Panasonic GX7 vs Panasonic ZS30

In this write-up, we are looking at the Panasonic GX7 versus Panasonic ZS30, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GX7 (16MP) and the ZS30 (18MP) is fairly well matched but the GX7 (Four Thirds) and ZS30 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

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The GX7 was manufactured 11 months later than the ZS30 and they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GX7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the GX7 scores against the ZS30 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic GX7 Gallery & Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GX7 features external measurements of 123mm x 71mm x 55mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 2.2") accompanied by a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS30 has proportions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GX7 versus Panasonic ZS30 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have during that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the GX7 and the ZS30.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the GX7 and ZS30 is 81 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to imagine the gap between sensor measurements only by looking at technical specs. The graphic here will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the GX7 and ZS30.

As you can tell, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GX7 because of its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS30 will give you greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more recent GX7 should have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.