Panasonic FP3 vs Panasonic LZ30

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Panasonic FP3 versus Panasonic LZ30, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both created by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FP3 (14MP) and the LZ30 (16MP) is pretty similar and they come with the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FP3 was released 4 years prior to the LZ30 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the FP3 matches up versus the LZ30 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FP3 Gallery and Panasonic LZ30 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FP3 features outer dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LZ30 has dimensions of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") and a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).

See the Panasonic FP3 versus Panasonic LZ30 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the FP3 against the LZ30.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FP3 and LZ30 is 95 and 66 respectively.

Normally, its tough to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements merely by going over technical specs. The visual here will give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP3 and LZ30.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Panasonic LZ30 to offer you more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older FP3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.