Panasonic FP2 vs Panasonic LZ30: An Expert Camera Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing a camera in today’s crowd of compact and superzoom models can be overwhelming. Even more so when you’re considering older models like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 (“FP2”) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 (“LZ30”). While both are entry-level, affordable options aimed at casual users, they offer distinct features that impact their practical use for various photography genres and creative projects.

With over 15 years in hands-on camera testing, I’ve put these two under the microscope to help you understand how they perform in real-world conditions. This detailed comparison will help you decide which model suits your photo and video goals, whether you’re a beginner looking for a simple point-and-shoot or someone who wants a versatile superzoom for travel and creative exploration.

Getting a Feel for the Cameras: Size, Weight, and Handling

Physical dimensions and weight matter a lot depending on where and how you plan to shoot. Let’s start by comparing the form factors:

The FP2’s slim, ultracompact design makes it incredibly portable - ideal if you want something to slip into a pocket or small bag and snap photos on the go. Its minimalist shape suits street and travel photographers who prioritize discreteness and lightness over extensive controls.

On the other hand, the LZ30’s bridge camera style gives it a more substantial grip and a larger body. It’s heavier but provides a more secure hold and better ergonomics for extended shooting sessions, especially with long telephoto focal lengths. If you want enhanced zoom capabilities and some manual controls without carrying a DSLR, the LZ30 balances that well.

The top control layouts follow this ergonomic philosophy: the FP2 is simple with minimal buttons, great for casual snaps but limiting for creative control, while the LZ30 offers some manual exposure options and a more traditional camera dial and button setup - a step up for users craving more interaction without complexity.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Core of Your Photos

Both cameras use 1/2.3" CCD sensors, which is typical for this class but comes with pros and cons:

A slight resolution advantage goes to the LZ30, with 16 megapixels compared to 14 MP on the FP2. But in practical terms, image quality differences will be subtle and highly dependent on lighting conditions, sensor-processing capabilities, and lens quality.

CCD sensors traditionally excel at rich color rendition and low noise in daylight but can falter at higher ISOs and in dim environments compared to modern CMOS sensors. Both cameras max out at ISO 6400, but expect noise issues above ISO 400 due to the smaller sensor size and older processing engines.

Image processing lies with the Venus Engine IV in the FP2, whereas the LZ30’s processor details aren’t specified but perform similarly in JPEG output quality.

Bottom line: You get solid, serviceable quality for snapshots and prints up to A4 size, but both cameras fall behind modern CMOS-based compacts and mirrorless models in dynamic range and high ISO performance.

Lenses and Zoom: Reach and Flexibility in Framing Your Shot

The clear winner in zoom versatility is the LZ30, with a massive 35× zoom range from wide 25mm to a super-telephoto 875mm equivalent. This type of reach is ideal for wildlife, sports, or any shooting scenario where you cannot get close to your subject. Its 1cm macro focus capability also outdoes the FP2’s 10 cm minimum.

The FP2, however, is better suited for general travel and street shooting. Its 35-140mm range covers classic portrait and walk-around focal lengths with better wide-angle coverage than the LZ30’s start point (25mm). Though less flexible, its lens produces respectable image quality in daylight.

Both have optical image stabilization, critical for reducing shakes at longer focal lengths, especially on the LZ30 given its extreme zoom. This extends handheld usability but won't replace the stability of a tripod for night or astro photography.

Viewing and Interface: How You Frame and Adjust Your Shots

The LZ30’s 3-inch 460k-dot TFT LCD provides a sharper, brighter display than the FP2’s smaller, lower-resolution panel. This makes framing, reviewing, and navigating menus more comfortable, especially in outdoor lighting.

Neither model offers a viewfinder, which can be a drawback in bright daylight and for precision composition, but at these price points, it's common.

Both lack touchscreen capability - an ergonomic downside in comparison to recent compact models - but traditional buttons and dials suffice once you get familiar with their menus.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Decisive Moment

The FP2 supports a more snappy 5 frames per second burst, useful for casual action or multiple shots, while the LZ30 only manages 1 fps. However, the LZ30 offers continuous AF and tracking modes, which help maintain focus on moving subjects - a benefit for shooting wildlife or sports in motion. The FP2’s single AF limits you to static subject capture.

Neither camera includes face or eye detection, which modern compacts often provide for improved portrait results.

Video Capabilities: Can They Double as Vlogging Cameras?

Both cameras deliver HD 720p video at 30 fps encoded in Motion JPEG - a dated format compared to modern standards that affects file size adversely and limits editing flexibility.

Neither offers external microphone inputs or headphone monitoring, limiting audio control for video creators. Optical stabilization helps smooth footage slightly but these cameras are not tailored for serious video work.

