Panasonic TZ100 versus Panasonic GH4

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ100 (called Panasonic ZS100 in some regions) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2016 and February 2014. The TZ100 is a fixed lens compact, while the GH4 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an one-inch (TZ100) and a Four Thirds (GH4) sensor. The TZ100 has a resolution of 20 megapixel, whereas the GH4 provides 15.9 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their size, their sensors, their features, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Panasonic TZ100 vs Panasonic GH4

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Panasonic TZ100 and the Panasonic GH4. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter. You can also toggle the display to switch to a percentage comparison if you prefer that the measures are being expressed in relative terms (in this case, the camera on the left side – the TZ100 – represents the basis for the calculations across all the size and weight measures).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GH4 is considerably larger (71 percent) than the Panasonic TZ100. It is noteworthy in this context that the GH4 is splash and dust-proof, while the TZ100 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the TZ100 has a lens build in, whereas the GH4 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can find an overview of optics for the GH4 and their specifications in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the TZ100 gets 300 shots out of its DMW-BLG10 battery, while the GH4 can take 500 images on a single charge of its DMW-BLF19 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Panasonic TZ100»	4.4 in	2.6 in	1.7 in	11.0 oz	300	n	Jan 2016	699	-		Panasonic TZ100
	Panasonic GH4«	5.2 in	3.7 in	3.3 in	19.8 oz	500	Y	Feb 2014	1,499	-		Panasonic GH4
	Canon G7 X Mark II« »	4.2 in	2.4 in	1.7 in	11.3 oz	265	n	Feb 2016	699			Canon G7 X Mark II
	Canon G5 X« »	4.4 in	3.0 in	1.7 in	12.5 oz	210	n	Oct 2015	799			Canon G5 X
	Canon M3« »	4.4 in	2.7 in	1.7 in	12.9 oz	250	n	Feb 2015	679	-		Canon M3
	Canon G7 X« »	4.1 in	2.4 in	1.6 in	10.7 oz	210	n	Sep 2014	699	-		Canon G7 X
	Olympus E-M5 II« »	4.9 in	3.3 in	1.8 in	16.5 oz	310	Y	Feb 2015	1,099			Olympus E-M5 II
	Olympus E-M1« »	5.1 in	3.7 in	2.5 in	17.5 oz	350	Y	Sep 2013	1,399	-		Olympus E-M1
	Panasonic TZ200« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	1.8 in	12.0 oz	370	n	Feb 2018	799			Panasonic TZ200
	Panasonic GH5« »	5.5 in	3.9 in	3.4 in	25.6 oz	410	Y	Jan 2017	1,999			Panasonic GH5
	Panasonic TZ90« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	1.6 in	11.4 oz	380	n	Apr 2017	449			Panasonic TZ90
	Panasonic GX80« »	4.8 in	2.8 in	1.7 in	15.0 oz	290	n	Apr 2016	799			Panasonic GX80
	Panasonic LX15« »	4.2 in	2.4 in	1.7 in	10.9 oz	260	n	Sep 2016	699			Panasonic LX15
	Panasonic G6« »	4.8 in	3.3 in	2.8 in	13.8 oz	340	n	Apr 2013	599	-		Panasonic G6
	Panasonic GH3« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	3.2 in	19.4 oz	540	Y	Sep 2012	1,299	-		Panasonic GH3
	Sony RX100 V« »	4.0 in	2.3 in	1.6 in	10.5 oz	220	n	Oct 2016	999			Sony RX100 V
	Sony RX100 IV« »	4.0 in	2.3 in	1.6 in	10.5 oz	280	n	Jun 2015	999	-		Sony RX100 IV
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Any camera purchase will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The TZ100 was launched at a lower price than the GH4, despite having a lens build in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison: Panasonic TZ100 vs Panasonic GH4

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic TZ100 features an one-inch sensor and the Panasonic GH4 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GH4 is 94 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.75 and 2.0. The sensor in the TZ100 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GH4 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Panasonic TZ100 offers a higher resolution of 20 megapixel, compared with 15.9 MP of the Panasonic GH4. This megapixel advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 2.41μm versus 3.76μm for the GH4). However, it should be noted that the TZ100 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 10 months) than the GH4, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that partly offset its pixel-size disadvantage.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the GH4 has a markedly higher DXO score than the TZ100 (overall score 4 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 0.4 bits higher color depth, 0.3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.5 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).

Feature comparison: Panasonic TZ100 vs Panasonic GH4

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The two cameras under review are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the GH4 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the TZ100 (2359k vs 1166k dots). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Panasonic TZ100 and Panasonic GH4 along with similar information for a selection of comparators. If needed, the dpreview camera hub, for example, contains further detail on the cameras' specs.

The reported shutter speed and shutter burst refer to the use of the mechanical shutter. In addition, both cameras feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (flickering).

Both the TZ100 and the GH4 write their imaging data to SDXC cards.

Both the TZ100 and the GH4 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The GH4 was replaced by the Panasonic GH5, while the TZ100 was followed by the Panasonic TZ200.

Review summary: Panasonic TZ100 vs Panasonic GH4

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Panasonic TZ100 and the Panasonic GH4? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ100:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (20 vs 15.9MP) with a 14% higher linear resolution.
• Ready to shoot: Has a lens build-in, whereas the GH4 requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (111x65mm vs 133x93mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a build-in lens (unlike the GH4).
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization build-in.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a build-in lens.
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 10 months after the GH4).

Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4:

• Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (4 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.5 stops ISO advantage).
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (2359k vs 1166k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (8000/sec vs 2000/sec) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (500 versus 300) out of a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in February 2014).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GH4 is the clear winner of the contest (14 : 7 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the TZ100 or the GH4. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). You can find the full text of the reviews by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Panasonic TZ100»	HiRec	82/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	699	-		Panasonic TZ100
	Panasonic GH4«	HiRec	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2014	1,499	-		Panasonic GH4
	Canon G7 X Mark II« »	HiRec	81/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	699			Canon G7 X Mark II
	Canon G5 X« »	HiRec	78/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	799			Canon G5 X
	Canon M3« »	rev	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2015	679	-		Canon M3
	Canon G7 X« »	HiRec	77/100	4.5/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699	-		Canon G7 X
	Olympus E-M5 II« »	HiRec	81/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Feb 2015	1,099			Olympus E-M5 II
	Olympus E-M1« »	HiRec	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	1,399	-		Olympus E-M1
	Panasonic TZ200« »	HiRec	81/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Feb 2018	799			Panasonic TZ200
	Panasonic GH5« »	HiRec	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jan 2017	1,999			Panasonic GH5
	Panasonic TZ90« »	HiRec	-	4/5	-	4/5	Apr 2017	449			Panasonic TZ90
	Panasonic GX80« »	HiRec	82/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Apr 2016	799			Panasonic GX80
	Panasonic LX15« »	HiRec	81/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	699			Panasonic LX15
	Panasonic G6« »	HiRec	-	5/5	-	4.5/5	Apr 2013	599	-		Panasonic G6
	Panasonic GH3« »	HiRec	79/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	1,299	-		Panasonic GH3
	Sony RX100 V« »	HiRec	83/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2016	999			Sony RX100 V
	Sony RX100 IV« »	HiRec	85/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	999	-		Sony RX100 IV

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool. If you cannot find the camera you are interested in, please send me an email, and I will try to update the database with the necessary infos.

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