Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic LZ30: An In-Depth Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right camera is a nuanced decision grounded not only in specs but in how those specs translate into real-world use for your photography or videography style. In this comprehensive article, we pit two distinct Panasonic models against one another - the advanced mirrorless Lumix GH3 and the small sensor superzoom bridge camera Lumix LZ30 - to help you understand what each brings to the table. Drawing from extensive hands-on testing experience of thousands of cameras, I’ll dissect these options across multiple photography genres, technical parameters, and practical workflows to guide you toward the ideal tool for your needs.

Physical size and ergonomics contrast - GH3’s classic DSLR-style robustness vs. LZ30’s compact bridge camera form

First Impressions: Build, Design, and Handling

The Panasonic GH3, announced in 2012 as an upgrade to the GH2, manifests Panasonic’s commitment to mirrorless technology with a solid, professional-grade build. Crafted in a durable SLR-style mirrorless body, it opts for magnesium alloy construction with environmental sealing - making it dust and splash resistant (though not fully waterproof or shockproof). The signature articulating 3-inch OLED touchscreen offers excellent viewing versatility and touchscreen AF control, critical when shooting dynamically or video-centric workflows. Weighing 550 grams with dimensions of 133x93x82 mm, it strikes a balance between solid feel and manageable size.

In contrast, the Panasonic LZ30, a bridge superzoom model released in early 2013, presents a much more consumer-oriented design. It’s an SLR-like form factor but houses a smaller sensor with a fixed lens, embracing a compact and lightweight chassis (552 grams, 124x84x92 mm). The LCD is a 3-inch fixed TFT display without touch functionality, and notably, it lacks any electronic viewfinder - a significant omission for those used to composing through an EVF or OVF. Environmental sealing is absent, which confines it to fair-weather outings mostly. Battery life relies on 4 AA cells rather than proprietary battery packs, fitting for casual users but less so for prolonged shooting sessions.

Both cameras are designed with distinct user intents: the GH3 targets enthusiasts and semi-pros who demand versatility and robust feature sets, whereas the LZ30 aims at entry-level and casual photographers seeking an all-in-one affordable zoom camera without frequent lens changes.

Top panel layouts highlight GH3’s dedicated dials and customizable buttons versus LZ30’s minimalistic control scheme

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Difference

The GH3 uses a Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13 mm (approximately 225 mm² sensor area), boasting a resolution of 16 megapixels, sufficient for large prints and cropping flexibility; its sensor design features an anti-aliasing filter to balance moiré suppression against sharpness. By contrast, the LZ30 sports a much smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor of just 6.17x4.55 mm (approx. 28 mm²), also with 16 megapixels, but inevitably limited by the sensor size in terms of image quality performance, especially in low light.

These sensor restrictions manifest significantly in image characteristics. The GH3’s larger sensor coverage enables superior dynamic range (12.4 EV measured), greater color depth (22.7 bits), and much better noise control with a usable ISO range extending up to 12800. Meanwhile, the LZ30's small sensor - typical of point-and-shoot bridge cameras - has less nuance in tonality, lower dynamic range, and struggles beyond ISO 400, compounded by its CCD sensor’s age and design limitations.

This difference is crucial for serious photographers focused on image quality nuances - particularly landscape and portrait shooters who rely on sensor richness. The GH3’s raw output and Four Thirds size help preserve fine details and subtle gradations not possible with the LZ30’s JPEG-only, compressed approach.

Moreover, the GH3’s Micro Four Thirds mount supports over 100 lenses, ranging from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, creating remarkable versatility for diverse photographic demands. The LZ30’s fixed 25-875 mm equivalent zoom lens (F3.0-5.9 aperture) caters primarily to casual zoom enthusiasts but cannot compete in optical quality or fast-aperture flexibility, limiting creative control, especially depth-of-field effects.

Comparing sensor sizes shows why GH3 excels in image fidelity and low-light performance

Ergonomics and User Interface: Control and Usability Insights

The GH3 is equipped with comprehensive tactile controls - dedicated dials for shutter speed and aperture, plus custom buttons, and an OLED touchscreen with intuitive gesture input. Its electronic viewfinder, delivering 1744k dots with 100% field coverage and 0.67x magnification, facilitates precise manual focusing and composition in bright daylight or fast-paced environments. This setup suits photographers preferring tactile precision and freedom from the rear LCD for composition.

