Fujifilm XP50 vs Panasonic Lumix ZS30: A Detailed Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When browsing for a compact camera, discerning photographers seek a blend of image quality, ruggedness, versatility, and usability. The Fujifilm XP50 and Panasonic Lumix ZS30 (also known as Lumix DMC-TZ40) are two compelling options from the early 2010s that cater to slightly different niches. The XP50 boasts a robust waterproof design suited for adventurous shooters, while the ZS30 offers a hefty superzoom and intelligent imaging features in a compact form.

Having tested both extensively in diverse scenarios over years, I’m here to offer a thorough comparison to help you cut through the specs and marketing, so you get the best fit for your photography style and budget.

At a Glance: Build and Handling

Fujifilm XP50 appeals to those needing a rugged, all-weather-ready camera. Its waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof body ensures worry-free shooting in harsh environments. Weighing just 175g and measuring 99x68x26mm, it is lightweight and pocket-friendly for outdoor excursions. The build feels durable and straightforward but trades some control flexibility for simplicity.

In contrast, the Panasonic ZS30, slightly heavier at 198g and larger at 105x59x28mm, is designed as an everyday compact with a focus on zoom reach over ruggedness. Its lack of environmental sealing means care in inclement weather, but it makes up by packing extensive controls and a fine 3-inch touchscreen. The ZS30 feels more refined ergonomically, offering multiple shooting modes and manual exposure options, appreciated during my field testing.

Ergonomics overview:

For those prioritizing durability and on-the-go ease, the XP50 physically fits seamlessly. If fine control and clearer viewing matter more, the ZS30’s interface shines.

Sensor and Image Quality Deep Dive

Both cameras feature a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor measuring approximately 6.17x4.55mm with about 28 mm² area, a common compact sensor size balancing cost and image quality.

• XP50 resolution: 14MP (4608x3072)
• ZS30 resolution: 18MP (4896x3672)

The Panasonic’s sensor packs 29% more pixels, which theoretically leads to higher resolution but also potential diffraction and noise trade-offs. However, more pixels usually help landscape and telephoto detail capture.

I tested both cameras side-by-side under controlled lighting and real-world scenes:

• Color reproduction: Fujifilm XP50's color rendering yields slightly warmer tones, a nod to Fujifilm’s heritage in pleasing skin tones and outdoor hues. The Panasonic ZS30 gives more neutral, accurate colors, though it can feel a little cooler.
• Dynamic range: Both cameras show the typical limited latitude of compact sensor designs. Highlights clip early in bright conditions, but with good timing and exposure compensation, images retain usable detail.
• Low light & noise: Panasonic’s newer 18MP sensor reveals more noise at ISO 800 and above compared to the XP50, which handles ISO 3200 but with softer images due to lower resolution. Ultimately, neither excels in low light, but the XP50’s sensor performs slightly better at night scenes.
• Optical quality: The XP50’s lens is a 28-140mm (5x zoom), F3.9–4.9 aperture range, fixed lens. The ZS30 offers an impressive 24-480mm equivalent (20x zoom), F3.3–6.4 aperture. While the ZS30 covers much more focal length flexibility, it compromises aperture speed in telephoto range, affecting low light and bokeh.

If landscape resolution and reach are a priority, the Panasonic ZS30 is a standout. For natural color tones and rugged shooting, XP50’s sensor and optic combo deliver respectable images in most conditions.

LCD and User Interface Experience

Viewing your shots and navigating menus is critical on point-and-shoot cameras. The Fujifilm XP50’s 2.7-inch 230k-dot fixed TFT LCD is modest and somewhat dim, making framing in bright sunlight challenging. It has no touchscreen capabilities, and menu navigation relies on physical buttons - which are simple but not highly customizable.

The Panasonic ZS30 features a much larger and sharper 3-inch 920k-dot fixed LCD with touchscreen functionality. This screen is clearly brighter and easier to operate with intuitive taps and swipes, significantly improving usability outdoors and in dynamic shooting conditions.

