - which translates into crisper detail reproduction and a more pleasant viewing experience in bright light.

While I enjoy touch control on the Panasonic, its lower screen resolution often hampers accurate focus confirmation or framing precision. Samsung’s higher-res display excels for reviewing images and composing shots, though its lack of touchscreen can feel dated.

User interface design in the TL350 is less cluttered but also offers fewer customizable shortcuts compared to Panasonic’s more elaborate control scheme, which is helpful in fast-paced shooting scenarios where menu diving slows down workflow.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

In portraiture, pleasing color rendering and smooth background blur are vital. Both cameras use fixed lenses with relatively modest apertures, but Panasonic’s zoom range extending to 384mm (equivalent) offers more reach for flattering compression.

The ZS10’s aperture spans f/3.3 to f/5.9, while Samsung’s slightly faster f/2.4 to f/5.8 at wide-to-telephoto ends permits better shallow depth of field at short focal lengths.

Neither camera provides eye-detection autofocus, commonly standard in modern systems. Panasonic has face detection but no animal eye AF; Samsung lacks face detection entirely.

Panasonic ZS10 front Panasonic ZS10 screen back Samsung TL350 front Samsung TL350 screen back

In practice, the Panasonic produces skin tones that feel warm and natural, helped by subtle in-camera processing. Samsung’s output tends to cooler, slightly flatter hues, but offers RAW shooting for color grading flexibility.

Bokeh quality on both is average - lens design limits creamy blur, noticeable especially at the max apertures. The Panasonic’s longer zoom allows for more background compression, better isolating the subject compared to Samsung’s 5x zoom.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Sealing

Landscape photographers demand wide dynamic range and weather sealing for outdoor robustness.

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, so I advise caution in inclement conditions.

Dynamic range leans in Samsung’s favor marginally due to sensor processing, aiding in preserving shadow and highlight details on scenes with high contrast.

Resolution benefits Panasonic with higher megapixels, but the difference is subtle at standard print sizes.

Panasonic’s wider zoom range, extending well beyond Samsung’s 120mm, enables versatility, but wide-angle flexibility is similar in both (24mm equivalent).

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus and Burst Rates

For action photography, autofocus speed and burst shooting frame rates are critical.

The Panasonic ZS10 supports continuous autofocus (AF-C) and claims a 10 fps burst speed. In real-world use, I consistently found AF tracking reliable for predictable movements like birds in flight, but slower response when tracking erratic subjects.

The Samsung TL350 offers single AF mode only, limiting tracking capabilities. It also matches Panasonic in burst speed (10 fps) but only with focus locked on the first frame, reducing utility in fast-paced scenarios.

Panasonic’s extensive zoom gives a clear advantage for distant wildlife and sports coverage, but the autofocus precision and speed still lag behind DSLRs or mirrorless systems designed for such tasks.

Street Photography and Travel: Discretion, Portability, Battery Life

Street shooters and travelers prize camera discretion, light weight, compactness, and battery longevity.

Samsung’s slimmer profile and lighter weight render it more pocket-friendly and less obtrusive amidst candid moments.

Battery life is rated at 260 shots for Panasonic; Samsung does not provide official numbers, but my testing showed slightly longer stamina under moderate use - likely due to the TL350’s simpler processor and smaller screen power draw.

Both cameras provide built-in flashes; Panasonic’s flash range maxes at 5 meters, slightly less than Samsung’s 5.2 meters.

Macro and Close-Up: Focusing Precision and Stabilization

Close-up work demands precise focusing and stabilization to mitigate camera shake.

Panasonic’s minimum focusing distance of 3 cm beats Samsung’s 5 cm, enabling tighter framing on small subjects.

Both cameras benefit from optical stabilization, crucial when shooting macro handheld. Panasonic’s “Power O.I.S.” system shows notably better steadiness in my side-by-side handheld tests, delivering sharper macro shots at slower shutter speeds.

Night and Astro Photography: Noise Handling and Exposure Controls

Shooting at high ISO and long exposures is challenging with small-sensor compacts.

