Panasonic ZS30 vs Ricoh CX5

Let's take a deeper look at the Panasonic ZS30 and Ricoh CX5, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Panasonic and Ricoh. There exists a noticeable gap between the resolutions of the ZS30 (18MP) and CX5 (10MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The ZS30 was launched 18 months after the CX5 making them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick view of how the ZS30 matches up against the CX5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 & Ricoh CX5. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery & Ricoh CX5 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS30 has got outer dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) whilst the Ricoh CX5 has sizing of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZS30 and Ricoh CX5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the ZS30 versus the CX5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS30 and CX5 is 92 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizes only by reviewing specs. The picture below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS30 and CX5.

As you can plainly see, both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different megapixels. You can anticipate the Panasonic ZS30 to offer greater detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images more aggressively. The fresher ZS30 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.