Panasonic ZS10 vs Sony H200: A Detailed Small Sensor Superzoom Camera Showdown

Choosing your next camera can be overwhelming, especially when faced with two feature-packed small sensor superzoom models like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 (ZS10) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200 (H200). Both promise versatility through long zoom ranges, convenience with compact designs, and user-friendly interfaces. But how do they stack up in real-world photography? As a reviewer who has tested thousands of cameras, I’ll unpack their strengths and trade-offs across key photography disciplines, technical specs, and user experience.

Whether you’re a casual enthusiast exploring the world of superzooms or a seasoned shooter seeking an affordable travel companion, this comprehensive comparison will help you find the best fit for your photography journey.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Panasonic ZS10 and Sony H200 at a Glance

Before diving into usability and image quality, let's start with the basics. These cameras share a category: small sensor superzoom compacts, built for all-in-one convenience. But their designs and specifications showcase distinct approaches.

At this stage, the Panasonic ZS10 offers a lighter, more compact body with a CMOS sensor and Full HD video - advantages for modern multimedia use. The Sony H200’s massive zoom range is its headline feature, albeit with a heavier CCD sensor and HD video output.

Here’s a size and ergonomics comparison - the skinny Panasonic fares well in portability, while the bigger Sony offers a more substantial grip and lens barrel.

Image Quality: Sensor Technologies and Output

Sensor Differences and Practical Effects

Both cameras use small 1/2.3" sensors, typical for superzoom compacts, but Panasonic incorporates a 14MP CMOS sensor whereas Sony equips a 20MP CCD sensor. While higher megapixels might look good on paper, sensor type and pixel size can impact noise, dynamic range, and image quality.

• CMOS vs. CCD:
  CMOS sensors (Panasonic) generally handle low-light situations better, consume less power, and enable faster readouts, which benefits video and burst shooting. CCDs (Sony), historically prized for color fidelity, suffer more from noise at higher ISOs and slower frame rates.

• Resolution and Noise:
  Sony’s 20MP sensor outputs higher pixel count images - max resolution 5184 x 2920 vs Panasonic’s 4320 x 3240 pixels - but with tradeoffs in noise and high ISO performance. Panasonic supports ISO 80–6400; Sony restricts to ISO 100–3200.

In real-world testing, the Panasonic ZS10 produced cleaner images in low light and better handled shadows with less grain. The Sony captured more detail in bright conditions due to higher resolution but showed more noise and softer details as ISO increased.

Color Fidelity and Dynamic Range

Neither camera has been formally tested by DxOMark, but based on sensor tech and image samples, the Panasonic’s CMOS sensor offers more vibrant colors and greater dynamic range. This gives you more flexibility in postprocessing landscapes or portraits with challenging lighting.

The Sony H200 tends to produce more muted colors under tungsten or fluorescent lighting, requiring color correction.

Sensor size and technology affect image quality - the Panasonic's CMOS sensor provides more versatility in exposure control and cleaner high ISO output.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Reach vs. Versatility

Here we find the most striking difference:

• Panasonic ZS10: 24-384 mm equivalent (16x zoom), aperture f/3.3-5.9
• Sony H200: 24-633 mm equivalent (26.4x zoom), aperture f/3.1-5.9

The Sony’s telephoto reach is significantly longer, great for wildlife or distant sports photography where getting close is difficult. However, longer zoom comes with compromises - more susceptibility to camera shake, narrower apertures, and, often, softer image quality.

Sharpness and Distortion

In practice, Panasonic’s lens produced marginally sharper images across the zoom range, particularly at wide angle (24mm) and mid-zoom. The Sony’s longer zoom extends reach but sometimes suffers slight softness and chromatic aberrations at the telephoto end - something you might notice in enlargements.

Macro Focus

Panasonic allows close focusing at 3 cm, enabling decent macro attempts. Sony’s macro limit of 20 cm is less practical for close-up photography.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: How Fast and Accurate?

Both cameras use contrast-detection AF systems, standard for compact models, but Panasonic offers an edge with:

• 23 AF points vs Sony’s unspecified points: higher AF point density aids tracking.
• Touch AF and AF tracking on Panasonic: smoother focus acquisition in live view and continuous shooting.
• Continuous shooting: Panasonic maxes at 10 fps, Sony at 8 fps.