I found the touchscreen a major benefit when quickly changing AF points or reviewing images during street and travel shoots.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Autofocus speed and accuracy make or break candid and action photography. Both cameras use contrast-detection AF systems but with different sophistication.

• XP50: Has center-weighted AF with continuous, single, and tracking AF modes, but no face or eye detection. The system is adequate for casual snapshots, but I noticed occasional hunting in low contrast or dim light.
• ZS30: Employs 23 AF points with continuous tracking and touch-AF. While not advanced phase-detection, the autofocus feels more confident and quicker, especially when engaging the tracking mode.

Continuous shooting:

• XP50 max burst shooting: 3 fps, with limited buffer depth.
• ZS30 max burst shooting: 10 fps, far superior for action sequences.

In wildlife and sports scenarios, the ZS30’s autofocus and shooting speed delivered more keepers, helped by the extensive telephoto reach.

Lens Reach and Macro Capabilities

A key differentiation is the lens zoom range:

• Fujifilm XP50: 5x zoom (28-140mm), suitable for portraits, landscapes, and moderate telephoto.
• Panasonic ZS30: 20x zoom (24-480mm), edging into superzoom territory ideal for wildlife, sports, and distant landmarks.

Both offer macro capabilities:

• XP50: Minimum focus distance ~9cm, reasonable for casual close-ups.
• ZS30: Impressive 3cm macro focus, allowing detailed flower, insect, and texture photography.

However, the XP50’s wider aperture at the short end offers better background blur, better for portraits. The ZS30’s longer reach is beneficial if you need reach more than bokeh.

Shooting Genres: Where Each Camera Excels

Let’s explore how these cameras perform across popular photography types, based on my testing and user feedback.

Portrait Photography

• XP50’s favorable skin tone rendering and decent wide-aperture lens at 28mm produce softly blurred backgrounds. However, lack of face or eye detection AF reduces ease of critical focus on eyes.
• ZS30 provides sharper images with higher resolution but struggles to isolate subjects from busy backgrounds due to narrower maximum apertures at telephoto range.

If portraits with natural, pleasing tones are your focus - casual family shots, travel portraits - the XP50 edges out.

Landscape Photography

• Higher resolution and wider focal length range favor the ZS30 for landscapes.
• Lack of weather sealing and smaller screen may present challenges outdoors.
• Both cameras have limited dynamic range but shooting RAW is unavailable.

For landscape enthusiasts prioritizing versatility and reach, the ZS30 is preferable, as long as you handle it carefully.

Wildlife Photography

• ZS30’s 20x zoom and fast 10fps burst give it a clear advantage for wildlife shooting.
• XP50’s limited reach and slower burst reduce chances of capturing fleeting animal moments.
• Neither camera has sophisticated animal eye detection; tracking is contrast-detection based.

If wildlife is a priority, the ZS30 is the better all-around choice.

Sports Photography

• ZS30’s faster autofocus modes, 10 fps burst, and longer zoom again best the XP50.
• XP50’s ruggedness might be tempting for outdoor sports under rough conditions, but the slower speeds limit its usefulness for fast action.

For wrist-action sports, the ZS30 is more suitable.

Street Photography

• XP50’s compact, stealthy form factor and weather sealing make it ideal for outdoor street work, rain or shine.
• The ZS30’s larger size, touch screen, and lens noise (due to superzoom) reduce discreetness.
• XP50’s slower AF can impede quick candid shots.

For photographers valuing compactness and durability on the street, XP50 wins.

Macro Photography

• ZS30’s 3cm closest focus and well-optimized macro mode provide intricate detail shots.
• XP50 is respectable but less flexible for tight cropping or extremely close focus.

If macro is a serious interest, ZS30 is the stronger performer.

Night and Astro Photography

• Both cameras struggle in very low light due to small sensors.
• XP50’s higher native ISO (up to 3200) and better noise control help.
• Lack of RAW formats limits post-processing.
• Exposure modes are fixed on XP50 versus manual options on ZS30.

Recommendation here pivots on control versus sensitivity: ZS30 offers exposure priority modes, while XP50 is simpler but better at ISO 1600–3200 noise.

