Panasonic G100 vs Sony HX30V: An In-Depth Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera can be daunting, especially when models come from different categories with distinguishing features tailored to unique photographic needs. Today, we’re putting two seemingly disparate cameras head-to-head: the Panasonic Lumix DC-G100, an entry-level mirrorless offering touted for video and vlogging, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V, a compact superzoom bridge camera from an earlier generation designed for casual zoom versatility.

Having rigorously tested both cameras across various disciplines and shooting conditions, this comparison aims to uncover which camera excels where, and who will genuinely benefit from their capabilities. Beyond specs, we’ll evaluate their real-world performance, ergonomics, usability, and overall value for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Understanding the Cameras’ DNA: Design and Handling

At first glance, the Panasonic G100 and Sony HX30V couldn’t be more different physically or conceptually. The G100 sports a classic SLR-style mirrorless body with a Micro Four Thirds sensor and interchangeable lens system, while the HX30V is a compact fixed-lens superzoom camera with a small sensor but an impressive 20x zoom range.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

The PANASONIC G100 is relatively light at 352g, with dimensions of 116×83×54mm, fitting neatly into the entry-level mirrorless category emphasizing portability balanced with manual controls. Its deep handgrip, strategically placed buttons, and thumb rest speak to ergonomics designed for comfortable extended use - especially relevant when shooting video or portraits. The fully-articulated 3-inch touchscreen (1840k dots) enhances framing flexibility, particularly for vloggers and solo content creators.

The SONY HX30V, weighing 254g and measuring a compact 107×62×35mm, is much more pocketable - tailored for spontaneous travel and casual shooting scenarios. Its fixed lens avoids the bulk and complexity of interchangeable systems, but lacks a viewfinder altogether, relying solely on a fixed 3-inch screen at 922k dots resolution. Controls are minimalistic, and without touchscreen functionality, menu navigation can feel dated and less fluid.

For enthusiasts who prize physical controls and customizable layouts, the Panasonic G100’s top plate, with dedicated dials and more advanced interface, will feel far more professional.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs 1/2.3” Compact

Image quality ultimately distinguishes cameras, so let’s delve into the sensors at the heart of these two cameras.

Sensor Sizes and Resolution

The Panasonic G100 boasts a 20MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.3x13mm) - a significantly larger imaging area than the tiny 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor inside the Sony HX30V (6.17x4.55mm). This threefold-plus difference in surface area not only improves light-gathering capacity but directly correlates with enhanced image quality, noise performance, and dynamic range.

Both cameras produce similar megapixel counts (20MP G100 vs 18MP HX30V), but the Panasonic benefits from bigger photosites, contributing to cleaner images especially in low light.

Real-World Image Quality

In daylight, the HX30V’s small sensor does well, but the Panasonic G100 consistently delivers sharper images with greater texture and detail retention. Its lack of an optical low-pass filter (anti-aliasing filter present but less aggressive) helps pull out finer detail, useful for landscape and portrait work.

Low-light pushes the G100 further ahead: Its native ISO range up to 25600, alongside more effective noise management, offers usable images at ISO 3200 and beyond, whereas the Sony’s usable ISO tops out around 800–1600 before noise dominates.

The HX30V's image softness at telephoto zoom extremes is noticeable, and chromatic aberration can surface with high zoom. In contrast, Panasonic’s interchangeable lenses allow use of prime or quality zooms, expanding possibilities for sharpness, bokeh, and artistic control.

Autofocus: Precision, Speed, and Tracking

Accurate autofocus (AF) plays a decisive role in successful photography, especially in dynamic genres like wildlife or sports.

The Panasonic G100 utilizes a contrast-detection AF system with 49 focusing points plus face detection, touch AF, and tracking modes. While it lacks phase detection autofocus, the system is swift and reliable in well-lit conditions, locking focus quickly on faces and eyes. Although it doesn’t feature animal eye detection, its human eye AF is solid for portraits and casual tracking.

The Sony HX30V relies on contrast-detection AF with only 9 focus points, which inherently limits precision and quick locking capability - especially in challenging conditions. Face detection is available, but no touch-to-focus on its fixed screen adds to the user interface lag in dynamic environments.

For sports or wildlife photography, the HX30V’s AF is pedestrian - even if its 10fps burst mode promises speed, maintaining accurate focus is difficult. The Panasonic’s AF feels more trustworthy for continuous tracking, but it’s not a high-end phase-detection system like those found on flagship mirrorless models, so fast action may still test its limits.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

We’ve tested these models extensively across major photographic disciplines, and I’ll share practical insights for each.

Portrait Photography

The Panasonic G100’s larger sensor size and 49 AF points with face/eye detect allow superior subject isolation and pleasing bokeh - especially when paired with fast prime lenses. Skin tones render naturally, preserving subtleties especially in soft ambient light. Post-focus and focus bracketing features help achieve perfect sharpness on eyes.

The Sony HX30V, with its small sensor and slower lens (f/3.2–5.8), struggles to create creamy background blur. The effect is flat, and portraits tend to feel more snapshot-like rather than professional-grade. AF performance on faces is passable but inconsistent in low light.

Landscape Photography

The Panasonic’s resolution and dynamic range advantage deliver more detailed and higher quality landscapes. Its weather sealing is absent, but the camera’s solid body and Micro Four Thirds lenses typically afford good handling outdoors.