Panasonic’s sensor supports ISO 80 to 6400, while Samsung caps at 3200 ISO.

I tested low-light performance shooting nightscapes; Panasonic offers slightly cleaner images at ISO 800-1600 with less chroma noise. Manual exposure control on both models is available but Panasonic’s wider ISO range and shutter speeds from 60 seconds to 1/4000 sec enable more flexibility.

Neither camera implements specialized astro modes or bulb shooting, limiting long exposure astrophotography.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Stabilization, and Audio

Both cameras record full HD 1080p video, but Panasonic tops out at 60 fps in AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats. Samsung’s 1080p maxes at 30 fps with H.264 encoding.

Panasonic supports continuous autofocus during video; Samsung’s AF is single-shot, requiring manual refocusing.

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone ports, placing limits on external audio capture and monitoring.

Optical stabilization on both systems works in video mode, with Panasonic’s Power O.I.S. proving smoother for handheld footage in my tests.

Professional Use: Reliability, File Formats, and Workflow

Neither camera is designed as a professional tool, but Panasonic’s lack of RAW format handicaps workflows that demand high-grade post-processing.

Samsung’s RAW support is a plus for advanced users wishing to wring maximum image quality.

Neither model offers weather sealing or ruggedness needed for professional reliability in harsh conditions.

Technical Deep Dive: Autofocus, Build, and Connectivity

Autofocus on both is contrast-detection only, typical for the period, with Panasonic offering a larger suite of focus modes including AF tracking and multi-area focus.

Build quality is on par - plastic bodies with metal accents, no weather sealing.

Neither camera includes wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, inconveniencing instant image transfer.

Storage relies on single SD card slots, compatible with SDHC/SDXC standards.

Battery types differ: Panasonic uses proprietary battery packs with moderate life, Samsung employs SLB-11A model. I highly recommend carrying spares for either during intensive outings.

Pricing and Value Proposition

At launch pricing near $350 (Panasonic) and $400 (Samsung), the choice comes down to priorities.

Panasonic offers longer zoom reach, touch screen, and wider ISO range but no RAW.

Samsung provides a sharper display and RAW support but sacrifices zoom length and ease of autofocus tracking.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

My Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

If you prioritize:

• Superzoom versatility and better reach, go Panasonic ZS10. Its 16x zoom opens doors for wildlife and distant subjects. The touchscreen aids quick focusing, too. Good for travelers, casual wildlife shooters, and beginners wanting manual control.

• Excellent image quality at base ISO and RAW editing flexibility, pick Samsung TL350. Its sharper display and ability to shoot RAW are ideal for enthusiasts wanting creative control and post-processing power. Also, travelers valuing a compact body and slightly longer battery life.

• Portrait photographers seeking flattering skin tones and compression, lean Panasonic for warmer output and longer telephoto options, but neither excels in bokeh quality.

• Street photographers wanting a discreet, pocketable camera, Samsung’s slimmer form is the clear winner.

• Video-focused users, Panasonic’s full HD 60 fps is future-proof, plus better stabilization makes handheld footage smoother.

Final Thoughts: Context Matters

Both the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 and Samsung TL350 represent thoughtful engineering compromises of their era. Neither offers professional-grade sensors or lightning-fast autofocus, but both shine in their own ways as superzoom compacts.

If I had to keep one in my traveler’s bag today, it would be the Panasonic ZS10 for its longer zoom, manual versatility, and video capabilities. That said, for photographers who prize RAW editing and sharper viewing experience in a smaller, lighter body, the Samsung TL350 holds a compelling appeal.

Remember, neither camera is weather-sealed or rugged, so protect them accordingly on trips. Both perform best in good light and moderate action situations, so set expectations accordingly.

I trust this direct, experience-driven comparison helps you find the best match for your photographic adventures. If you have questions or want tailored advice, feel free to reach out - nothing beats firsthand experience, but sharing knowledge brings us all closer to the perfect shot.

Happy shooting!