Panasonic LZ30 vs Sony HX5

Lets look closer at the Panasonic LZ30 and Sony HX5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a noticeable gap between the resolutions of the LZ30 (16MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the LZ30 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The LZ30 was announced 2 years later than the HX5 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a brief overview of how the LZ30 matches up against the HX5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic LZ30 Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LZ30 enjoys exterior measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") and a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic LZ30 and Sony HX5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the LZ30 versus the HX5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the LZ30 and HX5 is 66 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to imagine the difference between sensor measurements just by reading through specs. The visual underneath might offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the LZ30 and HX5.

All in all, each of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The LZ30 using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic LZ30 will give you greater detail with its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs much more aggressively. The newer LZ30 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.