Panasonic ZS30 vs Panasonic ZS5

Its time to take a closer look at the Panasonic ZS30 versus Panasonic ZS5, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and both of them are offered by Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS30 (18MP) and ZS5 (12MP) but both cameras provide the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The ZS30 was unveiled 2 years later than the ZS5 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summary of how the ZS30 grades versus the ZS5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera, you will have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS30 provides physical measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS5 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS30 versus Panasonic ZS5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the ZS30 against the ZS5.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the ZS30 and ZS5 is 92 and 92 respectively.

Often, it is hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing merely by looking through specs. The visual below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS30 and ZS5.

All in all, each of these cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Panasonic ZS30 to result in more detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots way more aggressively. The younger ZS30 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.