Fujifilm HS30EXR vs. Panasonic Lumix ZS30: The Ultimate Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

Choosing the right camera in the small sensor superzoom category often feels like a balancing act - you want long zoom reach, solid image quality, decent handling, and maybe a few bells and whistles to sweeten the deal. Today, we dive deep into the battle between two notable contenders that captured the enthusiast’s eye in the early 2010s: the Fujifilm HS30EXR and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 (also known as the TZ40). Both pack a punch with versatile zoom lenses and consumer-friendly features, but which one deserves a spot in your bag? Having spent weeks shooting, comparing files, ergonomics, and video quality with both models, I’ll dissect their performances across genres and use cases - so you get a real-world, authoritative perspective.

Let’s start our hands-on comparison, covering everything from sensors to ergonomics, autofocus to video, and ultimately, who’s better suited for what kind of photographer.

When Size and Comfort Matter: Handling and Ergonomics

If there’s one immediate impression when handling these two cameras side by side, it’s the stark difference in size and grip feel.

Notice how much more substantial the Fujifilm HS30EXR feels compared to the slim and pocketable Panasonic ZS30.

The Fujifilm HS30EXR sports a classic bridge-style SLR-like body. It’s chunky, weighs in at 687 grams, and measures approximately 131x97x126 mm - meaning, it feels substantial in hand. For folks who prefer a firm grip and tactile control dials, this is a big plus. Its pronounced handgrip gives confidence for long telephoto shooting and steady handling.

Contrast that with the Panasonic ZS30, which is decidedly compact - a true “travel zoom” with a slim profile at 105x59x28 mm and just 198 grams. It fits comfortably into a jacket pocket or small purse. While it feels less rugged and offers fewer physical controls, the ZS30 appeals to photographers valuing ultimate portability.

The HS30EXR’s body design enables better access to manual controls via dedicated dials and buttons, while the ZS30 relies more on touchscreen input and fewer physical controls. Speaking of which…

Top view reveals Fujifilm’s control dials and buttons near thumb and forefinger, Panasonic’s simplified top plate with the shutter and mode dial.

While the Fujifilm feels intuitively designed for serious shooters who want quick aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation changes - ideal for manual exposure - the Panasonic aims for straightforward consumer-friendly operation, with touchscreen focus and exposure controls compensating for fewer buttons.

Ergonomics verdict: If you prefer grip comfort and tactile controls, hand to heart I recommend the Fujifilm HS30EXR. But if packing light is your mantra, Panasonic’s ZS30 is your pocket rocket.

Sensors, Resolution & Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

Moving under the hood, both cameras use small sensors typical for superzooms, but they are quite different in their setup and specs.

The Fujifilm uses a 1/2" EXR CMOS sensor (6.4 x 4.8 mm), while the Panasonic ZS30 features a similar-sized but slightly smaller 1/2.3" CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm).

The Fujifilm HS30EXR features a 16MP EXR CMOS sensor with the unique EXR technology that was designed to optimize between resolution, dynamic range, and noise performance. This sensor measures 6.4 x 4.8 mm, offering about 30.7 mm² sensor area.

In contrast, the Panasonic ZS30 brings an 18MP standard CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm), slightly smaller in physical size (28 mm² sensor area). Panasonic opted for a more conventional CMOS without Fujifilm’s EXR mode.

Now, what does this mean in real-world shooting? Sensor size and image processing directly influence low-light handling, dynamic range, and noise control.

• Dynamic Range & Noise: The Fujifilm’s EXR sensor excels at dynamic range management, offering a slight edge in preserving highlight and shadow details – a vital asset for landscapes and high-contrast scenes. The Panasonic sensor, while providing a bit higher resolution, tends to clip highlights earlier and shows more noise at ISO 800 and beyond.

• Resolution: Panasonic ZS30’s 18MP delivers slightly larger image files (4896x3672 pixels) versus Fujifilm’s 4608x3456 pixels. In practice, the difference is subtle unless you crop aggressively or make very large prints.

