Panasonic SZ10 review

Panasonic SZ10 – Image Quality

We don’t expect dazzling image quality from ultra-compact cameras with big zooms, especially when they’re as keenly priced as this one. However, we do expect better quality than from a typical smartphone. The SZ10 delivered with the flexibility of its 12x zoom range, although focus towards the edges of the frame let it down a little and the somewhat unreliable autofocus took it down another notch. It failed to impress for colour accuracy or noise levels. Colours were often drab, with a dominant colour in the scene confusing the white balance, and skin tones were sometimes washed out. Noise reduction artefacts were visible in all of our test shots, and low-light photos were smudged and grainy.

^ Focus is sharp in the centre of this wide-angle shot but less so towards the edges. Noise reduction has taken its toll on subtle details. (1/80s, f/4.2, ISO 100, 59mm equivalent)

^ Focus in this brightly lit telephoto shot is pretty good. (1/320s, f/6.3, ISO 100, 288mm equivalent)

^ However, many of our telephoto test shots had focused on the background or on nothing in particular. (1/250s, f/6.3, ISO 200, 288mm equivalent)

^ There’s not much left of fine details in this ISO 400 shot, but it’s a respectable snap that would have been impossible with a fixed-zoom smartphone. (1/100s, f/5.8, ISO 400, 217mm equivalent)

^ Noise levels in low light aren’t any better than we’d expect from a smartphone. (1/25s, f/3.1, ISO 800, 24mm equivalent)

Panasonic SZ10 – Conclusion

It’s been a while since we’ve reviewed a camera for under £150, and it’s good to see Panasonic catering for this market. The flip-over screen will be a selling point to many, but take that away and the SZ10 falls short for image quality, video capabilities and performance – three crucial areas in our book. Most will be better off spending £10 more on the Sony WX350 instead. If it that doesn’t suit your needs either then check out our regularly-updated Best Cameras list and buying guide.