Panasonic G3 vs Panasonic ZS30

Here is a extensive review of the Panasonic G3 and Panasonic ZS30, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are built by Panasonic. The resolution of the G3 (16MP) and the ZS30 (18MP) is pretty similar but the G3 (Four Thirds) and ZS30 (1/2.3") use different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The G3 was revealed 18 months before the ZS30 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise view of how the G3 grades vs the ZS30 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic G3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic G3 features 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 ZS30 has sizing of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

See the Panasonic G3 and Panasonic ZS30 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 choose at that moment. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the G3 vs the ZS30.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the G3 and ZS30 is 83 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading technical specs. The photograph here might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the G3 and ZS30.

As you can tell, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The G3 using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic ZS30 will offer you extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older G3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.