Panasonic G9 vs Panasonic ZS30

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic G9 and Panasonic ZS30, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are built by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the G9 (20MP) and the ZS30 (18MP) is pretty similar but the G9 (Four Thirds) and ZS30 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The G9 was revealed 4 years after the ZS30 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic G9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the G9 scores versus the ZS30 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic G9 Gallery and Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic G9 has external measurements of 137mm x 97mm x 92mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 658 grams (1.45 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS30 has measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic G9 and Panasonic ZS30 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the G9 versus the ZS30.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the G9 and ZS30 is 62 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to envision the gap between sensor sizes purely by reading technical specs. The image here should give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the G9 and ZS30.

As you have seen, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The G9 using its bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic G9 will offer you more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more recent G9 will have a benefit in sensor technology.