If you’re entering video recording casually, both suffice, but for dedicated vlogging or advanced filmmaking, they lack essential features (4K, image profiles, log recording).

Panasonic FP2 front Panasonic FP2 screen back Panasonic LZ30 front Panasonic LZ30 screen back

Real-World Image Quality in Various Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• FP2: Produces decent skin tones under natural light, but lacks sharp eye detection or face tracking. The 35mm wide angle and 4× zoom can produce pleasant background blur at 140mm telephoto, but its f/3.5-5.9 aperture limits bokeh quality.
• LZ30: Slightly better resolution improves detail on portraits, and its 32mm wide-angle (equivalent) gives a bit more framing confinement. Lack of face detection remains a limitation.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras’ dynamic ranges are limited by CCD sensors and small sensor size, resulting in clipped highlights in high-contrast scenes. Use exposure bracketing manually for HDR.
• The LZ30’s wider zoom range adds flexibility but not better sharpness.
• Weather sealing is absent on both - avoid wet or dusty environments.

Wildlife Photography

• The LZ30 excels with its extreme 35× zoom and AF tracking mode; you get better reach and potential to capture distant subjects.
• The FP2’s shorter zoom and single AF mode limit its use here.

Sports Photography

• Neither camera is optimized for sports but the FP2’s higher burst rate gives a slight edge.
• AF tracking on the LZ30 helps but slow continuous shooting limits capture success.

Street Photography

• FP2’s compact size and portability make it more discreet.
• LZ30’s bulk and longer zoom make it more conspicuous.

Macro Photography

• The LZ30’s 1 cm macro focus beats FP2’s 10 cm, offering better close-up detail without additional lenses.

Night/Astro Photography

• Limited by sensor tech and max ISO noise, neither camera is a strong choice for astrophotography or challenging low-light scenes. Use a tripod and long exposure where possible.

Travel Photography

• FP2’s compactness and lightweight appeal to travelers prioritizing portability.
• LZ30’s battery life (~380 shots with 4 AA batteries) and zoom versatility appeal for varied travel scenes but at a weight cost.

Professional Work

• Both cameras lack RAW support, limiting professional workflow integration.
• Limited manual controls (better on LZ30) restrict creative precision.
• Not suitable for studio or commercial professional use.

Building the Camera Ecosystem: Lenses, Accessories, and Expandability

Neither camera supports interchangeable lenses - they both have fixed lenses, limiting creative optical versatility.

Connectivity is minimal for both:

• No wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC)
• USB 2.0 ports only for image transfers
• No HDMI or external microphone inputs

Battery-wise, the FP2’s specifications are vague, but its small size indicates a tiny lithium-ion cell. The LZ30 uses standard AA batteries, a mixed blessing:

• AA batteries are easily replaceable worldwide, ideal for travel.
• But they add bulk and weight and may require frequent swaps in heavy use.

For storage, both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, widely available and easy to upgrade.

How They Stack Up Overall: Performance Ratings Summary

Matching Each Camera to Your Photography Genre

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

Both the Panasonic FP2 and LZ30 are budget-friendly, user-friendly cameras suited for entry-level photography. However, their design philosophies diverge significantly:

• Choose the Panasonic FP2 if:

  • You want a truly pocketable, ultracompact camera.
  • Your priority is simplicity, portability, and casual street or travel photography.
  • You prefer a higher frame rate for quick capture of moments.
  • You are okay with limited zoom and manual controls.

• Opt for the Panasonic LZ30 if:

  • You need massive zoom reach (35×) for wildlife or distant subjects.
  • You want basic manual exposure controls and improved focusing options.
  • You don’t mind carrying a larger, heavier camera.
  • You prefer better LCD quality and longer battery life with easy-to-replace AA cells.
  • You aim to shoot macro subjects closely.

Recommendations and Getting the Most Out of Your Camera

• For both cameras, pair them with a fast SD card to optimize buffer and shooting speed.
• Consider small tripods or monopods if you plan telephoto or macro work with the LZ30.
• Take advantage of optical image stabilization but remember it won’t replace good shooting techniques in low light.
• Explore post-processing software to enhance dynamic range and reduce noise.
• If you want to grow photography skills beyond these models, consider cameras with RAW support, face/eye AF, and improved autofocus systems.

As always, hands-on experience is invaluable. If possible, try both cameras in store or with friends to feel their ergonomics and response. Your creative journey deserves tools that suit your style, whether that’s fast street shooting or long-range zoom adventures. Both Panasonic FP2 and LZ30 serve as stepping stones into photography and offer affordable ways to build skills - check them out and find the right fit for your vision.

Happy shooting!