Panasonic FS12 vs Sony HX30V

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Panasonic FS12 versus Sony HX30V, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the FS12 (12MP) and HX30V (18MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The FS12 was introduced 3 years before the HX30V and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the FS12 matches up versus the HX30V with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FS12 Gallery & Sony HX30V Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS12 has external dimensions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Sony HX30V has dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FS12 versus Sony HX30V in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the FS12 and the HX30V.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FS12 and HX30V is 95 and 90 respectively.

Normally, its tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements merely by going over a spec sheet. The photograph underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FS12 and HX30V.

Clearly, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You can expect to see the Sony HX30V to offer more detail using its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older FS12 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.