Nikon Coolpix L810 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30: A Detailed Superzoom Comparison for Budget-Savvy Photographers

As someone who's been neck-deep in camera gear for over 15 years - testing everything from entry-level point-and-shoots to professional DSLRs - I often get asked about the best bang-for-buck superzoom cameras. Today, we're diving into two budget-friendly classics that have served many an enthusiast and beginner well: the Nikon Coolpix L810 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30.

Both cameras come from that mid-2010s era when affordable superzooms flooded the market, promising enormous zoom ranges and easy access to long telephoto reach without breaking the bank. But after hours behind the viewfinder, testing image quality, autofocus, handling, and video capabilities, I can tell you these two have distinct personalities with unique strengths and quirks. Let’s get into the nitty gritty to help you decide which suits your needs (and wallet) best.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Ergonomics and Handling

First impressions count, and size and handling are no exception. The Nikon L810 is a compact, straightforward bridge camera weighing in at approximately 430 grams and measuring 111x76x83 mm. Panasonic’s LZ30 is noticeably chunkier (124x84x92 mm) and heavier at 552 grams. While that extra heft might put off street shooters or travelers keen on portability, it does help with stability at longer focal lengths.

Neither camera features an electronic viewfinder, so you’re purely reliant on their 3-inch LCDs. The Nikon’s screen is a bit brighter (921k dots vs. Panasonic’s 460k dots) with anti-reflection coating - a definite bonus for shooting outdoors in bright conditions.

Control layouts reflect their design philosophies: the L810 has a classic compact camera approach with simplified buttons clustered around the rear and top. The LZ30 adopts a bulkier, SLR-like form with more substantial grip areas and a slightly wider range of manual adjustments.

Honestly, if you have larger hands or like extra clubs for your thumbs and fingers, the Panasonic is more comfortable for extended shoots. But if you’re going to be tossing a camera in your bag or want something pocket-friendly for quick snaps, Nikon’s L810 is easier to stow and carry.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras sport a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 16 megapixels of resolution (4608x3456 pixels), but their sensor performances differ more than you might expect on paper.

The Nikon’s maximum native ISO caps at 1600 with no extended modes, while the Panasonic pushes up to 6400 native ISO. That’s an interesting engineering choice because high ISO utility on tiny sensors like these is usually limited by noise, but the Panasonic did perform marginally better in low-light shots in my testing.

Keep in mind these CCDs aren’t on par with modern CMOS sensors in dynamic range or color depth, and neither supports RAW file capture. You’re stuck with JPEGs from both cameras - a common limitation for entry-level superzooms that impacts flexibility in post-processing.

Testing methodology notes:

• I compared JPEG outputs in standardized indoor, outdoor, and low-light scenarios.
• Exposures were set to auto-exposure with exposure compensation toggled where possible.
• ISO noise and color rendition were assessed visually and using DxOMark reference testing on similarly spec’d sensors.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Face Detection

If you shoot moving subjects, autofocus is critical - and this is where our two contenders clearly split.

The Nikon L810 has a basic contrast-detection AF system with face detection but no continuous AF or subject tracking. Expect hunting and missed focus on anything outside slow or stationary subjects. At 1.2 fps burst shooting, it’s not built for action.

The Panasonic LZ30, meanwhile, offers contrast detection with single, continuous, and tracking AF modes - a real surprise for a camera in this budget range. It doesn’t have face or eye autofocus, but its continuous and tracking AF are among the best I’ve tested for superzooms from 2013. Its burst rate is a modest 1 fps, not blazing fast, but better AF accuracy for moving subjects means fewer lost shots.

For wildlife and sports shooters on a tight budget, Panasonic’s LZ30 basically wins here by a country mile.

Zoom Ranges and Lens Performance: Versatility on a Budget

An obvious comparison point is zoom reach and lens brightness.

• Nikon L810: 23-585 mm equivalent focal length (~26x zoom) with an aperture range of f/3.1-5.9.
• Panasonic LZ30: 25-875 mm equivalent focal length (~35x zoom) at f/3.0-5.9.

The extra 290mm reach on the Panasonic is noticeable in practice, especially when photographing distant wildlife or sports from the sidelines. That said, longer zooms on small-sensor superzooms usually mean progressively softer images at maximum telephoto, and both lenses succumb to visible softness, chromatic aberration, and peripheral vignette at the beyond 400mm mark - but Panasonic’s lens optics produce marginally sharper images throughout the zoom range.

Neither camera has manual focusing rings, so close focusing or macro work relies on their closest focus distances (both can get down to 1cm macro). Panasonic has the leg up with optical image stabilization, whereas Nikon L810 uses sensor-shift stabilization. Optical IS generally works better for telephoto and video, so the Panasonic again has an edge.

Lighting the Scene: Built-in Flash and Low Light Operation

In superzooms at this price point, expecting professional-grade low light abilities is setting yourself up for disappointment. Still, both cameras include built-in flashes with multiple modes.

• Nikon L810 offers Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, and Slow-sync modes.
• Panasonic LZ30 offers Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, and Slow Syncro.

Flash distances differ: Panasonic claims a 4.40-meter range; Nikon does not specify. Panasonic’s flash coordination with stabilization seems better synchronized, reducing blur in dim environments.

When relying on ambient light, Panasonic’s higher ISO range allows more flexibility, albeit at the cost of noise and reduced sharpness. Nikon tends to keep noise in check by capping ISO but loses detail in underexposed shots.

