Panasonic ZS30 vs Sony HX350: The Superzoom Showdown for Every Type of Photographer

Choosing a superzoom camera can feel like navigating a sprawling jungle of specs, marketing buzz, and endless feature lists. But after having tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years behind the viewfinder, I’ve learned that the devil is in the details - and in actual hands-on use. Today, we’re splitting the microscope between two intriguing small sensor superzoom contenders: the Panasonic Lumix ZS30 (aka Lumix DMC-TZ40) and the Sony Cyber-shot HX350.

Both cameras cater to enthusiasts seeking enormous zoom reach in compact packages, but they diverge enough in design, performance, and usability to warrant a proper head-to-head. I spent days shooting across genres - from portraits and landscapes to fast-paced wildlife and tricky night scenes - to see which one really earns its place in your gear bag.

Grab your favorite lens cap and let’s get zooming.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Controls

If you’ve wrestled with superzooms before, you know the balance between portability and grip matters. The Panasonic ZS30 is a textbook compact - light, pocketable, and minimalist. The Sony HX350, on the other hand, wears its DSLR-inspired bridge camera bulk with pride, more substantial and hearty.

Ergonomics Snapshot: The SX350’s beefier build demands two hands, whereas the ZS30 slips comfortably into a jacket pocket or small bag.

The Panasonic ZS30 tips the scales at 198g with dimensions around 105x59x28 mm. This rail-thin profile means it’s a breeze to carry, but it also lacks the tactile heft some photographers crave for steady shots. Its fixed 3-inch touchscreen (920k dots) invites quick menu navigation and easy framing, though the lack of a viewfinder means you’re relying heavily on LCD in bright conditions.

Meanwhile, the Sony HX350 is no lightweight - 652g with a chunky 130x93x103 mm frame that feels more “serious camera” than pocket camera. An electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 202k dots covering 100% of the frame sweetens the deal, especially in harsh daylight or when precision composition is critical. Sony includes a tilting 3-inch LCD (922k dots), but sadly no touchscreen capabilities. The ample grip and SLR-style controls feel intuitive for extended handheld use, reducing fatigue during long shoots.

Control Layout: Sony’s physical dials and buttons provide quicker access to key settings, whereas Panasonic’s touchscreen-centric approach favors those comfortable with a modern UI and fewer manual controls.

From my experience, if you appreciate compactness and stealth, the ZS30 wins. But if you prioritize ergonomics and quick, dedicated control - with a willingness to carry extra weight - the HX350 feels more robust and comfortable.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Metrics

Both cameras house a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor measuring 6.17x4.55mm, but their sensor capabilities differ notably in resolution and processing.

The Panasonic ZS30 boasts 18 megapixels, maxing out at 4896x3672 at native ISO 100–6400. Meanwhile, Sony’s HX350 squeezes 20 megapixels into a similar sensor size, with a slightly reduced ISO ceiling of 3200 native, extendable to 12800 in boosted mode (though image quality tends to degrade significantly beyond native ISO limits).

The Sony’s sensor employs back-illuminated CMOS technology (BSI-CMOS), typically better at gathering light in dim conditions than the conventional CMOS sensor found in the Panasonic. While neither sensor matches the dynamic range or low-light prowess of larger APS-C or full-frame alternatives, Sony’s BSI design gives it a mild edge in shadow detail and noise control.

Regarding image processing, Sony’s BIONZ X engine is more advanced compared to Panasonic’s unspecified processor for the ZS30, resulting in marginally better JPEG rendering with more natural colors and contrast out-of-camera. Panasonic leans more on computational processing for its image stabilization and zoom lens corrections.

Still, bear in mind - neither camera supports raw capture. For hobbyists who prefer heavy post-processing flexibility, this is a notable limitation from both models.

Zoom Power and Lens Performance

This may be the most pivotal battleground for superzoom fanatics:

• Panasonic ZS30: 24–480mm equivalent, 20x optical zoom, aperture range f/3.3–6.4
• Sony HX350: 24–1200mm equivalent, 50x optical zoom, aperture range f/2.8–6.3

That’s not a typo - the Sony packs a mind-boggling 50x zoom reach, tripling Panasonic’s telephoto length with an ultra-tele lens extending to 1200mm equivalent! Impressively, the HX350 starts with a wider F2.8 aperture at the wide end, compared to Panasonic's f/3.3.

