Panasonic GH4 vs Panasonic ZS30

Here, we are matching up the Panasonic GH4 versus Panasonic ZS30, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both manufactured by Panasonic. The resolution of the GH4 (16MP) and the ZS30 (18MP) is very well matched but the GH4 (Four Thirds) and ZS30 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GH4 was manufactured 14 months later than the ZS30 making them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GH4 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick overview of how the GH4 matches up versus the ZS30 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic GH4 Gallery and Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GH4 has exterior dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 84mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.3") with a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS30 has dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GH4 versus Panasonic ZS30 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the GH4 against the ZS30.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the GH4 and ZS30 is 66 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements only by checking a spec sheet. The visual here will provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the GH4 and ZS30.

Clearly, each of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GH4 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS30 will give you extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images way more aggressively. The fresher GH4 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.