Panasonic ZS30 vs Sony NEX-7

Following is a thorough assessment of the Panasonic ZS30 versus Sony NEX-7, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the ZS30 (18MP) and NEX-7 (24MP) and the ZS30 (1/2.3") and NEX-7 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS30 was brought out 14 months after the NEX-7 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the ZS30 scores against the NEX-7 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Sony Alpha NEX-7. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery and Sony NEX-7 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS30 has 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 Sony NEX-7 has dimensions of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 400 grams (0.88 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS30 versus Sony NEX-7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the ZS30 versus the NEX-7.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS30 and NEX-7 is 92 and 84 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes merely by looking through specifications. The image below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS30 and NEX-7.

To sum up, both of those cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS30 featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony NEX-7 will result in extra detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern ZS30 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.