Panasonic FS42 vs Samsung ST30
95 Imaging
33 Features
10 Overall
23


98 Imaging
32 Features
18 Overall
26
Panasonic FS42 vs Samsung ST30 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.5" Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 1000 (Increase to 6400)
- 640 x 480 video
- 33-132mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
- 132g - 98 x 55 x 22mm
- Revealed April 2009
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 0 - 0
- 640 x 480 video
- ()mm (F) lens
- 87g - 82 x 52 x 17mm
- Launched January 2011

Panasonic FS42 vs Samsung ST30 Overview
Below, we will be comparing the Panasonic FS42 and Samsung ST30, both Ultracompact digital cameras by rivals Panasonic and Samsung. The resolution of the FS42 (10MP) and the ST30 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the FS42 (1/2.5") and ST30 (1/3") come with different sensor size.

The FS42 was introduced 21 months earlier than the ST30 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Ultracompact).
Before going in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the FS42 grades against the ST30 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Panasonic FS42 vs Samsung ST30 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Samsung ST30. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Samsung ST30 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Panasonic FS42 over the Samsung ST30
FS42 | ST30 |
---|
Reasons to pick Samsung ST30 over the Panasonic FS42
ST30 | FS42 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | January 2011 | ![]() | April 2009 | Fresher by 21 months |
Screen dimension | 3" | ![]() | 2.5" | Bigger screen (+0.5") |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper screen (+230k dot) |
Common features in the Panasonic FS42 and Samsung ST30
FS42 | ST30 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Lack of manual focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | No Touch screen |
Panasonic FS42 vs Samsung ST30 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS42 provides outside dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Samsung ST30 has proportions of 82mm x 52mm x 17mm (3.2" x 2.0" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 87 grams (0.19 lbs).
Compare the Panasonic FS42 and Samsung ST30 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the FS42 versus the ST30.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and ST30 is 95 and 98 respectively.

Panasonic FS42 vs Samsung ST30 Sensor Comparison
Often, it can be difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing purely by reading through specifications. The visual below will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS42 and ST30.
Plainly, both the cameras posses the exact same MP albeit different sensor sizing. The FS42 offers the bigger sensor which is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier. The older FS42 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.

Panasonic FS42 vs Samsung ST30 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic FS42 vs Samsung ST30 Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 | Samsung ST30 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Panasonic | Samsung |
Model type | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 | Samsung ST30 |
Type | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Revealed | 2009-04-17 | 2011-01-19 |
Physical type | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.5" | 1/3" |
Sensor measurements | 5.744 x 4.308mm | 4.8 x 3.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 24.7mm² | 17.3mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10 megapixels | 10 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | - |
Max resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4608 x 3456 |
Max native ISO | 1000 | - |
Max enhanced ISO | 6400 | - |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | - |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 33-132mm (4.0x) | () |
Maximal aperture | f/2.8-5.9 | - |
Macro focusing range | 5cm | - |
Focal length multiplier | 6.3 | 7.5 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 2.5 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 230k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 60 secs | 8 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 2.0fps | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 6.30 m | - |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync | - |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 640 x 480 |
Max video resolution | 640x480 | 640x480 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | - |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | none |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 132g (0.29 pounds) | 87g (0.19 pounds) |
Dimensions | 98 x 55 x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") | 82 x 52 x 17mm (3.2" x 2.0" x 0.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | - |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC card, Internal | - |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Retail cost | $580 | $55 |