Comparing the Panasonic Lumix SZ1 vs. ZS30: A Hands-On Compact Camera Showdown

In the realm of compact travel zoom cameras, Panasonic’s Lumix series has long held a special place, often delivering features that punch above their size and price class. Today, I’m diving deep into a head-to-head evaluation of two entry-level compacts from Panasonic’s line: the Lumix DMC-SZ1 and the more advanced DMC-ZS30 (aka Lumix TZ40 in some markets). These two models, although only a year apart in release (2012 for SZ1, and 2013 for ZS30), show a marked evolution in compact camera technology and user expectations. Having spent extensive hands-on time with both, I’ll walk through each camera’s strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance across a breadth of photography genres - from portraits to astro, from wildlife bursts to casual travel.

Let’s cut through the specs and slick brochures to see how these two Lumix compacts stack up in everyday shooting scenarios, and ultimately, which might suit your needs better.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Size Matters, but Comfort Counts

In compact cameras, physical design and ergonomics often shape the entire shooting experience - because you’ll be holding and carrying these devices all day, often spontaneously.

The Panasonic SZ1 is the quintessential pocketable compact: it weighs a featherlight 131 grams and measures a trim 99x59x21 mm. The ZS30, conversely, is a chunkier 198 grams and noticeably thicker at 28 mm deep, measuring slightly larger overall at 105x59x28 mm.

That additional heft and bulk on the ZS30 is immediately apparent in hand. It’s still compact, but verging on “travel zoom” territory, prioritizing extended zoom range and features over pure pocketability.

The SZ1’s compactness makes it incredibly easy to stash in a jacket or pants pocket. However, the trade-off is that its diminutive size compromises grip comfort and control layout. Buttons and dials feel a little rushed in the SZ1, especially for prolonged shooting, and the lack of dedicated manual controls limits its versatility.

By contrast, the ZS30’s larger body offers a better grip, and subtle ergonomic upgrades like a more pronounced thumb rest and more tactile buttons. The layout is friendlier for intuitive operation even for amateurs venturing into manual mode - something the SZ1 doesn’t provide at all.

Ergonomics often get overlooked in spec sheets but having shot hundreds of compact cameras, I can unequivocally say that comfort and control responsiveness drastically impact shooting enjoyment and creativity - especially outdoors or on quick, unpredictable street shots.

Top-Down: Control Layout and User Interface Difference

Directly looking down at the top plate of each camera, the ZS30 clearly offers a more sophisticated control scheme. It boasts a mode dial with options for shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes, whereas the SZ1 is entirely limited to auto modes with very basic exposure settings.

The ZS30 includes a dedicated exposure compensation button and a ring around the lens barrel that can be customized for zoom or manual focus control. This tactile approach to manual adjustments is a hallmark of enthusiast-level compacts and is genuinely useful in varied shooting conditions.

In contrast, the SZ1 opts for a simplified design intended for casual shooters. Zoom and focus controls are electronically handled, and the buttons are fewer and smaller, limiting the speed at which users can interact with the camera.

For photographers who like to maintain creative control on the fly, the ZS30’s thoughtful interface gives it a decisive edge.

Sensor and Image Quality Foundations

Under the hood, both cameras share a 1/2.3-inch sensor size - a universally common compact sensor dimension - but with distinct differences in sensor type, resolution, and processing.

• Panasonic SZ1: 16MP CCD sensor, 4608 x 3456 max resolution.
• Panasonic ZS30: 18MP CMOS sensor, 4896 x 3672 max resolution.

The SZ1’s CCD sensor, while capable in daylight, tends to produce images with more noise and less dynamic range at higher ISO levels compared to CMOS sensors. Additionally, CCDs consume relatively more power, impacting battery life.

The ZS30 benefits from a newer CMOS sensor, offering improved noise control, higher native resolution, and better performance in low-light conditions. Even though both cameras max out at ISO 6400, the ZS30 delivers more usable images at ISO 800 and above due to cleaner signal processing.

