Head-to-Head: Panasonic Lumix LZ30 vs Pentax MX-1 – Which Small Sensor Camera Deserves Your Money?

As someone who’s spent over a decade peeling back the layers of countless cameras - and pocketing bruises from clubs for thumbs induced by awkward ergonomics - I’m always on the lookout for devices that make life easier without burning a hole in your wallet. Today, we’re diving deep into two 2013-era small-sensor compacts that target different user profiles but often appear side-by-side in discussions: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 (aka LZ30) and the Pentax MX-1. Both have their charm, quirks, and a place in history, but which one deserves your attention now? Grab your cuppa and let’s break down the details.

A Matter of Size, Shape, and Feel: Ergonomics and Handling

Before snapping any shots, touching and feeling a camera can make or break your experience. The Panasonic LZ30 is a bridge camera - an SLR-style body that bills itself as a superzoom - while the Pentax MX-1 is more of a refined compact.

At 124x84x92mm and 552g, the LZ30 is noticeably bulkier and heavier than the sleeker MX-1, which measures a much more travel-friendly 122x61x51mm and weighs just 391g. The Panasonic’s chunkier grip feels secure but can tire your hands faster during long shooting sessions. The MX-1’s more compact body feels refined and surprisingly solid for such size.

Looking from above reveals the LZ30’s sprawling control layout spread across a sizeable top plate with clusters of buttons and a standard fixed 3” TFT screen - nothing fancy, but practical. The MX-1’s controls feel more deliberate and lens-centered with its brighter f/1.8-2.5 optics, which extends into a neat related cluster around the lens housing.

Ergo takeaway: If you want a grab-and-shoot heavy zoom that feels like a mini-DSLR, Panasonic wins. If you prefer something pocketable with thoughtful controls that reward engagement, Pentax’s MX-1 is your pal.

Sensor Showdown: Image Quality and Specs Under the Microscope

When weighing small sensor cameras, sensor size, type, and resulting image quality often make the crucial difference.

• Panasonic LZ30: 1/2.3" CCD, 16MP nominal resolution, max ISO 6400 (no RAW), max resolution 4608x3456.
• Pentax MX-1: Larger 1/1.7" CMOS sensor, 12MP, max ISO 12800, 4000x3000 resolution, with RAW support.

In theory, the MX-1’s larger sensor and CMOS design should yield better dynamic range, improved low-light response, and more flexibility in post-processing thanks to RAW support. The LZ30’s CCD sensor captures fine details but generally suffers from narrower dynamic range and more noise at higher ISOs - remember this is a consumer-focused superzoom after all.

DxOMark scores back this up: The MX-1 scores a respectable 49 (color depth 20.4 bits, dynamic range 11.3 EV, low-light ISO 208), while the LZ30 hasn’t been tested extensively by DxO but generally trails these metrics by a noticeable margin.

In practice: The MX-1’s images exhibit cleaner shadows, richer color gradations, and more latitude for creative edits. The LZ30 offers punchy JPEG straight out of camera but with a more limited dynamic range and softer detail at pixel-peeping levels.

The Lens Race: Zoom Range, Aperture, and Bokeh

Here’s where these two cameras really diverge in philosophy.

The Panasonic LZ30 boasts an enormous 25–875mm equivalent zoom range (35× optical zoom!) with a modest f/3.0-5.9 aperture. That 875mm telephoto reach is astonishing for this price and size class, perfect for wildlife or sports shooters who can't carry bigger gear.

The Pentax MX-1 features a more restrained 28–112mm equivalent zoom with a bright f/1.8-2.5 aperture range, allowing for excellent low-light shooting and shallow depth-of-field control at the wide end.

Macro capability: Both cameras can focus as close as 1cm, offering respectable macro flexibility.

• Panasonic’s superzoom: Great reach but at the cost of slower apertures that struggle in dim lighting and reduced bokeh quality.
• Pentax’s fast lens: Enables creamier background blur and performs much better at isolating subjects, ideal for portraits and artistic shots.

