Panasonic LZ30 vs Sony HX99

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Panasonic LZ30 versus Sony HX99, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by brands Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the LZ30 (16MP) and the HX99 (18MP) is fairly close but the LZ30 (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The LZ30 was manufactured 6 years earlier than the HX99 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX99 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the LZ30 scores against the HX99 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic LZ30 Gallery & Sony HX99 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LZ30 has external dimensions of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") and a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) whilst the Sony HX99 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Check the Panasonic LZ30 versus Sony HX99 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the LZ30 compared to the HX99.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the LZ30 and HX99 is 66 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to see the contrast in sensor sizes simply by viewing specs. The image below should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the LZ30 and HX99.

All in all, both of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The LZ30 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Sony HX99 will render more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more aged LZ30 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.