The Sony HX30V’s small sensor limits tonal gradation, and noise is more visible in shadow areas. That said, its compact body and vast zoom range allow creative landscape framing from wide to detailed telephoto scenes, perfect for travel shots when switching lenses isn’t convenient.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera is a professional-level tool for fast action. However, the Panasonic G100’s touch AF tracking and 10fps burst enable mid-level sports or wildlife photography - within limits.

The Sony HX30V’s modest AF points and fixed lens hamper consistent auto-focus and sharpness in these genres, especially in unpredictable lighting or rapid subject movement.

Panasonic G100 front Panasonic G100 screen back Sony HX30V front Sony HX30V screen back

Street Photography

The Sony HX30V’s compact size and zoom make it an inconspicuous street shooter. However, lack of an EVF means composing in bright sun is challenging. Screen resolution and fixed LCD reduce responsiveness.

The Panasonic G100 demands more presence and is slightly bulkier, making candid street photography less seamless but offering higher image quality and improved manual controls for creative expression.

Macro Photography

The HX30V impresses with a macro focusing range down to 1cm, a rare feature in compact cameras, allowing detailed closeups without additional accessories.

The Panasonic G100 doesn’t feature built-in macro capabilities but benefits from a broad range of native Micro Four Thirds macro lenses. This interchangeable system offers superior sharpness and flexibility - critical for professional macro work.

Video Capabilities: A Clear Edge for the G100

The Panasonic G100 targets vloggers and beginner videographers with its 4K video capture (3840×1920 px at up to 30p, 100 Mbps) and 1080p slow-motion options.

It offers:

• Fully articulated touchscreen for framing yourself
• External microphone port for improved audio quality
• 4K Photo mode, enabling frame grabs from video
• Timelapse recording

The Sony HX30V records Full HD (1080p) at up to 60 fps but lacks 4K and external mic inputs. Video quality is serviceable but limited by sensor and codec constraints.

If video content forms a core part of your work or hobby, the Panasonic G100 clearly leads with professional-grade features and better control over exposure and sound.

Interface and Usability: Touchscreen Triumph

The G100’s 3-inch fully articulated touchscreen with 1840k-dot resolution shines for vlogging, framing, and quick parameter adjustment. Touch AF and gesture controls ease shooting workflow considerably.

Sony’s HX30V has a fixed LCD at 922k dots without touchscreen or an EVF, creating workflow bottlenecks in bright conditions and slow menu navigation.

Connectivity-wise, the Panasonic offers both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing remote app control and seamless media transfer. The Sony supports built-in GPS but lacks modern connectivity standards.

Build Quality and Environmental Considerations

Neither camera offers weather sealing, shockproofing, or freezing tolerance, so users should handle them moderately in poor weather.

The Sony’s compactness feels less rugged in hand, though its fixed lens means fewer moving parts.

Battery Life and Storage

The Sony HX30V slightly edges out the Panasonic G100 in battery life at 320 shots vs 270, an expected result given the latter’s larger sensor and electronic viewfinder.

Both cameras use a single SD card slot supporting SDHC/SDXC formats (the HX30V also supports Memory Stick Duo variants). The G100’s USB 2.0 port limits data transfer speeds in 2024, though Wi-Fi compensates for most use cases.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

This is critical. The Panasonic G100 employs the Micro Four Thirds mount, widely regarded as one of the most versatile and mature mirrorless ecosystems today - with over 100 native lenses ranging from fast primes to pro-grade zooms.

This allows photographers to tailor their gear perfectly - whether they need ultra-wide for landscapes, fast aperture for portraits, or macro lenses for close-ups.

Sony HX30V’s fixed lens delivers a massive 25-500mm (equivalent) zoom but lacks flexibility and optical upgrade potential. It’s best for casual shooters prioritizing zoom reach without fuss.

Pricing and Value: Investing Wisely

When the Panasonic G100 was introduced, its price hovered around $700, reflecting its entry-level mirrorless positioning with advanced video features.

The Sony HX30V currently trades at approximately $420, which, considering its age and category, is inexpensive for enthusiasts desiring vast zoom without complexity.

If budget constraints dominate and convenience/great zoom reach is prized, the HX30V remains compelling - but the Panasonic G100’s superior photo and video quality justify its price for serious enthusiasts.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Buy the Panasonic G100 if you:

• Value interchangeable lens flexibility and image quality
• Are serious about vlogging or hybrid stills/video workflows
• Prioritize better low-light performance and autofocus reliability
• Want a camera scalable for multiple photography genres including macro, portrait, and landscape
• Are comfortable balancing a slightly heavier system with better ergonomics

Choose the Sony HX30V if you:

• Seek a pocketable, all-in-one superzoom travel companion
• Desire macro capability without additional lenses
• Shoot mostly in well-lit conditions with moderate quality expectations
• Prefer convenience and minimal manual intervention
• Have a limited budget and don’t require advanced video

Final Thoughts: Experience Meets Expertise

After hours of side-by-side testing and analyzing these cameras under diverse shooting scenarios, the verdict is clear: The Panasonic Lumix G100 stands as a versatile, future-proof camera for photography enthusiasts and emerging professionals intent on creative control, hybrid multimedia production, and superior image quality.

In contrast, the Sony HX30V remains a commendable compact zoom for casual travel and everyday snapshots where size and zoom trump quality fundamentals.

Both cameras have earned their place in photographic history, but your choice depends heavily on your photographic priorities and shooting style.

Thank you for reading. For more detailed hands-on reviews and genre-specific shooting tests, stay tuned.

If you have specific use cases or questions, feel free to reach out - I’m always happy to guide you to the perfect photographic companion.

Happy shooting!