Panasonic ZS30 vs Samsung NX500

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Panasonic ZS30 vs Samsung NX500, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Samsung. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the ZS30 (18MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the ZS30 (1/2.3") and NX500 (APS-C) posses different sensor sizes.

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The ZS30 was unveiled 3 years before the NX500 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a short highlight of how the ZS30 scores against the NX500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Samsung NX500. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery and Samsung NX500 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS30 comes with physical measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Samsung NX500 has measurements of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS30 vs Samsung NX500 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the ZS30 against the NX500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS30 and NX500 is 92 and 87 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing only by checking a spec sheet. The photograph below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS30 and NX500.

Clearly, both of those cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS30 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Samsung NX500 will give you extra detail having an extra 10MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs way more aggressively. The older ZS30 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.