Panasonic FS7 vs Panasonic LZ30

Here, we are reviewing the Panasonic FS7 vs Panasonic LZ30, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are produced by Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the FS7 (10MP) and LZ30 (16MP) and the FS7 (1/2.5") and LZ30 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FS7 was revealed 5 years prior to the LZ30 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS7 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the FS7 matches up versus the LZ30 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS7 Gallery and Panasonic LZ30 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS7 comes with outside measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") and a weight of 139 grams (0.31 lbs) and the Panasonic LZ30 has measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FS7 vs Panasonic LZ30 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using during that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the FS7 compared to the LZ30.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FS7 and LZ30 is 95 and 66 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to picture the gap between sensor measurements simply by looking at specifications. The visual here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FS7 and LZ30.

Plainly, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FS7 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic LZ30 will give extra detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images way more aggressively. The older FS7 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.