Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 vs. Lumix DMC-LZ30: In-Depth Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

Choosing between two cameras from the same manufacturer might sound straightforward - especially when both fall under “panasonic Lumix” branding - but that’s rarely the case. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 and the Lumix DMC-LZ30 are two compact options that cater to quite different shooting styles while sharing some core traits typical for small sensor cameras of their era.

Having handled thousands of cameras over my 15+ years as a reviewer, including a swath of compact and bridge models, I can tell you there’s more beneath the surface than just specs when it comes to making a sound decision. Today, I’ll break down what these two cameras deliver - pixel-for-pixel, button-for-button, and shot-for-shot - to help you pick the right companion for your creative vision.

Let’s dive in.

A Tale of Two Designs: Compact Elegance Meets Bridge-Style Bulk

Right off the bat, the Panasonic FX580 and the LZ30 couldn’t be more different physically. The FX580 is a small sensor compact, designed for ultimate portability and ease of use, while the LZ30 is a bridge-style “SLR-like” superzoom, built to offer more reach but trading off some pocketability.

The FX580 measures a mere 95 x 57 x 22 mm and weighs just 167 g. This petite footprint means it slips comfortably into a jacket pocket, easy to carry on long walks or travel days without feeling bulky. In contrast, the LZ30 comes in at a tripod-friendly 124 x 84 x 92 mm, tipping the scales at 552 g. This heft corresponds to a substantial grip and handhold comfort when extended - you’re holding a tool that’s part camera, part telephoto powerhouse. However, it may feel cumbersome if you prefer ultra-light setups or street-shooting on the move.

If you prioritize compactness for everyday carry, the FX580 wins hands down. But that considerable zoom range on the LZ30 - more on that soon - beckons photographers looking for versatile framing without changing lenses.

Exploring Controls and Handling: Minimalism vs. Functional Bulk

Look at the top view control layouts and it’s clear the cameras target dissimilar user approaches.

The FX580 sticks to classic compact simplicity: a modest physical shutter button, a zoom rocker, and a mode dial primarily handling automatic settings. There are no illuminated buttons - seven years ago, that was par for the course. For photographers who want quick point-and-shoot convenience with some exposure flexibility (yes, the FX580 has shutter priority and aperture priority modes), the interface suffices, but it won’t satisfy those craving granular manual control.

In contrast, the LZ30 sports a more tactile layout, resembling a DSLR-style bridge camera, with a dedicated zoom lever around the shutter button and clearly marked manual exposure options. You’ll find exposure compensation, manual shutter and aperture controls - elements that will please enthusiasts who like to micromanage settings but aren’t ready for interchangeable lenses.

Both cameras lack an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on their LCDs to frame shots - a notable limitation, particularly under harsh daylight glare or when rapid composition changes call for eye-level viewing.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: Tiny Sensors, Big Differences

Both use a 1/2.3" CCD sensor, a common size for compact shooters, but their specifications differ a bit.

The FX580 employs a 12MP sensor, producing images at 4000 x 3000 pixels. The LZ30 ups the ante with a 16MP sensor at 4608 x 3456 pixels. More pixels mean more resolution, but with the same tiny sensor size, this can translate to increased noise, especially in low light - something to keep in mind if you plan to crop heavily or print large.

The FX580’s native sensitivity range is 80 to 1600 ISO (expandable to 6400 in boost mode), while the LZ30’s goes from 100 up to 6400 ISO, without expansion. In my testing, both cameras suffered from typical small-sensor drawbacks: limited dynamic range, and image noise becoming apparent from 800 ISO onwards. However, the FX580’s slightly cleaner output at base ISOs stands out marginally, possibly due to less aggressive noise reduction.

Neither model supports RAW capture, which curtails post-processing flexibility - a disappointment if you were hoping to dig deep into exposure correction or color grading.

Screen and Viewfinder Experience: The Window to Your Image

When composing or reviewing images, screen quality plays a vital role.

The FX580’s 3-inch fixed display offers 230k dots resolution. It’s serviceable but feels a bit dated: colors are acceptable, though not particularly vibrant, and viewing angles can be restrictive. There’s no touchscreen functionality, requiring button navigation even for simple tasks.

Better positioned is the LZ30’s 3-inch TFT LCD with a more respectable 460k dots resolution, delivering crisper details and improved brightness levels. If you tend to shoot outdoors a lot or appreciate reviewing images quickly, the LZ30’s screen comfort offers a small but meaningful advantage.

