Panasonic ZS30 vs Samsung WB850F: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Superzoom Cameras

In the ever-evolving realm of compact superzoom cameras, enthusiasts and prosumers seeking versatility without the bulk often find themselves perched on the fence between models that promise similar specs on paper but deliver markedly different experiences in the field. Today, we’re stepping into such a scenario by comparing two notable contenders from the early 2010s: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 (aka Lumix DMC-TZ40) against the Samsung WB850F. Both aim to pack a powerful zoom range and smart features into compact bodies, but their individual designs, capabilities, and performance nuances invariably shape their suitability for various photographic needs.

As someone who’s spent countless hours testing superzoom compacts across multiple genres - from the pixel-peeping of landscapes to the heartbeat-thumping chase of wildlife - I’ll break down these two in clear, practical terms. Our goal: equip you with the insights to make an informed, confidence-fueled choice for your next camera.

When Size and Handling Matter: Ergonomics and Control Layout

Superzoom cameras often walk a tightrope between pocketability and effective handling. Let’s start by sizing up the Panasonic ZS30 and Samsung WB850F in their physical dimensions and ergonomic feel.

At first glance, the Panasonic ZS30 edges out as the smaller sibling, measuring 105 x 59 x 28 mm and tipping the scales at a nimble 198 grams (without battery). Samsung’s WB850F stretches out slightly, 109 x 62 x 25 mm, with a beefier 250-gram body. While on paper this weight difference might seem trivial, in extended handheld shooting it translates into different tactile experiences: the ZS30 leans toward ultra-portable travel abstraction - you’re sometimes aware it’s there but not burdened - whereas the WB850F’s heft lends a reassuring solidity, especially with the lens extended for telephoto shots.

Both cameras feature fixed zoom lenses - essential for their superzoom claim (20x versus 21x zoom) - but their manual and tactile controls diverge. The ZS30 boasts touch-enabled focus and AF adjustments, which serve well in dynamic street scenarios where quick point-and-shoot efficiency comes first. Conversely, the WB850F leans on traditional manual focus rings and physical controls, which, while not as instantaneous for AF tasks, offer more granular control that aficionados appreciate.

Zoom and shutter toggles on both cameras are strategically placed, but the WB850F’s slightly more prominent grip and responsive manual focus ring endear it to photographers prioritizing precision over speed.

These nuances in ergonomics are not just academic - I’ve found that in wildlife or sports shooting, where quick subject acquisition is paramount, the ZS30’s touch AF noticeably reduces lag. Meanwhile, the WB850F shines in situations where deliberate composition is king, such as macro work or portraiture.

The Top Shelf: Control Layout and Interface at a Glance

While body size sets the stage, control layout dictates the pace of shooting. Here’s how these cameras fare when it comes to top-level controls and design ergonomics.

Looking down at each camera’s operational real estate, the ZS30 offers a relatively minimalist top panel. The shutter button is encircled by a zoom rocker, with mode dials and power switch intuitively placed for quick access. Panasonic’s adherence to the legacy Lumix dial design means photographers familiar with their ecosystem feel right at home. The integration of touch-enabled AF lets your fingers take over certain command roles, which, again, works well when spontaneity is required.

Samsung’s WB850F adopts a slightly busier but balanced control layout. Its manual focusing ring is revealed once zoomed in, adding an ergonomic layer not present on the ZS30. The exposure compensation dial is tactile, allowing swift manual shooting adjustments, which is a boon for those who relish semi-pro manual control alongside automation. The more prominent flash pop-up lever (compared with Panasonic’s subtle built-in flash release) may be a minor point but reflects Samsung’s slightly more pronounced approach to mechanical feedback.

From an interface perspective, Samsung’s WB850F sacrifices touchscreen convenience but compensates with an AMOLED screen, which I’ll discuss soon. Panasonic’s touch-sensitive display is a definite plus for novice users or those moving between photo and video modes frequently.

Peeking Beneath the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

The heart of any camera’s image quality lies in its sensor. Both these models employ the standard compact sensor format of 1/2.3” CMOS, but their technical particulars and output capabilities merit close scrutiny.

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, producing a sensor area of roughly 28.07 mm². Panasonic’s ZS30 comes with an 18-megapixel resolution, a slight pixel density boost compared to Samsung’s 16-megapixel offering. You might expect Panasonic’s higher pixel count to translate into crisper details, but it’s a double-edged sword - the smaller pixel pitch can induce more noise at higher ISOs, especially given the sensor size limitations.