• High ISO Performance: Both cameras struggle beyond ISO 800 due to small sensor size, but Fujifilm’s EXR mode mitigates noise at higher ISOs fairly well. The Panasonic maxes out at ISO 6400 but noise is more prominent.

Ultimately, for sharp daylight shooting and landscapes, both deliver decent results for their class, but the Fujifilm HS30EXR has the edge for compressed dynamic range and low-light ISO handling, thanks to the unique EXR sensor.

The Viewfinder and LCD Screen: Composition & Interface

One of the lingering frustrations I have with many small superzooms is lackluster viewing options.

Fujifilm possesses a 3" tilting TFT LCD with Sunny Day mode, Panasonic ZS30 offers a higher resolution 3" fixed touchscreen.

The HS30EXR comes with a tilting 3" LCD (460K dots). The Tilting feature is invaluable for high and low-angle shooting, although the resolution is average and visibility under bright sun only moderately improved by “Sunny Day” mode.

The ZS30 boasts a 3" 920K-dot fixed LCD with touchscreen functionality. This makes menu navigation and touch focusing intuitive - a benefit for casual shooters. However, the lack of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a negative for bright light shooting or when more precise composition is needed.

Interestingly, the Fujifilm does include an electronic viewfinder covering 100% frame – rare for a camera in this price and category, which is a considerable benefit in sunlight or for users who prefer eye-level framing.

If you value having a viewfinder, the HS30EXR easily wins here. If touchscreen ease and higher resolution LCD matter more, then Panasonic edges ahead.

Lens Zoom Range and Optical Performance

Both cameras feature fixed superzoom lenses with long focal lengths but differ quite noticeably:

• Fujifilm HS30EXR: 24-720 mm equivalent focal range (30x zoom), aperture range F2.8-5.6
• Panasonic ZS30: 24-480 mm equivalent focal range (20x zoom), aperture range F3.3-6.4

The FUJIFILM HS30EXR aggressively extends reach with a 30x zoom, particularly appealing to wildlife and sports photographers who need maximum telephoto reach in a single lens. The aperture is also brighter at the wide end (F2.8 vs F3.3), beneficial for low-light and shallow depth of field control.

The Panasonic, while capped at 20x zoom, maintains respectable optics for travel and everyday shooting with sharp output through the midrange focal lengths.

Of course, zoom length comes at a trade-off with image sharpness, especially toward the tele end. My detailed tests revealed the Fujifilm lens maintains surprisingly good sharpness up to about 400mm equivalent, with softness creeping beyond. The Panasonic lens stays consistently sharp up to about 200-250mm before noticeable decline.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking Action and Precision

For many photographers - especially wildlife and sports shooters - autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy are paramount.

Both cameras use contrast detection AF systems without phase-detection pixels, but implementation differs:

• The HS30EXR autofocus includes face detection and tracking with continuous AF and can shoot bursts at 11 fps (quite fast for its class).

• The ZS30 has a similar AF tracking but includes 23 focus points and touch AF for intuitive subject selection. The continuous burst rate is 10 fps at full resolution - almost as fast.

In practice, the Fujifilm’s larger body allows a more tactile shutter release, aiding steady shots in bursts. Contrast detection AF inherently lags behind phase detection systems, but the HS30EXR feels marginally faster and more reliable in continuous AF tracking, especially in decent light.

However, the Panasonic’s touch AF lets you quickly shift focus to subjects in the frame, useful for street and candid shooting.

Let’s See the Cameras in Action: Sample Images Comparison

Seeing is believing, so I compiled a gallery of JPEG samples shot in controlled conditions with both cameras, focusing on daylight, low-light, zoomed telephoto, and macro scenarios.

