Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic LZ30

Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic LZ30: A Hands-On Comparative Dive into Enthusiast Compact Cameras

Choosing the right camera can feel like navigating a jungle - especially when options cater to radically different shooting styles but seem to share a similar price bracket. Today, I’m unpacking two such contenders: the rugged Olympus Tough TG-3 and the mega-zoom Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. These cameras straddle the line between affordability and specialty, yet offer very distinct experiences. Drawing on years of testing gear across all shooting environments - underwater caves, bustling city streets, and serene mountain ridges - I'll guide you through how these two stack up on technical specs, real-world use cases, and whether they deserve a spot in your bag.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

When you pick up a camera, the feel and design often tell you if it’s your kind of tool. The Olympus TG-3 is a compact, rugged toughie. It screams “get me wet, muddy, or dropped,” with a solid grip and splash-proof seams. In contrast, the Panasonic LZ30 is a bigger, busier-looking bridge camera that reminds me of a club for your thumbs - it’s designed with extended zoom in mind rather than extreme conditions.

• Olympus TG-3: Weighs only 247g, measuring 112 x 66 x 31 mm.
• Panasonic LZ30: Bulky at 552g, its dimensions 124 x 84 x 92 mm make it more “handle with two hands” territory.

The TG-3’s smaller footprint wins for portability and rugged outdoor use. Its tough, waterproof shell feels confidence-inspiring when hiking or snorkeling, and the shock, crush, and freeze-proof certifications aren’t just marketing fluff - I’ve clumsily tested them (unintentionally) and the camera survived with aplomb. You can shove this pocket warrior in your jacket or glovebox with no second thoughts.

Meanwhile, the LZ30’s heft and size aren’t meant for shallow pools or icy mountain passes but scream “all-day zoom explorer.” The heavier bulk supports its massive 35x zoom lens, making it better suited for controlled environments or travel where you can keep it safe from the elements. The grip feels sturdy, but it’s less nimble for quick snap decisions or discreet street photography.

Navigating Controls: Button Layout and Top-View Ergonomics

Controls can make or break shooting speed. Some budget cameras skimp here, but both Olympus and Panasonic deliver, albeit with different design philosophies.

Here’s what you get:

• Olympus TG-3: Function-focused buttons, modest dial options for aperture priority and exposure compensation - nice for enthusiasts. Buttons are firm but small, potentially a slight issue for large-fingered users. No top LCD panel, and no dedicated mode dial, but menus are intuitive and fast to navigate in practice.
• Panasonic LZ30: The larger body allows bigger buttons laid out like a traditional DSLR bridge camera. However, the lack of advanced custom function buttons means some settings require menu diving. The lack of a top display means you’re eyeballing the rear LCD for exposure info.

In real-life testing (especially in the rain and with gloves on), the TG-3’s simplified layout wins points for rugged, quick access. The LZ30’s layout improves with familiarity but feels clunky when speed is necessary.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of It All

Both cameras share a 1/2.3-inch sensor - a common size for compact cameras. But sensor technology, processor, and lens optics can shift image quality significantly.

Olympus TG-3 employs a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor, paired with the TruePic VII image processor. The backside illumination (BSI) tech enhances low-light sensitivity, a vital advantage in murky underwater scenes or dim trails. The sensor size is 6.17 x 4.55 mm with 16MP resolution, delivering a maximum image size of 4608 x 3456 pixels.

Panasonic LZ30 also uses a 16MP 1/2.3-inch sensor, but it's a CCD type. CCD sensors traditionally shine at color accuracy and low noise at base ISOs but lag behind CMOS in speed and dynamic range. The LZ30’s max resolution matches the TG-3, but its older processing engine doesn’t inspire confidence for high ISO or fast shooting scenarios.

Real-world image quality verdict:

• Dynamic range: TG-3’s CMOS sensor captures a wider tonal range. This matters in landscape photography, where shadow and highlight detail is king. When shooting bright skies and shaded forests, the TG-3 reveals more texture and gradation.
• ISO and noise: The TG-3’s sensor and processor combo cleanly handle up to ISO 800, usable up to native ISO 1600 with noise reduction, while LZ30 tends to muddy the image beyond ISO 400.
• Color and sharpness: The LZ30’s CCD offers slightly punchier colors straight out of the camera but sometimes at the expense of noise control. The TG-3’s TruePic VII tends towards realistic, accurate hues, valuable for portrait and documentary work.