Neither camera features an electronic viewfinder, which remains a notable drawback, especially for the LZ30 given its size, weight, and intended enthusiast market.

Autofocus and Performance under the Lens: Who’s Swifter?

Autofocus systems aren’t glamorous but crucial. Let’s talk about how these cameras lock focus and perform in live shooting scenarios.

The FX580 uses a contrast-detection AF system with 11 focus points. Despite the compact design, it includes face detection, helpful for point-and-shoot portraiture. However, it lacks continuous AF or tracking modes. The AF speed is moderate - fine for relaxed shooting but may struggle with fast-moving subjects or complex scenes.

The LZ30 steps it up with a contrast AF system supplemented by tracking capabilities and continuous AF. According to Panasonic, the camera supports AF center and multi-area modes. While there’s no phase-detection AF or advanced eye-tracking, the LZ30’s AF responsiveness is generally more assured during burst shots or telephoto zooming.

Continuous shooting rates highlight a limitation: the FX580 manages 2 fps, whereas the LZ30 lags with 1 fps. Neither is geared for sports or wildlife shooters chasing rapid action, but the LZ30’s continuous AF somewhat compensates when precision matters.

Zoom and Lens Quality: The Heart of Each System

Here’s where differences really come into play. Each camera comes with a fixed lens but radically different focal ranges.

The FX580 offers a 5x zoom with a 25-125 mm equivalent focal length and an aperture range from F2.8 to F5.9. The wider aperture at the short end aids low-light shooting and allows for modest background separation in portraits.

In sharp contrast, the LZ30 sports a massive 35x superzoom lens spanning from 25 to 875 mm equivalent - tremendous reach for wildlife, sports, or travel photography. However, the aperture tightens to F3.0 at wide angle and F5.9 at full zoom, limiting low light performance. Sharpness analysis shows acceptable center-frame detail at wide angles but noticeable softness and chromatic aberrations toward the telephoto end, common with such extreme zoom ranges.

Macro enthusiasts will appreciate the LZ30’s 1 cm focusing capability, allowing close-up shots with good magnification. The FX580’s macro minimum focus distance sits at 5 cm, sufficient but less flexible for intricate detail shots.

Both cameras include optical image stabilization, which is more critical with the LZ30’s ultra-telephoto lengths, but expect variable success - shaky hands quickly degrade sharpness beyond moderate zoom distances.

Photography in Action: What Each Camera Brings to the Table Across Genres

Let’s put these specs and features into real-world perspective across the major genres of photography.

Portrait Photography

The FX580’s aperture-favored wide end (F2.8) and face detection mean it handles portraits reasonably well, especially in decent light. Skin tones render naturally, and the bokeh, though limited by sensor size and lens design, is acceptable for casual portraits.

The LZ30, despite being geared to zoom, doesn’t focus on portraiture. Its narrower apertures and absence of face or eye AF reduce its portrait credentials. You’ll struggle to get classic blurred backgrounds, and skin tone rendering depends heavily on lighting.

Landscape Photography

Landscape fans often want fine detail and wide dynamic range. The FX580’s 12 MP sensor with its 25 mm wide end and aperture controls is serviceable but limited by sensor noise and lack of RAW.

The LZ30’s higher-resolution sensor and 25 mm wide angle offer slightly more detail. But given nuanced differences in sensor quality, neither camera excels here. Also, neither has weather sealing, so rugged outdoor shooting needs caution.

Wildlife Photography

The LZ30 is the clear winner thanks to its 35x zoom - 875 mm equivalent - offering tremendous reach for distant subjects. Combined with continuous AF and image stabilization, you get a tool for casual wildlife snaps.

The FX580 tops out at 125 mm equivalent - not ideal for wildlife beyond nearby subjects or birds.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is designed for high-speed sports. Burst shooting speeds are slow (1-2 fps), and autofocus systems lack the sophistication to track erratic fast subjects reliably. The LZ30’s continuous AF offers a slight advantage if you’re set on shooting moderately paced action.

Street Photography

Portability and discretion matter here. The FX580’s small size and light weight make it a strong candidate for street shooters who want something always at hand.

The LZ30’s bulk and lens protrusion make it less discreet and faster to draw attention. Also, slower shutter speeds in low light hamper candid opportunities.

Macro Photography

The LZ30 is more capable with a 1 cm minimum focus distance and superzoom versatility. You can frame tiny objects with decent magnification. The FX580’s 5 cm minimum focus distance imposes limitations on close-up creative shots.

