Panasonic ZS80 vs Sony HX30V

Here, we will be reviewing the Panasonic ZS80 and Sony HX30V, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS80 (20MP) and the HX30V (18MP) is relatively close and both cameras have the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The ZS80 was manufactured 6 years later than the HX30V and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the ZS80 scores versus the HX30V with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS80 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS80 provides outer dimensions of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") along with a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Sony HX30V has sizing of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS80 and Sony HX30V in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS80 compared to the HX30V.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS80 and HX30V is 86 and 90 respectively.

Normally, its tough to picture the gap in sensor measurements merely by looking through technical specs. The graphic here will give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS80 and HX30V.

As you can tell, the two cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different MP. You should count on the Panasonic ZS80 to render more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The newer ZS80 should have an edge in sensor tech.