Panasonic FS12 vs Samsung NX30

Its time to look a little more closely at the Panasonic FS12 versus Samsung NX30, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Samsung. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the FS12 (12MP) and NX30 (20MP) and the FS12 (1/2.3") and NX30 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FS12 was manufactured 5 years earlier than the NX30 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Samsung NX30 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the FS12 grades versus the NX30 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 and Samsung NX30. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FS12 Gallery and Samsung NX30 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS12 has physical measurements of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Samsung NX30 has measurements of 127mm x 96mm x 58mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.3") and a weight of 375 grams (0.83 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FS12 versus Samsung NX30 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at the time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the FS12 versus the NX30.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FS12 and NX30 is 95 and 75 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions only by reading specs. The picture below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FS12 and NX30.

All in all, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FS12 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Samsung NX30 will offer you greater detail due to its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images far more aggressively. The more aged FS12 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.