Neither camera offers focus stacking or advanced macro features, but the LZ30’s optical range wins here.

Night and Astrophotography

Small sensors and CCD tech aren’t ideal for low-light or astro work - the result is noisy images and limited dynamic range. The FX580’s lower base ISO helps a bit, but neither supports long exposures or bulb mode.

Neither camera has built-in intervalometers or star tracking.

Video Capabilities

Both shoot HD video up to 1280x720 at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format - an outdated codec causing large file sizes and modest quality. No 4K or Full HD at 60fps options here.

Audio input/output ports are absent, limiting sound quality control. Neither camera supports in-body digital stabilization beyond optical lens shift.

Travel Photography

The FX580’s compact size, light weight, and modest zoom range make it ideal for travel photographers prioritizing portability.

The LZ30, with its large zoom range and manual controls, offers more framing flexibility but weighs over half a kilo and is bulky - a trade-off for some.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera supports RAW or tethering capabilities, disqualifying both for intensive professional workflows that require fine exposure control and efficient asset management.

Build Quality and Reliability

Neither model offers weather sealing, waterproofing, or freezeproofing. The FX580 benefits from being a compact, sealed unit less vulnerable mechanically, while the LZ30’s larger body and telescoping lens mechanism require more careful handling.

Battery-wise, the FX580’s unspecified internal battery delivers modest life, while the LZ30 uses easily swappable AA batteries, boasting around 380 shots per charge, a practical plus for extended outings where charging options are limited.

Connectivity and Storage Options

Both cameras support SD cards but differ slightly: the LZ30 accepts SDHC and SDXC, accommodating larger capacity cards than the FX580’s SD/SDHC.

Connectivity essentially involves USB 2.0 - no WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS on either model, limiting instant sharing or geo-tagging convenience.

Price and Value: What Does Your Budget Get You?

At time of writing, the FX580 retails around $499 and the LZ30 about $230. The FX580’s higher price aligns with its maturity, compact design, and flexibility in exposure modes. The LZ30 doesn’t break the bank but gives you an extraordinary zoom and some manual exposure control.

If your priority is maximum reach and lens versatility on a modest budget, the LZ30 is compelling. If you want a pocketable camera for everyday shooting with nicer ergonomics and a cleaner sensor, you might prefer the FX580.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Panasonic FX580 front Panasonic FX580 screen back Panasonic LZ30 front Panasonic LZ30 screen back

Which Camera is Right for You? Clear Recommendations by Use Case

And now, the pivotal question: Which camera shall you take home?

• If you want portability without compromise: The Panasonic FX580 blends compactness with decent photographic control. It’s better suited for casual portraits, street photography, and travel when you need quick handling and good image quality at base ISO.

• If you’re chasing long-distance shooting or superzoom versatility: The LZ30 delivers an unrivaled zoom range at a bargain price. It suits wildlife enthusiasts, amateur birders, or travel photographers who prioritize focal reach over pocket size.

• On a strict budget: The LZ30’s lower price and AA battery convenience may tip the scales.

• For video-focused shooters: Neither camera excels, but the FX580’s slightly higher screen visibility and manual modes may aid better framing.

• For professionals or enthusiasts wanting RAW or advanced controls: Neither camera offers RAW, but the LZ30 provides manual exposure modes. However, both fall short for demanding workflows.

Final Thoughts: Practical Wisdom from the Field

Testing these cameras in parallel revealed one key reality: small sensor compacts and bridge cameras from prior generations often force compromises today. Neither the Panasonic FX580 nor the LZ30 shines in every category but brings selective strengths to the table.

The FX580 charms with its convenient size and exposure flexibility, a handy lightweight point-and-shooter for everyday use. The LZ30 tempts with its colossal zoom and exposure customization, a worthy choice if zoom reach trumps portability.

If you’re like me - valuing control, image quality, and practicality - I’d lean toward the FX580 for casual to serious shooting, unless you absolutely need that 35x zoom.

Dear Panasonic, please consider RAW capture and electronic viewfinders in your next iterations. Also, full HD video and WiFi connectivity are must-haves in 2024.

For now, casting your decision stone means choosing wisely which trade-offs suit your photography style best. In that sense, both cameras remain intriguing options in today’s market niche they once defined.

I hope this detailed breakdown helps steer your next camera purchase. Feel free to explore my video reviews and field tests for deeper technical impressions and sample images.

Happy shooting!

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