Panasonic LF1 vs Sony HX30V

Let's look closer at the Panasonic LF1 versus Sony HX30V, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the LF1 (12MP) and HX30V (18MP) and the LF1 (1/1.7") and HX30V (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor size.

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The LF1 was brought out 22 months after the HX30V which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the LF1 scores against the HX30V in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic LF1 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic LF1 features external measurements of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs) and the Sony HX30V has sizing of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic LF1 versus Sony HX30V in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the LF1 vs the HX30V.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the LF1 and HX30V is 92 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to see the gap between sensor sizes just by looking at a spec sheet. The image below should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the LF1 and HX30V.

Clearly, each of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The LF1 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Sony HX30V will give you extra detail having its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures more aggressively. The more modern LF1 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.