Given that sensor technology is the keystone of image quality, the ZS30 clearly sets a higher baseline for all photography genres, especially demanding ones like landscape and night shooting where dynamic range and low noise are critical.

Viewing and Composing: LCD Screen and Interface

Neither compact includes a viewfinder, relying instead on rear LCD panels for framing shots - a common compromise in smaller all-in-one cameras.

The SZ1 features a basic fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with just 230k dots of resolution, yielding a fairly grainy and sluggish live view experience. In bright outdoor sunlight, the screen often washes out, which can quickly frustrate street photographers or travelers trying to quickly grab the moment.

The ZS30’s 3-inch LCD, by contrast, boasts a much higher 920k dot count and touchscreen functionality. This yields a crisper image and faster menu navigation, as well as the ability to tap to autofocus or scroll through images quickly. The touchscreen makes manual focus adjustments and on-screen gestures more accessible - something I found particularly handy when shooting macro or low-light scenes in tricky angles.

While neither display can compete with larger or articulated screens on higher-end cameras, the ZS30’s upgrade here improves user interaction markedly and reduces guesswork during composition.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Reach and Optical Performance

The lens specs highlight one of the biggest practical differences between these two cameras.

• SZ1: 25-250mm (10x optical zoom), aperture range f/3.1 to f/5.9
• ZS30: 24-480mm (20x optical zoom), aperture range f/3.3 to f/6.4

From wide-angle travel shots to telephoto wildlife or sports snaps, lens versatility hugely impacts what you can achieve.

The SZ1’s 10x zoom is decent for its class, starting from a fairly wide 25mm equivalent and extending out to 250mm. The maximum aperture is typical of super zoom compacts, but the narrower range on the telephoto end limits shutter speeds in lower light.

The ZS30 doubles that zoom reach with a 20x range, extending to a full 480mm equivalent at the long end - remarkably versatile for such a compact body. This extra reach proved invaluable during fieldwork where I needed to photograph distant birds and wildlife without disturbing the subjects.

Image sharpness across the zoom range is comparable between the two at the wide and mid lengths, but the ZS30 has a slight edge due to Panasonic’s improved optical design and lens coatings that reduce flare and chromatic aberration. At extended telephoto ends, expect some softness that is par for the course with compact superzoom lenses, but the ZS30 manages it more gracefully.

Most importantly, both cameras incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS); however, the ZS30’s stabilization is noticeably more effective, helping mitigate camera shake at longer focal lengths and enabling sharper handheld shots in dimmer environments.

Autofocus, Burst, and Real-World Responsiveness

Autofocus performance is a critical factor for many genres - especially wildlife, sports, and street photography where timing and precision are everything.

Both cameras rely exclusively on contrast-detection autofocus systems without phase detection. The SZ1 offers 23 focus points and basic face detection, while the ZS30 has a similar array of 23 points but adds touchscreen AF for more intuitive targeting.

However, the difference in processing power and the ZS30’s newer CMOS sensor significantly improve autofocus speed and accuracy. The SZ1’s AF can feel sluggish and occasionally hunt, especially in low light or with busy scenes.

Burst shooting performance illustrates the ZS30’s advantage sharply:

• SZ1: 1 fps (one frame per second), making it virtually unsuitable for action shots.
• ZS30: Up to 10 fps, a rapid-fire pace that's surprisingly effective for basic wildlife or sports timing, especially in good light.

This higher frame rate was not only faster but also maintained better autofocus tracking during bursts, letting me capture decisive moments I would’ve missed with the SZ1.

For casual snapshots and landscapes, the SZ1's slow AF might suffice, but for any subject with motion, the ZS30 is a clear pick.

Practical Photography Use Cases: Which Camera Excels Where?

Now, having detailed their technical differences, let’s explore how each camera fares in real photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand accurate skin tone rendering, sharp focus on eyes, and appealing background blur (bokeh).

Both cameras struggle to create pleasing bokeh, given their tiny sensors and slow telephoto apertures - though this is an inherent limitation rather than a brand-specific flaw.

The SZ1 includes face detection autofocus, which I found works adequately for group shots, but it can be slow to lock and may hunt if subjects move.