Samsung’s WB850F features a BSI-CMOS sensor - a back-illuminated variant designed to capture more light efficiently. This sensor type typically improves low-light performance and dynamic range. Indeed, in my tests shooting indoor events and dimly-lit street scenes, the WB850F produced cleaner images with smoother gradations up to ISO 800, compared to the ZS30’s noise creeping in at ISO 400.

Neither camera supports RAW capture - a considerable constraint for professionals seeking post-processing latitude. However, both render decent JPEGs out of the box, with Panasonic’s color science leaning toward warmer skin tones, and Samsung’s output delivering punchier contrast, which can appeal in outdoor portraits and wildlife.

Viewing and Composing: LCD Screens and Viewfinder Absence

Neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which understandably limits compositional options under bright sunlight. That said, their LCD panels aim to fill this gap, with significant differences in quality and interface usability.

Panasonic’s ZS30 comes accompanied by a 3-inch fixed-type touchscreen with a high resolution of 920,000 dots. This screen facilitates the aforementioned touch AF and offers versatile framing angles. Although not articulating, its brightness and color rendition make it usable in a variety of light conditions, though direct midday sunlight remains challenging - as is common with non-flip panels.

The Samsung WB850F, in contrast, opts for a 3-inch AMOLED display of 614,000 dots - fewer pixels overall but enhanced contrast and color vibrancy typical of AMOLED tech. This makes the WB850F’s screen pop impressively, which I found helpful when browsing images or setting exposure in the field. However, the lack of touchscreen is a downside for rapid focus or menu navigation.

In practice, the Panasonic’s touchscreen is more nimble, especially for newcomers toggling between modes or adjusting focus on the fly. Professionals who prefer physical control over touch gestures may lean toward Samsung’s AMOLED panel and traditional button navigation.

Real-World Image Samples: Inspecting Detail, Color, and Sharpness

Numbers tell part of the story, but actual image output seals the verdict. I captured a range of sample images while exploring a local urban garden and a busy market to put both cameras through their paces.

Panasonic ZS30 front Panasonic ZS30 screen back Samsung WB850F front Samsung WB850F screen back

A few immediate takeaways:

• Portraits: Panasonic’s ZS30 rendered skin tones more naturally with a subtle warmth, not overly saturated. It metered well on face-centered shots but lacked facial/eye detection AF, requiring manual composure of focus points. Samsung’s WB850F responded solidly with face detection AF, locking focus accurately and producing slightly punchier colors, though this occasionally led to mild oversaturation in harsh sunlight.

• Landscape and Detail: The ZS30’s higher resolution gives it a slight edge in cropping flexibility, but Samsung’s images have slightly better dynamic range retention in shadows - a credit to its BSI-CMOS sensor.

• Telephoto Shots/Wildlife: Both cameras extend to impressive equivalent focal lengths (~480 mm), with Panasonic’s 20x zoom boasting F3.3-6.4 aperture range versus Samsung’s slightly wider F2.8-5.9. Thicker glass on the Samsung gives it marginally better low-light reach at telephoto. However, image stabilization in both is optical and effective at handholding long zooms.

Fast Action and Autofocus: Continuous Shooting and AF Performance

When shooting moving subjects, autofocus and burst capabilities truly test a camera’s mettle. Both models offer continuous shooting at 10 frames per second (fps) - commendable for cameras at this class and era, though buffer depth and AF reliability vary.

Panasonic optically employs a contrast-detection AF system featuring 23 autofocus points with continuous AF tracking and the convenience of touch focus. The ZS30 allows for AF single, AF continuous, and tracking modes, lending itself well to subjects in motion. However, its contrast AF can lag behind phase-detect systems, exhibiting mild hunting in dim light or cluttered compositions.

Samsung’s WB850F employs contrast-detection AF with face detection and a decent AF tracking mechanism, but only supports AF single rather than continuous AF modes. This limits its ability to maintain sharp focus on erratically moving subjects during burst shooting.

In practice, Panasonic clearly outperforms Samsung in sports, street action, and wildlife photography thanks to its continuous AF and tracking modes. The WB850F’s AF shines for static or slowly moving subjects.

Both manage respectable shutter speeds - Panasonic down to 1/1200 sec, Samsung to 1/2000 sec - which can freeze moderate motion effectively.

Expanding Use Cases: Video, Connectivity, and Portability

The utility of a superzoom compact today often depends on video functionality and connectivity options, especially for travel and hybrid shooters.

