Panasonic G5 vs Panasonic ZS30

In this article, we will be contrasting the Panasonic G5 vs Panasonic ZS30, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are produced by Panasonic. The image resolution of the G5 (16MP) and the ZS30 (18MP) is pretty close but the G5 (Four Thirds) and ZS30 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The G5 was manufactured 5 months before the ZS30 so they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic G5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the G5 scores vs the ZS30 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic G5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic G5 has outside dimensions of 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") with a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS30 has proportions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

See the Panasonic G5 vs Panasonic ZS30 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the G5 vs the ZS30.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the G5 and ZS30 is 74 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to see the difference in sensor measurements only by researching specifications. The visual underneath should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the G5 and ZS30.

Plainly, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The G5 featuring a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS30 will render more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively.