Panasonic LZ30 vs Panasonic S3

Following is a complete review of the Panasonic LZ30 versus Panasonic S3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are created by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the LZ30 (16MP) and the S3 (14MP) is pretty close and they come with the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The LZ30 was manufactured 2 years after the S3 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the LZ30 scores against the S3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic LZ30 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic LZ30 enjoys external measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S3 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

See the Panasonic LZ30 versus Panasonic S3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the LZ30 vs the S3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the LZ30 and S3 is 66 and 96 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizes simply by researching specs. The pic here may give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the LZ30 and S3.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Panasonic LZ30 to provide you with more detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The newer LZ30 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.