The ZS30’s touchscreen AF lets you tap directly on an eye or face, speeding up focus confirmation - critical for flattering portraits.

Color reproduction on the ZS30 is subtly warmer and richer, probably aided by its CMOS sensor and updated image processing engine. Both deliver decent JPEGs straight out of camera, but white balance flexibility is better managed on the ZS30 due to manual white balance options and bracketing.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters prioritize dynamic range, sharpness, and weather sealing.

Neither camera offers any environmental sealing - a dealbreaker for many professionals or serious outdoor use.

Regarding dynamic range, both compact sensors are limited by nature, but the ZS30 pulls ahead with a slightly cleaner shadow recovery and noticeably less noise in lower-light conditions, essential when shooting dawn or dusk scenes.

The SZ1’s maximum resolution (16MP) is adequate for moderate prints, but the ZS30’s 18MP sensor adds some resolution headroom, letting you crop or produce larger prints.

The ZS30 also supports exposure bracketing, invaluable for HDR landscape photography - a feature the SZ1 lacks.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera is a professional sports or wildlife tool, but the ZS30’s 20x zoom, rapid burst rate, and improved autofocus make it a surprisingly capable companion for casual birdwatching or local sports events.

The SZ1’s slow 1 fps burst and limited zoom range hamper its ability to effectively track fast subjects.

While I wouldn't recommend either camera for professional sports shooters, enthusiasts on a budget or as a backup might find the ZS30 serviceable for quick telephoto shots.

Street Photography

For street photography, size, discretion, and low-light performance are paramount.

The SZ1’s slim profile and light weight make it ideal for unobtrusive shooting. It’s the sort of camera you can carry all day without notice - excellent for candid moments.

However, the ZS30’s larger form and more conspicuous zoom lens potentially draw attention but offer better low-light capability and responsive controls.

Screen visibility and touchscreen AF on the ZS30 improve composition speed in bustling urban environments.

Macro Photography

Macro demands fine focusing control and close focusing capability.

The ZS30 focuses to 3cm, slightly closer than the SZ1’s 4cm minimum. Although both offer optical stabilization to reduce shake, the ZS30’s touchscreen AF and manual focus help nail critical focus more easily.

The SZ1’s basic AF system may struggle with precise macro focus.

For budding flower photographers or detail shooters, the ZS30’s features offer tangible benefits.

Night and Astro Photography

Shooting stars or night scenes with limited light exposes the weaknesses of small sensor compacts.

While neither Panasonic compact excels with high ISO capabilities due to their tiny sensors, the ZS30’s CMOS sensor delivers significantly cleaner images at ISO 800-1600 and longer shutter speeds.

Long shutter support (15s on ZS30 vs. 8s on SZ1) facilitates extended exposure night photography. Also, the ZS30’s manual modes and exposure bracketing allow more creative control.

In summary, the ZS30 is more capable of delivering passable night shots.

Video Capabilities

Video specs favor the ZS30 decisively.

• SZ1 tops out at just 720p HD at 30fps, recorded in MPEG-4.
• ZS30 offers full 1080p HD at 60fps with AVCHD and MPEG-4 options, delivering smooth, high-quality footage.

Neither includes external microphone inputs or headphone ports, limiting audio quality customization - a common deficiency in compact cameras.

The ZS30 offers optical image stabilization during video, enhancing handheld footage stability.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Both cameras lack weather sealing or ruggedized construction.

The SZ1’s plastic body feels light but somewhat fragile - less suited to rough use.

The ZS30’s build is more solid, with a sturdier feel and better button response, but still intended for casual to enthusiast shooting, not professional field conditions.

Neither is shockproof, freezeproof, or crushproof.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance is a practical consideration for travel shoots.

The SZ1 rates approximately 250 shots per charge, while the ZS30 slightly edges it out at 260 shots.

In real tests, the ZS30’s touchscreen and higher processing demands drain battery faster in continuous use, so these manufacturer figures hold mostly under conservative shooting patterns.

Both cameras use proprietary battery packs and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards in a single slot.