Conversely, the LZ30’s single fixed TFT screen offers only 460k dots resolution, no touch, and no EVF, relegating users to composing exclusively via LCD, which can be challenging in bright conditions. Controls are minimal and simplified, targeting ease of use over customization or speed. For beginners or those favoring point-and-shoot simplicity, this layout is approachable but limits creative control.

From an interface perspective, the GH3 excels with more advanced menu systems including custom white balance, several bracketing modes (AE, WB), multiple exposure modes (manual, aperture priority, shutter priority), and full RAW support - attributes absent on the LZ30, which offers just basic exposure compensation and no manual aperture or shutter speed adjustments in practice.

Back screen detail highlights GH3’s articulating OLED touchscreen versus LZ30 fixed LCD

Autofocus and Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Reliability

As a rugged mirrorless system, the GH3 features a sophisticated AF system based on contrast detection with 23 focus points, including face detection and tracking, plus touch AF capability. It excels in continuous autofocus and tracking modes, essential in genres like sports and wildlife photography where subject speed and unpredictability challenge the autofocus system.

The LZ30 employs a basic contrast-detection AF system with unspecified focus points and no face or eye detection, delivering adequate performance for static scenes but struggling with moving subjects, rapid refocusing, or complex lighting situations.

Performance-wise, the GH3 supports burst shooting up to an extraordinary 20 frames per second (fps) in continuous mode - albeit with some buffer limits - which is instrumental for action, sports, and wildlife work. The LZ30 tops out at a single frame per second continuous shooting mode, more suitable for casual photography and snapshots without fast-motion capture needs.

In low-light AF scenarios, the GH3’s AF system proved markedly more reliable and swift in my testing than the LZ30’s slower, hesitant focus confirmation. Practical implications here are evident: journalists, event photographers, or wildlife shooters will find the GH3’s AF system far better suited.

Video Capabilities: Prosumer Video Performance vs. Basic Recording

An important consideration, especially given Panasonic’s reputation, is video capability. The GH3 is the first Panasonic Lumix model to offer full HD video at 1080p up to 60fps with advanced formats including AVCHD and H.264 codec, enabling high-quality footage suitable for professional workflows. It also supports external microphones and headphone monitoring ports, a critical advantage for videographers seeking audio control. Additionally, the articulating touchscreen affords flexible framing during handheld video shoots.

The LZ30, in contrast, is confined to 720p HD video at 30fps using Motion JPEG format and lacks any audio input ports or significant video controls, making it only a casual video shooter’s choice. Combined with the small sensor and limited lens speed, the LZ30 is not suitable for serious video work or multimedia projects.

Specialized Photography Genres: Strengths and Limitations

Let’s now explore domain-specific performance, focusing on key photographic use cases:

Portrait Photography

• GH3 shines due to its larger sensor producing flattering skin tones, creamy bokeh from fast lenses (f/1.4–f/2.8 range achievable with Micro Four Thirds glass), and reliable face detection AF that prioritizes subject eyes and expressions.
• LZ30 cannot mimic shallow depth of field owing to sensor size and max aperture but can suffice for snapshots of family or friends under good lighting.

Landscape Photography

• The GH3’s dynamic range and color depth enable capturing intricate tonal variations in scenes with high contrast (sunsets, forests).
• Environmental sealing helps weather shoot durability.
• The LZ30’s small sensor and lack of RAW output reduce post-processing latitude and image quality for serious landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

• GH3’s advanced AF tracking and burst rate facilitate capturing fast animal movements, particularly with telephoto lenses.
• LZ30’s fixed zoom offers reach but lacks autofocus sophistication or speed.

Sports Photography

• Burst rate and tracking AF give GH3 a decisive edge for capturing peak action moments.
• LZ30’s limited frame rate restricts use to casual sports shots.

Street Photography

• GH3’s discreet operation can be hampered by its size but its silent electronic shutter (though limited) and autofocus adaptability serve well.
• LZ30’s moderate size and zoom ease candid shooting but inferior image quality and slow AF may limit effectiveness.

Macro Photography

• GH3 paired with dedicated macro lenses offers precise focusing and detail capture.
• LZ30’s 1cm macro focusing distance is convenient but image quality and depth focus control are limited.

Night and Astrophotography

• GH3’s low-light capability, extended ISO, and manual controls accompany astrophotography needs; longer exposures and silent shutter help reduce noise.
• LZ30’s high ISO noise and fixed aperture hamper night shooting.