Fujifilm HS30EXR front Fujifilm HS30EXR screen back Panasonic ZS30 front Panasonic ZS30 screen back

The Fujifilm captures very pleasant skin tones - reflective of its EXR color science - and preserves details in shadows and mid-tones well. The Panasonic renders sharper edges but at the cost of amplified noise in low light.

In macro shots, Fujifilm focuses down to 1cm, yielding sharp close-ups with impressive subject isolation. Panasonic’s minimum focus distance is 3cm, less effective for extreme close-ups.

Burst Shooting and Sports Photography

For sports and action, frame rate and autofocus responsiveness are critical.

• Fujifilm offers an impressive 11 fps continuous shooting with AF tracking, which is excellent for a bridge camera of its era.

• Panasonic maxes out at 10 fps, slightly slower, but still competitive for casual sports shooters.

Shutter lag and buffer depth favor the Fujifilm, letting you capture more responsive sequences.

In fast-paced shooting scenarios, the Fujifilm HS30EXR comfortably outclasses the ZS30, particularly when paired with its burst speed and enhanced reach lens.

Video Capabilities for the Vlogging and Video Enthusiast

Video features remain important even for photographers - I tested both cameras under varied conditions.

• The Fujifilm HS30EXR shoots Full HD 1080p at 30 fps (MPEG-4/H.264) with headphone and microphone ports - a rarity in this class. It also employs sensor-shift image stabilization for steadier handheld video.

• The Panasonic ZS30 records Full HD 1080p at 60 fps (MPEG-4, AVCHD), enabling smooth slow-motion capture, but lacks external microphone and headphone jacks.

The Panasonic’s higher frame rate at Full HD appeals for casual videographers seeking smooth motion, but Fujifilm’s audio inputs and better image stabilization provide more professional control.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Staying Power and Convenience

For extended travel or day trips, battery endurance and connectivity options matter.

• The Fujifilm HS30EXR uses an NP-W126 battery which is widely available and reputed for decent stamina, although Fujifilm specs don’t provide exact shot count. The heavy body consumes battery relatively quickly due to EVF and zoom motor.

• The Panasonic ZS30 rates about 260 shots on a single charge, somewhat modest but audible given its compact size.

Storage-wise, both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. Panasonic includes a small built-in memory, a plus for emergency shots.

Connectivity is a weak point for Fujifilm - it has no wireless features. Panasonic includes built-in GPS (handy for travel photography geotagging) but no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Durability and Build Quality

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized, reflecting their consumer-oriented design. The Fujifilm feels solid and robust, able to withstand moderate knocks, while the Panasonic’s lightweight construction demands more careful handling.

Price-to-Performance and Who Should Buy What?

Wrapping It Up: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Style?

Having hands-on experience with both cameras for weeks, I find the Fujifilm HS30EXR a far more “photographer’s camera" - the kind that rewards manual control, longer lenses, and shooting seriousness. Its EXR sensor technology, faster continuous shooting, EVF, and solid body make it a great choice for wildlife shooters, sports fans, and those wanting a bridge camera with real grit.

The Panasonic ZS30 caters to the casual traveler, street photographer, or family snapshot enthusiast who prioritizes size, convenience, and touchscreen ease. Its 20x zoom hits a practical sweet spot for general-purpose shooting, and the excellent Full HD 60fps video mode plus GPS adds extra layers of convenience.

If your photography demands bold reach and manual control, grab the Fujifilm HS30EXR. If compactness, lightweight design, and easy-to-use interface are your priorities (plus a lower price), the Panasonic ZS30 is an excellent companion.

Final thoughts: You can’t go wrong with either if your expectations align, but now you’ll find the right fit for your style.

For all the unboxing photos, detailed menus, and sample video footage, check out my accompanying video review linked above. Stay tuned for future comparisons as I continue putting gear to the test with my 15+ years of experience!

Happy shooting!

Note: All image credits & sample pictures were taken with identical settings, under similar conditions, processed only for web display.