Connectivity, Wireless Features, and Extras

Here the ZS30 includes built-in GPS to geotag photos - a valuable feature for travel photographers wanting precise location data without smartphone dependency. The SZ1 lacks GPS entirely.

Wireless connectivity also favors the ZS30, though it only supports Wi-Fi (no Bluetooth or NFC), enabling wireless image transfer and remote control via a smartphone app.

The SZ1 offers no wireless communication.

HDMI output on the ZS30 facilitates clean playback on HDTVs; the SZ1 does not include an HDMI port.

Summary of Performance Scores and Genre Ratings

Our rigorous evaluation benchmarks across image quality, autofocus speed, burst rate, video capabilities, ergonomics, and feature sets place the ZS30 well ahead in overall score, reflecting its more versatile and modern design.

Notably, the ZS30 dominates in genres requiring speed or precision (wildlife, sports), as well as in travel versatility and video quality.

The SZ1 remains competitive for casual daylight shooting, point-and-shoot simplicity, and portability.

Sample Gallery Highlights: Real-World Images from Both Cameras

Looking at side-by-side raw conversions and JPEGs, the ZS30 delivers cleaner high-ISO images, better color rendering, and more detail under mixed lighting conditions.

The SZ1 produces acceptable daylight shots but falls short in contrast and sharpness when conditions are less ideal.

Who Should Buy the Panasonic SZ1?

If you want an ultra-compact, affordable camera for simple snapshots, quick family photos, or an inconspicuous pocket camera for casual use, the SZ1 is worth considering. Its smaller size and ease of use make it attractive for beginners or as a lightweight secondary unit.

However, bear in mind its very limited manual controls, slow autofocus, and mediocre low-light performance.

Who Should Opt for the Panasonic ZS30?

For those who desire a highly versatile compact with a long zoom range, better image quality, manual controls, and robust video features, the ZS30 is the smarter choice. It suits enthusiast travelers, hobbyist wildlife shooters, urban explorers, and videographers needing 1080p/60fps capabilities.

Its improved ergonomics and connectivity features also ensure it remains relevant despite being several years old.

Final Thoughts: One Doesn’t Fit All, But the ZS30 Is the More Solid All-Rounder

While both cameras share Panasonic’s hallmark compact styling and ease of use, the Lumix ZS30 illustrates how a thoughtful evolution in sensors, zoom lenses, and control schemes result in a far superior tool for a wide variety of photographic applications compared to the SZ1.

The SZ1’s focus on pocket size and simplicity comes at the cost of versatility and image quality. It works best as a casual walk-around camera for daylight use.

In contrast, the ZS30 leverages better hardware and software integration to serve photographers who want more control, sharper images, lengthy zoom reach, and high-definition video from a compact camera.

Whether your priorities lie in portability or performance will dictate the better fit, but as someone who has tested countless compact models first-hand, I find the Lumix ZS30’s capabilities more convincingly future-proof and inspiring.

Technical Specifications at a Glance:

Feature	Panasonic SZ1	Panasonic ZS30
Sensor	16MP CCD (1/2.3")	18MP CMOS (1/2.3")
Lens	25-250mm f/3.1-5.9	24-480mm f/3.3-6.4
Max ISO	6400	6400
Burst Shooting	1 fps	10 fps
Video Resolution	720p@30fps	1080p@60fps
LCD Screen	3” 230k dots, fixed	3” 920k dots, fixed touchscreen
Viewfinder	None	None
Manual Controls	None	Yes (P, Av, Tv, M)
Image Stabilization	Optical (basic)	Optical (advanced)
Connectivity	None	Wi-Fi, GPS, HDMI
Battery Life	250 shots	260 shots
Weight	131 g	198 g
Price (at launch)	~$179	~$250

If you’re on the fence between these two Panasonic classics or comparing them to modern alternatives, my hands-on testing strongly suggests the ZS30’s enhanced sensor, zoom, controls, and video make it well worth the premium. Meanwhile, the SZ1’s compact charm may still appeal if pure portability trumps everything.

Choose wisely - and happy shooting!