Travel Photography

• GH3’s lens interchangeability covers wide-angle to telephoto, weather sealing enhances reliability, and battery life (approx 540 shots) supports extended days.
• LZ30’s superzoom covers versatile focal lengths without lens swaps, although poorer image quality and limited battery life (~380 shots from AA cells) pose trade-offs.

Professional Workflows

• GH3’s raw support, tethering capability via USB 2.0, and file format flexibility integrate into professional post-production pipelines.
• LZ30 is largely unsuitable for professional-grade output owing to JPEG-only capture and minimal manual controls.

Panasonic GH3 front Panasonic GH3 screen back Panasonic LZ30 front Panasonic LZ30 screen back

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

The GH3 uses a proprietary rechargeable battery pack delivering approximately 540 shots per charge under CIPA standards - commendable for a mirrorless camera. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards via a single slot, which keeps storage simple though somewhat limiting for long shoots.

The LZ30 uses four AA batteries, appealingly ubiquitous but less efficient for extensive shooting and adds weight. Officially offering around 380 shots per battery set, performance depends heavily on battery quality, with rechargeables recommended. It also supports SD card storage but interestingly adds internal memory, though minimal.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Wireless connectivity remains a key modern feature for cameras. The GH3 offers built-in Wi-Fi, facilitating image transfer and remote control via compatible mobile apps - a productivity boost during studio work or remote shooting.

The LZ30 omits wireless features altogether, reflecting its market positioning and typical price point.

Both cameras support USB 2.0 for file transfer, with the GH3 additionally sporting HDMI output for live monitoring or playback, a boon for video and tethered workflows.

Price and Value: Balancing Quality and Budget

At launch, the GH3 retailed around $799, positioning it firmly in the advanced mirrorless segment. Its combination of build quality, image fidelity, video features, and lens ecosystem offers significant value to enthusiasts and emerging professionals.

The LZ30’s much lower retail price (~$230) accommodates beginners or consumers needing a versatile zoom with little technical complexity. While image and video quality are modest, it provides a painless, budget-conscious way to capture everyday moments without investing in interchangeable lens systems.

When judged on price-to-performance metrics, the GH3 delivers greater long-term value for users prioritizing image and video quality and creative flexibility, while the LZ30 remains a reasonable choice for casual use with limited expectations.

Summing Up: Which Panasonic Camera Is Right for You?

Having navigated the extensive technical and practical comparisons above, let’s crystallize recommendations:

• Choose the Panasonic GH3 if you:

  • Demand robust image quality with a sizable Four Thirds sensor, especially for portraits, landscapes, and professional applications.
  • Need fast, versatile autofocus and high frame rates for action, wildlife, or sports.
  • Seek advanced video functionality at HD resolutions with pro-grade audio support.
  • Value environmental sealing, ruggedness, and an expandable lens ecosystem.
  • Want creative control with comprehensive manual settings.

• Choose the Panasonic LZ30 if you:

  • Are a casual shooter desiring a convenient, all-in-one zoom camera without lens swapping.
  • Prefer simple operation over manual control or pro features.
  • Have a tight budget and want solid zoom reach in a compact package.
  • Shoot mainly in good lighting and do not require significant post-processing flexibility.
  • Expect to share casual snapshots and short videos with fewer technical demands.

Final Thoughts from Experience

Drawing from long-term usage and comparative testing across a variety of shooting environments, the Panasonic GH3 stands out as a remarkably capable system camera that remains relevant for enthusiasts and semi-professionals years after release - its advanced sensor, solid build quality, and video prowess provide a professional-grade foundation at approachable pricing on the used market.

Conversely, while the LZ30 may appeal to beginners or those prioritizing convenience, it is best understood as a stepping stone entry point. Its compromises in sensor size, lens speed, and control limit artistic and technical exploration.

By understanding these core differences grounded in real-world performance, you can confidently align your camera choice to your photographic ambitions and practical requirements.

This concludes our detailed technical and practical comparison of the Panasonic Lumix GH3 versus the Panasonic Lumix LZ30. For more immersive insights, technical reviews, and sample galleries, stay tuned to our expert coverage.

About the Author

With over 15 years of hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras, I bring a rigorous, methodical approach to evaluating gear from sensor analysis to ergonomy and workflow impact, helping photographers and videographers make purchase decisions rooted in solid expertise.

Note: Specifications and performance scores cited are based on manufacturer data and independent test results available at the time of writing averaged with practical field experience.