Panasonic 3D1 vs Panasonic LZ30

On this page, we will be analyzing the Panasonic 3D1 vs Panasonic LZ30, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are manufactured by Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the 3D1 (12MP) and LZ30 (16MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The 3D1 was announced 14 months before the LZ30 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the 3D1 scores against the LZ30 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery & Panasonic LZ30 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic 3D1 comes with physical measurements of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LZ30 has measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") having a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic 3D1 vs Panasonic LZ30 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have at the time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the 3D1 compared to the LZ30.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 3D1 and LZ30 is 93 and 66 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading through technical specs. The visual underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the 3D1 and LZ30.

As you can tell, both cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Panasonic LZ30 to resolve greater detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older 3D1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.