Panasonic FZ80 vs Panasonic ZS30

On this page, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FZ80 and Panasonic ZS30, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and they are both manufactured by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FZ80 (18MP) and the ZS30 (18MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FZ80 was brought out 4 years later than the ZS30 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a quick overview of how the FZ80 matches up versus the ZS30 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FZ80 Gallery and Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ80 enjoys external measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") accompanied by a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS30 has dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

See the Panasonic FZ80 and Panasonic ZS30 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the FZ80 versus the ZS30.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ80 and ZS30 is 63 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it can be tough to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements only by checking a spec sheet. The visual here will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ80 and ZS30.

Clearly, both the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the same resolution and you should expect similar quality of files however you have to take the production date of the products into consideration. The more recent FZ80 provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.