Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic ZS30

Lets take a more detailed look at the Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic ZS30, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are offered by Panasonic. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and ZS30 (18MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and ZS30 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The FS42 was manufactured 4 years earlier than the ZS30 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the FS42 grades versus the ZS30 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you should think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic FS42 has got outer dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS30 has sizing of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic ZS30 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the FS42 compared to the ZS30.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and ZS30 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizing purely by seeing technical specs. The graphic here should give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FS42 and ZS30.

As you can tell, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FS42 due to its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh more challenging and the Panasonic ZS30 will provide more detail due to its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics more aggressively. The older FS42 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.