If silky smooth bokeh and subject isolation are priorities, the MX-1 reigns. If you can’t resist the allure of extreme zoom (even at moderate apertures), the LZ30 serves you better.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking Action and Precision

Autofocus performance can’t be ignored - getting the shot right often depends on how fast and accurately the camera locks focus.

Both cameras use contrast-detection AF, which is standard for compacts and bridge cameras, but with varying implementations.

The Panasonic LZ30 employs continuous autofocus and tracking modes but lacks selective area AF or face detection. Autofocus points aren’t clearly specified but the system leans towards simplicity and ease rather than sophistication.

The Pentax MX-1 steps up with 25 autofocus points, face detection, and more customizable autofocus modes. It can track faces better and perform more precise focusing due to its advanced algorithms.

Continuous shooting speed is a modest 1 fps on both bodies, so sporting fast action may not be ideal, but the MX-1 edges ahead slightly with better AF responsiveness.

For wildlife and sports enthusiasts: Relying on either for rapid continuous action is a compromise. However, for casual birdwatching or sports events, the LZ30’s zoom could be handy, and the MX-1’s AF accuracy could yield higher keeper rates.

Screen and Viewing Experience: Your Window to the World

LCD quality and interface functionality greatly influence the shooting experience.

The Panasonic LZ30 offers a fixed 3” TFT LCD with 460k-dot resolution. It is serviceable but lacks touch capability or articulating design.

The Pentax MX-1 sports a more advanced 3” LCD with 920k-dot resolution and a tilting mechanism, enabling easier framing from low or high angles. The screen also features an anti-reflective coating for improved visibility in sunlight.

Look and feel matter: The MX-1’s sharper, more flexible screen enhances composition and review, especially on the go. The LZ30’s display is adequate for beginners but can feel restrictive.

Image Samples in the Wild: Real-World Shooting

Technical specs only tell half the story - what do actual images look like?

I tested both cameras side-by-side in various lighting conditions, from bright landscapes to dim interiors and macro close-ups.

Panasonic LZ30 front Panasonic LZ30 screen back Pentax MX 1 front Pentax MX 1 screen back

• Landscape shots: The MX-1 delivers richer shadows and crispness at base ISO, showing more tonality in the highlights. The LZ30 captures a broader field due to its zoom but tends to crush shadows at extremes.
• Portraits: MX-1’s wide aperture lends creamy background blur and flattering skin tones; LZ30 struggles here with flat depth and slower optics.
• Telephoto shots: The LZ30’s enormous reach nails distant subjects perfectly (albeit with some softness at full zoom), while MX-1 maxes out at 112mm.
• Low light: MX-1 shines with less noise and better color retention than the LZ30, which shows early image degradation above ISO 400.

Built Tough? Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera features environmental sealing, waterproofing, dustproofing, or shockproofing. These are designed as consumer-grade devices without professional-rugged features.

If you shoot outdoors frequently in harsh conditions, neither is ideal, and investing in more rugged bodies or protective cases is necessary.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Powering Your Workflow

Panasonic’s LZ30 uses four AA batteries, drawing from a universally available power source - a big plus for travelers who prefer to carry spares from any store worldwide.

The Pentax MX-1 uses a proprietary rechargeable D-Li-106 lithium-ion battery, rated for 290 shots per charge - a bit less than the LZ30’s 380 shots per charge estimate with AA batteries.

Connectivity-wise, the MX-1 supports Eye-Fi wireless cards (albeit older technology now), plus HDMI-out and USB 2.0. The LZ30 lacks wireless entirely and has minimal interface options limited to USB 2.0.

Video Capabilities: Recording Performance

If you dabble in video, the MX-1 clearly outshines the LZ30.

• Panasonic LZ30: 720p video at 30 fps with Motion JPEG format - dated and relatively low detail.
• Pentax MX-1: Full HD 1080p at 30fps plus 720p at 60fps in MPEG-4/H.264 codec, cleaner files, better suited for casual video.

Neither offers microphone input or advanced video features, but MX-1 is a more versatile shooter for moving images and slightly better overall video quality.