If image quality is top priority, particularly for low light or high-contrast scenes, I’d favor the TG-3.

Viewing and Framing: Screens and EVFs

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, which is common in budget compacts but a shame when dealing with bright sunlight.

Both have 3-inch fixed TFT LCDs with the same 460k-dot resolution. Colors and viewing angles are decent but not stellar.

• The TG-3 shines underwater: its screen’s brightness settings and anti-reflective coating excel when submerged or in harsh light.
• The LZ30’s screen is larger and offers clearer detail for framing at the telephoto end, but glare can be an issue outdoors.

I recommend supplementing either camera with a loupe or hood if you plan extended outdoor shooting in bright conditions.

Autofocus and Burst Mode: Catching the Moment

When it comes to autofocus, neither camera is groundbreaking, but their approaches reflect their priorities.

• The TG-3 has a contrast-detection AF system with face detection and tracking, plus focus bracketing and stacking features (rare even in far pricier compacts). It allows manual exposure modes and aperture priority, giving more creative control.
• The LZ30 relies on contrast-detection AF but lacks face or eye detection. It offers center-weighted AF areas and continuous AF tracking but no bracketing.

Burst rates:

• TG-3 captures up to 5fps in continuous mode, a respectable speed for capturing wildlife or quick action.
• LZ30 maxes out at 1fps - forget about sports or fast-moving subjects here.

In wildlife or sports scenarios where you want to freeze action or follow a fast critter, the TG-3 simply performs better thanks to faster readouts and AF aids.

Zoom Titans: Optics and Reach

If you must have reach, the Panasonic’s 35x zoom lens is the star of the show.

• Panasonic LZ30: 25-875mm (35x zoom), aperture F3.0-5.9.
• Olympus TG-3: 25-100mm (4x zoom), aperture F2.0-4.9.

This difference is huge. The LZ30 can get monster-close to distant birds, planes, or sports sidelines. Olympus’s lens prioritizes wider apertures and sharpness over extreme zoom reach.

However, the lens speed on LZ30 is slower, making it tougher to nail sharp shots at the long end without a tripod. Also, the image stabilization on the LZ30 is optical, whereas the TG-3 uses sensor-shift (5-axis), which often delivers more effective shake correction, particularly for handheld macro or underwater snaps.

Portraits, Macro, and Close-Ups

The TG-3 excels microscopically here, thanks to:

• Super close macro capability at 1cm.
• Manual aperture control down to f/2.
• Focus bracketing and stacking help extend depth of field.

The Panasonic LZ30 also offers 1cm macro at the widest angle, but without stacking or bracket options, and the slower aperture means less bokeh smoothness.

When shooting portraits, the TG-3’s face detection autofocus shines with good accuracy. The LZ30’s lack of face detection means slower focus lock and sometimes missed shots.

If you’re into creative close-ups or portraiture, the TG-3’s features and sensor tech are definitely friendlier.

Video Capabilities: Which Camera Captures Motion Better?

None of these cams are cinema beasts, but:

• Olympus TG-3 shoots Full HD at 30p (1920x1080), H.264 codec, and has sensor-shift stabilization to smooth handheld footage. Built-in flash doubles as LED video light.
• Panasonic LZ30 maxes out at HD 720p (1280x720), limited codec, and lacks advanced stabilization beyond optics.

Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, nor 4K capabilities. The TG-3's higher resolution and better stabilization make it the better choice for casual video creation, especially outdoors or handheld.

Environmental Resilience: Waterproofing and Toughness

Here the TG-3 stands in a league of its own.

• Waterproof up to 15m (50ft).
• Shockproof from 2.1 m (7 ft) drops.
• Freezeproof to -10°C.
• Crushproof up to 100kgf.

The LZ30 is a standard bridge camera without these protections.

If your photography involves adventure sports, diving, or harsh weather, the TG-3’s ability to soldier through where others can’t is invaluable. It reduces the need for bulky housings or protective gear.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

• TG-3 uses proprietary battery (LI-92B) with approx 330 shots per charge.
• LZ30 runs on 4 x AA batteries with roughly 380 shots, but variance depends on battery quality.

The LZ30 gains points for easy AA replacements mid-trip - a boon for long travels without charging access. TG-3’s battery is smaller but rechargeable; in-field charging requires carrying a charger or portable USB pack.

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with single card slots.