Video Capabilities

• XP50 shoots Full HD (1080p) at 30fps, using H.264 and Motion JPEG formats.
• ZS30 supports Full HD at 60fps and 720p up to 60fps, with AVCHD and MPEG-4 options.
• Neither offers microphone/headphone jacks or 4K.
• Optical stabilization is stronger on ZS30, helping shaky hand-held footage.
• XP50 lacks wireless connectivity; ZS30 includes built-in Wi-Fi and GPS for geo-tagging.

For casual video, the ZS30’s smoother frame rates and image stabilization produce more usable clips.

Travel Photography

• XP50 is water/dust/shockproof, no need to worry about weather or jostles, great for adventure travel.
• ZS30’s zoom range covers everything from wide streets to distant buildings - great for sightseeing.
• Battery life favors ZS30 slightly, with 260 shots versus XP50’s 220.

Choose XP50 for rugged conditions; ZS30 for versatility and coverage.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

• Neither camera shoots RAW, limiting professional post-processing workflows.
• Basic file formats with JPEG only.
• Build quality favors XP50 for tough environments.
• ZS30’s manual exposure controls better suit users wanting creative input.
• Lack of tethering or advanced connectivity restricts professional usage.

Overall, these cameras suit enthusiast amateurs rather than pros needing raw flexibility or high-end speed.

Fujifilm XP50 front Fujifilm XP50 screen back Panasonic ZS30 front Panasonic ZS30 screen back

Technical Analysis Summary

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Both cameras feature fixed lenses, so no interchangeable lens options. This limits system growth but ensures compactness:

• XP50’s simpler fixed optic performs well for casual use.
• ZS30’s superzoom lens covers a vast range, reducing need for multiple lenses.

Neither supports external flashes or advanced accessories, so think of them as standalone travel/everyday shooters.

Battery Life and Storage

• XP50 uses NP-45A battery, rated ~220 shots per charge.
• ZS30 slightly better at 260 shots.
• Both rely on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
• Panasonic includes some internal storage; Fujifilm does not.

For extended trips, carry spares or portable USB chargers, especially in cold (XP50’s freezeproof helps here).

Connectivity and Wireless Features

• Panasonic ZS30 includes built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, allowing geo-tagging and simple image transfer via apps.
• Fujifilm XP50 lacks wireless features, meaning tethered data transfer via USB only.
• No Bluetooth or NFC on either camera.

For social media-savvy travelers, ZS30’s connectivity is a huge bonus.

Who Should Buy Which? Clear Recommendations

Choose Fujifilm XP50 if:

• You prioritize a rugged, waterproof, and freezeproof camera for outdoor adventures.
• You want a compact, lightweight camera for hiking, snorkeling, skiing, or beach use.
• You prefer simplicity over advanced features and manual controls.
• Your photography focuses on casual portraits and landscapes under varied weather.
• Your budget is tight and you need a durable camera around $180.

Choose Panasonic Lumix ZS30 if:

• You want maximum zoom versatility for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects.
• You value higher resolution, faster continuous shooting, and better video options.
• You prefer a larger, sharp touchscreen for easier controls and image review.
• You want some manual exposure controls and bracketing options.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS for travel are important.
• Price around $250 fits your budget and you don’t need a waterproof body.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Practicality and Performance

Both cameras reflect their design priorities clearly. The Fujifilm XP50 is an excellent compact rugged camera with respectable image quality, especially suited for outdoor enthusiasts needing reliability over flexibility. Meanwhile, the Panasonic Lumix ZS30 shines as a versatile travel and superzoom camera with better controls, video, and connectivity but lacks weather resistance.

In my hands-on experience, neither camera replaces a mirrorless or DSLR but serve as convenient, affordable tools for specialized usages:

• XP50 is your go-anywhere waterproof companion.
• ZS30 is your versatile visual storyteller with a broad focal range.

Ultimately, consider your shooting preferences and environment carefully. When you do, you’ll be certain you’re buying the best tool for your photographic journey.

Thank you for exploring this comparison with me. If questions remain about which camera best suits your style or if you want further testing insights, feel free to reach out.

Happy shooting!

End of Review