Price vs Performance: Value Assessment

At current used prices hovering around $200 for the LZ30 and $400 for the MX-1, value is subjective.

Let’s put this in perspective:

• The LZ30 is a budget zoomer with decent image quality for casual shooters wanting to go from wide to wild telephoto without changing lenses.
• The MX-1 better suits enthusiasts craving refined image quality, manual control, RAW capability, and superior optics at a higher price point.

How Do They Stack Up Across Photography Genres?

Different folks, different strokes. Here’s a breakdown by use case, including my hands-on feel from countless shooting scenarios.

• Portraits: MX-1 wins for sharpness, color depth, and bokeh. LZ30 struggles due to slow aperture.
• Landscape: MX-1’s larger sensor and dynamic range edge out LZ30, but the latter’s zoom may help frame distant elements.
• Wildlife: LZ30’s incredible zoom is a major asset; MX-1 limited telephoto reach holds back.
• Sports: Both limited by slow continuous shooting; slight AF advantage for MX-1.
• Street: MX-1’s compact size and better ISO range make it more discreet and versatile.
• Macro: Both good with 1cm focus, but MX-1’s sharper optics help detail capture.
• Night/Astro: MX-1 outperforms with higher native ISO and sensor design.
• Video: MX-1 clearly better, Gigabyte-level quality.
• Travel: LZ30 bulkier but AA batteries handy; MX-1 lighter with faster lens.
• Pro Work: Neither professional-grade but MX-1’s RAW support suits enthusiast workflows better.

Wrapping Up: Which Camera Should You Pick?

Panasonic Lumix LZ30 Pros:

• Massive 35x optical zoom (25-875mm eq.)
• User-friendly for beginners with simple controls
• Long battery life with easy-to-find AA batteries
• Affordable price point for casual zoom shooters

Panasonic Lumix LZ30 Cons:

• Small 1/2.3" CCD sensor with limited dynamic range
• No RAW support, limited post-processing flexibility
• Low-res, fixed LCD screen
• Slow autofocus and limited control modes

Pentax MX-1 Pros:

• Larger 1/1.7" CMOS sensor for superior image quality
• Bright f/1.8-2.5 lens enables strong low-light and bokeh performance
• RAW support and more manual controls for enthusiasts
• High-res tilting LCD and improved autofocus system
• Full HD video recording with robust codec options

Pentax MX-1 Cons:

• More expensive and heavier than typical compacts
• Limited zoom range (28-112mm)
• Proprietary battery with shorter endurance
• No wireless connectivity aside from Eye-Fi (now outdated)

Final Recommendations for Different Photographers

• Casual Zoom Fans / Travel Snapshotters: Panasonic LZ30 offers incredible reach at a budget cost. Grab it if portability is secondary to "getting close" and you want a simple point-and-shoot feel.
• Enthusiast Shooters / Low-Light Portrait Lovers: Pentax MX-1 is worth the investment for better image quality, control, and versatility. Its standout lens and sensor excel in environments where detail and creativity matter.
• Video Hounds: The MX-1’s better video specs give it a clear edge, though both lack advanced features like mic ports.
• Street and Travel Minimalists: The sleek MX-1 body and superior ISO performance jump ahead for discreet shooting.
• Wildlife Spotters on a Budget: The LZ30’s zoom is tough to beat without investing in lenses or mirrorless bodies but accept image quality limitations.

In Closing

Between these two, the difference boils down to extreme zoom versus advanced imaging quality. Panasonic’s LZ30 remains a viable tool for specific specialized needs - especially if you crave crazy telephoto reach without extra glass. Meanwhile, Pentax’s MX-1 rewards the more discerning eye with better images, control, and video - a camera I still pull out when I want that perfect balance of compact convenience and enthusiast features.

Either way, hands-on testing and weighing your shooting preferences against the specs will ensure you bring home the camera that works for your photography journey.

Happy shooting!

This comprehensive comparison is brought to you after real-world testing, pixel-peeping, and frustration over slow autofocus - because choosing the right camera shouldn’t feel like roulette.