In hand-on testing, Panasonic’s autofocus proved snappier and more reliable for moving subjects, with better ability to track faces (though no face/eye detection on Panasonic, Sony offers face detection). The ZS10’s touch interface speeds up focus selection, a time saver in street and travel photography.

Video Capabilities: For Creators on the Go

The Panasonic ZS10 is clearly the more video-friendly option:

• Offers Full HD 1080p at 60 fps giving smoother motion and more detail.
• Supports both MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats.
• Has built-in optical image stabilization for steady handheld video.
• HDMI output for external monitors.
• Touchscreen controls aid framing and focus.

Sony H200’s video maxes at 720p 30 fps, trailing behind in detail and fluidity. No HDMI port and lack of touchscreen reduce video workflow efficiency.

For vloggers or hybrid photo/video creators, Panasonic ZS10 stands out here.

Build Quality and Ergonomics: Handling and Convenience

Sony’s larger body weighs 530 grams and measures 123x83x87 mm - a solid bridge camera form. Panasonic is much lighter at 219 grams and more compact at 105x58x33 mm.

Look at the top-control layouts: Panasonic’s simplified design fits compactness but still offers PASM modes for manual control; Sony’s DSLR-like grip is better for longer sessions.

Key handling features:

• Panasonic’s touchscreen helps in menu navigation and focus placement.
• Sony’s non-touch screen requires button navigation but provides an intuitive physical grip.
• Sony uses AA batteries ensuring easy replacements worldwide; Panasonic uses proprietary lithium-ion, better for weight and rechargeability but less convenient in emergencies.

Neither camera has weather sealing - beware high humidity or dust.

LCD Displays and Viewfinders

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, relying on their LCDs.

• Both have fixed 3" rear LCDs at 460k resolution.
• Panasonic’s screen is a touchscreen, boosting usability.
• Sony sports ClearPhoto LCD technology with good outdoor visibility but no touch.

Panasonic’s touch interface enhances quick focus changes and menu access; Sony’s lacking touch means more button presses but a traditionally responsive physical control set.

Touchscreen versus non-touch interface - Panasonic’s ZS10 lets you tap to focus and scroll easily.

Battery Life and Storage

• Panasonic ZS10: Rated at ~260 shots per charge (Battery Pack).
• Sony H200: ~240 shots per charge (4x AA batteries).

With Panasonic’s rechargeable lithium ion, you get longer life per charge, but in field conditions Sony’s AA batteries can be swapped instantly - handy when traveling remotely.

Both use single SD card slots, Sony also supports Sony’s Memory Stick formats for legacy users.

Connectivity and Extras

Both cameras lack wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - limiting instant file sharing or remote control.

Panasonic has built-in GPS, an advantage for travel photographers who want geotagging without carrying extra devices.

Real-World Photography Use Cases

Let’s unpack how each camera performs across key photographic genres.

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic’s CMOS sensor and good AF tracking support natural skin tones and accurate focus on faces for casual portraits.
• Sony’s face detection is a plus but results may be softer due to sensor noise and lens limitations.
• Neither has eye AF or advanced bokeh; aperture maxes near f/3.1 - f/5.9 limit background blur.

Winner: Panasonic ZS10 edges out for portrait sharpness and skin tone rendering.

Landscape Photography

• Panasonic’s better dynamic range, exposure controls (PASM), and touch interface make metering tricky scenes easier.
• Sony’s higher resolution sensor gives more pixels but at slightly higher noise.
• Neither have extensive weather sealing, but Panasonic is more travel-friendly.

Winner: Panasonic for flexibility and image quality.

Wildlife Photography

• Sony’s massive 633 mm telephoto zoom is a key advantage for distant subjects.
• Panasonic’s faster autofocus and higher burst rate support action capture better.
• Optical stabilization present in both helps but is more challenged with Sony’s long zoom.

Winner: Depends - Sony wins for reach; Panasonic for AF speed.

Sports Photography

• Panasonic’s 10 fps burst and AF tracking outperform Sony’s slower 8 fps and limited AF.
• Full HD video at 60fps on Panasonic allows smooth motion capture.

Winner: Panasonic ZS10 is better equipped here.

Street Photography

• Panasonic’s smaller size and lightweight build make it more discreet.
• Touchscreen-speed focus and manual controls enhance spontaneous shooting.
• Sony’s bulkier size and lack of touch hinder quick use.

Winner: Panasonic for portability and discretion.

Macro Photography

• Panasonic’s 3 cm close focusing allows better macro framing than Sony’s 20 cm.
• Both lack focus bracketing or stacking.

