Panasonic GX1 vs Panasonic ZS30

In this article, we are reviewing the Panasonic GX1 vs Panasonic ZS30, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are designed by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GX1 (16MP) and the ZS30 (18MP) is fairly comparable but the GX1 (Four Thirds) and ZS30 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The GX1 was revealed 10 months prior to the ZS30 and they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a short summary of how the GX1 matches up vs the ZS30 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GX1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GX1 comes with external dimensions of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") along with a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS30 has proportions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

See the Panasonic GX1 vs Panasonic ZS30 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the GX1 vs the ZS30.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GX1 and ZS30 is 87 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to envision the difference in sensor sizing just by going through specifications. The visual here may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the GX1 and ZS30.

Plainly, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GX1 with its larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic ZS30 will produce extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a little more aggressively. The older GX1 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.