Panasonic G3 vs Panasonic LZ30

The following is a in-depth assessment of the Panasonic G3 and Panasonic LZ30, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the G3 (16MP) and the LZ30 (16MP) is very well matched but the G3 (Four Thirds) and LZ30 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The G3 was released 18 months earlier than the LZ30 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the G3 matches up versus the LZ30 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic G3 Gallery & Panasonic LZ30 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic G3 provides exterior measurements of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ30 has measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic G3 and Panasonic LZ30 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the G3 versus the LZ30.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the G3 and LZ30 is 83 and 66 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reading through technical specs. The pic below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the G3 and LZ30.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count but not the same sensor dimensions. The G3 contains the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallow DOF less difficult. The more aged G3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.