Panasonic DMC SZ10 Detailed Review

In additional DMC SZ10 has a Compact CMOS sensor with size of 6 x 5 mm² (0.24″ x 0.18″).

Also DMC SZ10’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 16 megapixel. The resolution is somewhat below average but will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 size.

The Panasonic supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Panasonic’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The DMC SZ10 does not come with a built-in viewfinder. The camera’s display is used to compose the photo. That can be cumbersome in broad daylight.

The DMC SZ10’s shutter speed varies from 1/2000s to 8s.

The highest shutter speed of the Panasonic is just 1/2000s. That’s no longer state of the art and may cause problems in challenging light conditions.

The DMC SZ10’s usable sensitivity ranges from 100 ISO to only 1600 ISO.

Additionally, the Panasonic’s sensitivity can be boosted to 6400. However, ISO boosting will almost always lead to an increase in noise.

The DMC SZ10 supports all general exposure modes.

The Panasonic allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The DMC SZ10’s auto focus processor uses 9 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. in low light).

The Panasonic doesn’t support manual focussing. That can be an issue if the auto focus has problems with your subject or lighting.

The DMC SZ10 features a built-in flash with a range of up to 5m (17 ft.). That range will work for most situations.

A hotshoe is missing from the Panasonic.

The DMC SZ10 features a monitor with a diagonal of 64.00mm (2.5 in.) and a resolution of c. 0.46 megapixel. That rather low resolution is no longer state of the art and will make it difficult to evaluate images on the display.

The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations.

The DMC SZ10 does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

DMC SZ10 video supported the resolution with 1280 x 720 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Panasonic DMC SZ10 Video parameters:

The DMC SZ10 has Wi-fi connection. You can transfer photos to a mobile or laptop using wi-fi.

The Panasonic supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Panasonic DMC SZ10 works with a BCL7E LiIon battery. The battery lifetime is an average 200 shots. That’s on the lower side of things for a full day, consider a spare battery for the DMC SZ10.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The DMC SZ10’s battery battery parameters:

The Panasonic DMC SZ10’s dimensions are 99 x 59.9 x 29.8mm³. (3.9″ x 2.4″ x 1.2″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is only 177 grams (5.7 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the DMC SZ10:

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The DMC SZ10 is not much bigger: