Panasonic FP5 vs Panasonic ZS30

In this article, we are reviewing the Panasonic FP5 and Panasonic ZS30, former is a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both designed by Panasonic. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the FP5 (14MP) and ZS30 (18MP) but they possess the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The FP5 was manufactured 24 months before the ZS30 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple summary of how the FP5 grades vs the ZS30 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP5 Gallery & Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP5 offers physical measurements of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS30 has proportions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FP5 and Panasonic ZS30 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the FP5 against the ZS30.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FP5 and ZS30 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by checking out specifications. The picture here will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FP5 and ZS30.

Plainly, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You can expect to see the Panasonic ZS30 to provide extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The more aged FP5 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.