Panasonic L1 vs Panasonic ZS30

Here, we will be analyzing the Panasonic L1 versus Panasonic ZS30, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both created by Panasonic. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and ZS30 (18MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and ZS30 (1/2.3") boast different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The L1 was manufactured 6 years prior to the ZS30 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple overview of how the L1 grades versus the ZS30 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic L1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic L1 has got external measurements of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS30 has measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check the Panasonic L1 versus Panasonic ZS30 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the L1 and the ZS30.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the L1 and ZS30 is 65 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to visualize the gap in sensor measurements simply by viewing specs. The visual below will offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the L1 and ZS30.

All in all, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The L1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic ZS30 will render greater detail due to its extra 11MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The older L1 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.