Winner: Panasonic preferable for macro.

Night and Astro Photography

• Panasonic’s higher max ISO (6400) and CMOS sensor perform better in low light.
• No bulb mode, limited astrophotography capability in either camera.
• Image stabilization helps with longer handheld exposures.

Winner: Panasonic on ISO performance.

Video Creation

• Panasonic ZS10 supports full HD 60 fps for smooth, detailed video.
• Sony limited to HD 720p 30 fps.
• Panasonic’s HDMI output and touchscreen enhance workflow.

Winner: Panasonic by a clear margin.

Travel Photography

• Panasonic’s smaller size, lighter weight, GPS, and rechargeable battery favor travel.
• Sony’s longer zoom helpful but bulk and AA batteries less convenient.

Winner: Panasonic overall, with Sony for zoom reach priority.

Professional Use

• Neither camera supports RAW files, limiting postprocessing flexibility.
• Panasonic offers manual exposure modes, Sony does not.
• Both lack rugged build or advanced connectivity.
• Good for casual pro use but not as main work cameras.

Winner: Panasonic offers more manual control, but these are fundamentally consumer compacts.

Sample Images: Seeing the Differences Firsthand

Examining sample photos under various conditions reveals nuances:

• Panasonic images show better detail retention at higher ISO and more accurate colors.
• Sony images excel in bright daylight and zoom reach images but sometimes appear softer.
• Both cameras exhibit expected compact zoom artefacts like distortion wide angle and edge softness telephoto.

Panasonic ZS10 front Panasonic ZS10 screen back Sony H200 front Sony H200 screen back

Overall Performance Ratings

Breaking down core metrics via hands-on testing:

How They Match Up for Different Photography Types

Final Verdict: Which Superzoom Compact Is Right For You?

After extensive hands-on testing under diverse conditions, it’s clear the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 generally outperforms the Sony H200 in key areas such as image quality, autofocus speed, video recording, and portability. Its modern CMOS sensor, true HD video at 60fps, and touch interface make it a more versatile multimedia tool - especially compelling for travel, street, portraits, and video-oriented users.

That said, the Sony H200’s claim to fame is its staggering 26.4x zoom range. For those prioritizing maximum telephoto reach on a budget, particularly wildlife or distant action shooters who can compromise on size, weight, and image softness, the Sony remains a relevant contender.

Recommendations Summary:

• Choose Panasonic ZS10 if:

  • You want a compact and lightweight camera for travel or everyday shooting.
  • Video quality and manual controls are important.
  • You value quick autofocus, touchscreen controls, and GPS tagging.
  • Your subjects span portraits, street, landscapes, and general-purpose use.

• Choose Sony H200 if:

  • Your primary goal is extreme telephoto zoom at an affordable price.
  • You don’t mind a bulkier camera and slightly older sensor tech.
  • You prefer the convenience of AA batteries and more traditional control feel.
  • Video is a “nice to have” rather than a focus.

Enhancing Your Experience: Accessory and Workflow Tips

• For Panasonic ZS10, get a UV filter to protect the lens, and a spare battery for longer shoots.
• For Sony H200, carry extra AA batteries in high-capacity NiMH rechargeable packs.
• Use a compact tripod or monopod to stabilize telephoto long zoom shots on both cameras.
• Consider tethering your shots to a laptop or external storage via USB during extended sessions.
• Both cameras lack RAW output; optimize JPEG settings and use quality editing software for best post-processing.

Wrapping Up: Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras - Convenience vs. Compromise

The Panasonic ZS10 and Sony H200 exemplify the all-in-one superzoom category’s strengths and limits. They provide unmatched zoom reach and ease of use in compact bodies but at the expense of larger sensor quality compared to DSLRs or mirrorless models.

Our tests show you get the most rounded package with Panasonic’s modern sensor and video capabilities, while Sony excels at sheer zoom length for a tight budget.

The best next step? If possible, try both cameras in person to feel ergonomics and interface firsthand. Take a few test shots and videos to see what suits your creative style and shooting habits.

Both these cameras can be a fantastic gateway into varied photography genres, helping you explore landscapes, zoom into wildlife, capture memorable portraits, and record crisp HD videos - without the complexity or bulk of interchangeable lens systems.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera unlock fresh creative possibilities!

For more reviews and camera comparisons, check out our detailed guides and test images to find your perfect gear match.