Connectivity and Modern Conveniences

• TG-3 features built-in WiFi for image sharing and remote control apps - handy for instant social media uploads or tripod shots.
• LZ30 misses out, with no wireless options and no HDMI port.

When tested, the TG-3’s WiFi is straightforward to set up and reliable over short distances. This modern convenience could tip the scale for travelers or content creators who want immediate image transfer.

Price-to-Performance: Budget Perspective and Value

At the time of my testing,

• Olympus TG-3 priced around $350.
• Panasonic LZ30 priced circa $230.

The TG-3 costs more, but offers ruggedness, better sensor tech, faster burst, higher video resolution, and WiFi connectivity.

The LZ30 appeals to budget-conscious zoom lovers who prioritize reach over environmental toughness or image nuances.

Sample Images: Real-World Shooting Comparisons

Olympus TG 3 front Olympus TG 3 screen back Panasonic LZ30 front Panasonic LZ30 screen back

Here are sample crops from the same scene shot with both cameras in natural light:

• TG-3’s images have cleaner noise profiles and more accurate color rendition.
• LZ30 photos over-sharpen edges and show more noise in shadows.
• Panasonic’s zoom lets you pull in distant details, but softness creeps in at full telephoto.

Performance Ratings and Genre Analysis

Summary of how each camera performs across genres:

Pros and Cons At a Glance

Olympus TG-3 Pros:

• Tough environmental sealing (waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof)
• Sharp 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor with TruePic VII processor
• Fast 5fps continuous shooting; face and contrast AF with focus bracketing
• Macro friendliness with stacking and super close focus
• Full HD video with sensor-shift stabilization
• Built-in WiFi and GPS
• Compact and lightweight for tough outdoor use

Olympus TG-3 Cons:

• Fixed 4x zoom range limits reach
• No electronic viewfinder
• Proprietary battery requiring charger
• No raw image support, limited manual controls for advanced shooters

Panasonic LZ30 Pros:

• Massive 35x zoom lens (25-875mm equivalent)
• Uses AA batteries, easy replacement on the go
• Solid handling for a bridge camera
• Slightly punchier color reproduction

Panasonic LZ30 Cons:

• Very bulky and heavy for casual carry
• Older CCD sensor with limited low-light capability
• Slow 1fps burst limits action photography
• No video stabilization; max 720p video resolution
• No weather sealing or durability features
• No wireless connectivity or HDMI port

Who Should Buy the Olympus TG-3?

In my testing, the TG-3 is the camera for:

• Adventurers and outdoors enthusiasts wanting a rugged compact camera to dive, hike, and survive knocks.
• Macro and close-up shooters drawn to focus stacking and manual aperture control.
• Casual travelers wanting GPS tagging and wireless transfer right out of the camera.
• Photographers prioritizing image quality and versatility over zoom reach.

If your work or fun places you in unpredictable environments, I’d say the TG-3 is worth the extra bucks.

Who Is the Panasonic LZ30 For?

The LZ30 fits budget-conscious zoom lovers who:

• Need reach more than weatherproofing.
• Want a single camera for family events, birdwatching from a distance, or casual travel where ruggedness isn’t critical.
• Prefer AA batteries for convenience or emergency replacements.
• Can live with basic video and limited manual controls.

If size and speed aren’t priorities, and the zoom is king, the LZ30 delivers solid bang for the buck.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Tool for Your Vision

Both the Olympus TG-3 and Panasonic LZ30 offer compelling features for very different audiences.

The TG-3 packs modern tech and rugged design into a compact frame that can go places few cameras dare to follow. Its solid sensor, fast autofocus, and creative controls make it an ideal companion for enthusiasts aiming to shoot tough scenes, whether underwater macro, landscapes dripping with dynamic range, or fast-moving wildlife.

The Panasonic LZ30 stretches your reach with an impressive 35x zoom at an affordable price but pays the toll with bulk, slower performance, and weaker low-light imaging. It feels like a great “zoom for the cheapskate” who wants to capture distant details without breaking the bank - but not the one to reckon with for demanding image quality or rugged use.

So, if you’re prioritizing durability, image quality, and versatility, go TG-3. If you want long reach and easy battery swaps on a tight budget, the LZ30 won’t disappoint.

Happy shooting wherever your passion takes you!

Images integrated in context to provide visual clarity and aid direct comparison between these two intriguing photographic companions.