• Video: Panasonic ZS30 delivers Full HD (1920x1080) video at 60 fps, with formats including AVCHD and MPEG-4. While 4K and higher frame rates are absent, the quality and smoothness suffice for casual videography and vlogging. Samsung WB850F also provides Full HD at 30 fps with H.264 encoding. This translates to less fluid video under fast action compared to Panasonic.

Neither camera offers external microphone or headphone jacks, posing limitations for serious audio capture. Panasonic’s touchscreen simplifies menu navigation during video shooting.

• Connectivity and GPS: Both come equipped with built-in Wi-Fi for wireless sharing, an increasingly essential feature in 2024’s fast-sharing culture. They share built-in GPS modules for geotagging - excellent for travelers documenting adventures.

• Portability and Battery Life: Panasonic’s compact size and weight (198g) outclass Samsung’s 250g heft both for pocket storage and daylong carry. The ZS30 claims around 260 shots per charge, slightly below micro four-thirds or enthusiast compacts but average within the superzoom compact segment. Samsung’s battery life specs are not provided but real-world usage suggests a comparable range.

Durability and Build Quality

Neither camera sports environmental sealing, crush, shock, or waterproof ratings. For rugged outdoor shoots, this is a limiting factor. However, both deliver sturdy plastic bodies with metal accents.

The build quality leans more premium in the WB850F, which feels denser in hands, while Panasonic emphasizes lightness and minimalism.

For dedicated expedition photographers, neither replaces weather-sealed enthusiast compacts, but for casual travel or urban exploration, both suffice.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Performance

Since both cameras use fixed lenses, there’s no option to swap glass - a compromise inherent in superzoom compacts.

However, Panasonic’s 24-480mm equivalent lens spans a generous 20x zoom with sharper center detail throughout the range and moderate vignetting at wide apertures. Samsung’s slightly longer zoom range (23-483 mm) benefits from a brighter maximum aperture (F2.8-5.9 versus Panasonic’s F3.3-6.4), helpful in low light at the wide end.

In practicality, Panasonic’s lens is marginally crisper in corners and macro focus begins closer (3 cm vs 5 cm on Samsung), offering more flexibility for close-ups.

The Final Word: Who Should Buy Which?

To summarize the overall performance in a neat picture – Panasonic takes the lead in autofocus versatility and video frame rates, while Samsung boasts superior sensor technology and richer color reproduction under certain conditions.

Breaking down by photographic applications:

• Portrait Photography: Panasonic edges slightly due to warmer natural skin tones and accurate exposure, but Samsung’s face detection autofocus aids beginners.

• Landscape: Samsung’s sensor dynamic range and AMOLED screen better support vibrant landscape imagery, though Panasonic’s higher resolution allows tighter crops.

• Wildlife and Sports: Panasonic dominates here with continuous AF, tracking, and fast frame rates.

• Street Photography: Panasonic’s lighter body and touchscreen AF make it more nimble in candid shooting.

• Macro: Panasonic’s 3 cm close focus range is advantageous.

• Night/Astro: Samsung’s BSI sensor handles low light with less noise up to ISO 800.

• Video: Panasonic’s 60 fps Full HD video recording is preferable.

• Travel: Panasonic’s size, battery life, and built-in GPS shine here.

• Professional Use: Neither camera fits perfectly due to lack of RAW and ruggedness, but Panasonic’s more refined controls offer better workflow integration for casual/pro photographers.

Wrapping Up: Which Superzoom Fits Your Needs?

If you prize lightweight portability, versatile autofocus modes, and stronger video features for hybrid tasks, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 stands out as the smarter purchase - especially if budget-conscious (roughly $250 street price).

On the other hand, if your focus is on richer color reproduction, slightly better low-light sensor performance, and tactile manual controls with a bright AMOLED screen - and budget is less of a limiting factor - the Samsung WB850F is worth consideration despite its heftier $600 price tag on launch.

While neither camera represents “state of the art” today, each holds unique strengths that remain relevant for many photographers seeking compact superzoom flexibility.

To conclude: buying the ZS30 or WB850F comes down to personal priorities in handling, speed, and image character. I encourage readers to weigh the practical realities - how you shoot, what environments you favor, and how much manual control you desire - to find the camera that’s not just capable but genuinely enjoyable to use.

Happy shooting!

Appendix: Technical Summary Table

If you want hands-on insights into compact superzooms beyond these two, I’m more than happy to share recommendations and field experiences tailored to your photography preferences. Just ask!