Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax MX-1

Below, we will be evaluating the Panasonic ZS30 versus Pentax MX-1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS30 (18MP) and MX-1 (12MP) and the ZS30 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") come with totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS30 was announced 5 months earlier than the MX-1 and they are of a similar age. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief overview of how the ZS30 scores against the MX-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 & Pentax MX-1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery & Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS30 offers exterior dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) whilst the Pentax MX-1 has measurements of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS30 versus Pentax MX-1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select at the time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the ZS30 against the MX-1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS30 and MX-1 is 92 and 84 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizes merely by checking out technical specs. The picture underneath will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS30 and MX-1.

As you have seen, both the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS30 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic ZS30 will produce greater detail with its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs much more aggressively.