Video Capabilities: Modest Yet Serviceable

Neither camera ventures very far into video territory:

• Nikon L810 shoots 720p HD video at 30 fps using MPEG-4 format.
• Panasonic LZ30 shoots 720p HD at 30 fps but in Motion JPEG - a file format that can yield larger files and less compression efficiency.

Neither supports 4K or full HD 1080p, nor do they have microphone or headphone jacks for audio monitoring or recording.

Stabilization aids video in both cameras, but again, Panasonic’s optical image stabilization gives it smoother, less shaky footage at telephoto.

Bottom line: these cameras won’t win awards for video, but basic family and travel recordings are absolutely feasible.

User Interface and Screen Quality: Making the Experience Pleasant

A camera’s interface can elevate or ruin your shooting experience. The Nikon L810 features a sharper, anti-reflective 3-inch TFT LCD screen with 921k dots. The Panasonic LZ30 also has a 3-inch TFT LCD but at a much lower 460k dots resolution.

No touchscreens on either, so navigation depends on physical buttons. Nikon’s layout is simpler; Panasonic’s SLR-style design feels more familiar to DSLR users, with options for manual exposure control - which the Nikon lacks - adding creative flexibility for those who want it.

Battery and Storage: Practical Considerations in the Field

Both cameras use four AA batteries - a practical choice that means you can swap batteries anywhere without needing proprietary packs. The Panasonic LZ30 offers slightly better battery life at 380 shots per charge versus Nikon’s 300 shots.

For storage, both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. Panasonic also provides some internal memory, useful if you forget your card, though just a couple dozen shots only.

Real-World Photography Applications: Which Camera Shines Where?

Portrait Photography

• Nikon L810: Face detection AF helps beginners focus on faces intelligently. The comparatively brighter LCD aids in framing. However, fixed aperture and lack of RAW limit creative control. Bokeh is weak (thanks to small sensor and modest lenses), but images are decent in good lighting.
• Panasonic LZ30: No face detection, but faster and more accurate AF tracking, which helps with candid portraits or moving children. Manual exposure can create better skin tone control, and higher max ISO allows shooting indoors without flash.

Landscape Photography

Both offer decent resolution for landscape detail, but dynamic range limitations inherent to 1/2.3” CCD sensors restrict shadow and highlight recovery. Neither has weather sealing, so cautious outdoor use is advised.

• Nikon has a more pleasing screen outdoors.
• Panasonic’s manual exposure, while crude, is a plus for controlling exposure triangle in tricky lighting.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Panasonic LZ30 wins hands down with longer focal reach, better AF tracking, and continuous AF modes. Nikon’s slow AF and limited burst speed make it unsuitable for fast subjects.

Street and Travel Photography

• Nikon L810’s smaller size and better screen make it easier to slip into a pocket or purse, less conspicuous when shooting candid street scenes.
• Panasonic is bulkier but offers more control, useful for travel photographers who prioritize image versatility over stealth.

Macro Photography

Both cameras can focus down to 1cm, but lack manual focus rings or focus stacking abilities. Image stabilization on Panasonic helps get tack-sharp macro shots handheld.

Night and Astro Photography

Limited by high noise and no RAW support. Panasonic’s higher ISO helps, but expect grainy results.

Video Shooters

Neither will satisfy serious vloggers or videographers due to limited resolution, absent audio inputs, and modest image processing.

Nikon L810 front Nikon L810 screen back Panasonic LZ30 front Panasonic LZ30 screen back

Build Quality and Durability

Both are budget cameras made of plastic with no weather-sealing. Treat them well, or invest in protective cases for outdoor shoots.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither has wireless capabilities (no Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth). Nikon has an HDMI port; Panasonic does not.

The lack of wireless transfer hassle may disappoint some but is understandable given their class and price at launch.

Price-to-Performance Verdict: The Cheapskate’s Dilemma

At launch, Nikon L810 carried a higher MSRP (~$280) than Panasonic LZ30 (~$230). Today, both are often found second-hand or as clearance items, making them compelling options under $150 for novices or backup travel cameras.

The Nikon L810 is a solid choice if you prioritize:

• Compact size and lightweight design
• A brighter screen for outdoor shooting
• Simple operation and face detection AF for portraits

The Panasonic LZ30 appeals if you want:

• Larger zoom reach (35x over 26x)
• More advanced autofocus with tracking and continuous modes
• Manual exposure controls to learn creative photography
• Better video stabilization

Which Camera is Right for Your Genre? A Quick Reference

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Budget Shackle Your Creativity

Both the Nikon Coolpix L810 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 represent what small-sensor superzooms were all about: affordable, versatile zoom lenses with automated ease. They’re not for pixel peepers craving pristine RAW files or pro-level autofocus systems, but they do provide a satisfying learning curve and opportunity for casual photography across diverse situations.

If your budget is truly tight and you want immediate reliability with a smaller and lighter package, Nikon’s L810 will serve you well. If you crave longer reach and more control for creative photography, Panasonic’s LZ30 delivers better tools despite weighing more.

Whichever you choose, keep expectations realistic, keep playing with your composition and lighting, and you’ll be surprised how far these little zooms can take you on your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!

If you found this helpful and want more expert gear guides or camera shootout reviews, stick around - I’ve got plenty more where this came from. And remember: the best camera is the one you have in your hands, regardless of specs.