In practice, Panasonic’s lens exhibits relatively sharp performance across the zoom range, though corner softness and chromatic aberrations creep in past 300mm equivalent. The optical image stabilization (OIS) does a fair job of countering handshake, key for handheld shooting at extreme focal lengths.

Sony’s lens impresses visually with sharper optics and a wider maximum aperture at the wide end - valuable in low-light shots and landscapes. Optical stabilization on the HX350 is commendably effective, especially helping steady shots at the extreme 1200mm. That said, at the longest reaches, expect softness and some image degradation since such colossal zooms often stretch optical limits.

If you’re craving reach and plan to photograph elusive wildlife or distant sports, Sony’s zoom reigns supreme. However, for street or travel photographers seeking a balance between zoom quality and compactness, Panasonic’s ZS30 holds appeal.

Autofocus, Speed, and Handling in the Field

Autofocus (AF) can make or break your shooting flow, especially when subjects are moving or unpredictable. Both cameras rely solely on contrast-detection AF systems (no phase detection), which are typically slower and less precise for action photography than hybrid or phase-based systems found in higher-end models.

Panasonic’s ZS30 offers 23 AF points with face detection (no eye or animal eye AF), continuous AF, touch AF, and contrast detection autofocus. It delivers a relatively snappy autofocus speed in good light, but hunting becomes apparent in dim conditions or against low-contrast subjects.

Sony HX350 features flexible focus area selection (center, selective, multi), face detection, and contrast detection AF. Interestingly, it supports manual focus with a focus ring - a boon for precise control in macro or landscape work. Its AF speed is similar to Panasonic's, though lack of continuous tracking AF limits performance on erratically moving subjects, which is a slight drawback for wildlife photographers.

Both cameras provide a 10 frames per second continuous shooting rate at full resolution - commendable for small sensors but not quite fast enough for high-velocity sports or bird-in-flight capture.

Portrait Photography: Who Softer The Skin?

Turns out, the differences in portrait results come down more to lens aperture, focusing precision, and algorithmic processing than sensor resolution differences in this case.

Panasonic ZS30’s max aperture of f/3.3 at wide-angle, closing down to f/6.4 tele, puts some limits on background separation and bokeh. You’ll notice backgrounds are a bit busy and not as gently diffused, especially at the long end. Skin tones rendered fairly neutral, with slight warmth typical of Panasonic processing. The touchscreen AF with face detection helped nail focus on the eyes surprisingly well for a budget compact. No eye-detection AF, though, so focus can drift.

Sony HX350 sports a slightly wider f/2.8 aperture on the wide end, which is a subtle advantage for portraits indoors or in shaded light. Face detection autofocus is active, enabling sharper eye focus, though no native eye or animal eye AF. Portraits show smoother bokeh and subject isolation especially at the short end of the zoom. Skin tones are a little cooler but accurate, lending a natural look without oversaturation.

Between the two, I lean slightly toward the Sony HX350 for portraits - this stems from the wider aperture and better AF precision on faces. That said, neither camera will replace your dedicated portrait glass or full-frame bodies when ultimate bokeh and shallow DOF are mission-critical.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape shooters will zero in on sensor resolution, dynamic range, and lens edge sharpness - areas where compact superzooms traditionally falter.

Both cameras have a native 1/2.3” sensor and roughly similar resolution - 18MP for Panasonic, 20MP for Sony. While the extra megapixels on Sony count for finer detail, sensor size bottleneck limits the dynamic range below APS-C and larger sensors.

Panasonic’s CMOS sensor and processing pipeline yield decent color fidelity but somewhat compressed highlight retention and shadow noise above ISO 400. Sony’s BSI CMOS coupled with BIONZ X engine delivers marginally expanded dynamic range and better low-ISO performance, helping preserve details in shadows.

Neither device offers weather sealing - an important consideration if you trek in unpredictable environments. Sony’s build feels more substantial but does not promise splash or dust resistance.

On the lens front: Panasonic’s 24mm wide aperture fluctuates from f/3.3, which isn’t blistering wide but workable for landscapes, while Sony starts at 24mm f/2.8 tilting to an impressive 1200mm. Critically, Sony's brighter wide aperture helps capture crisper images in lower light or golden hour landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Tracking and Burst Performance

The hefty Sony HX350 with its 50x zoom is hard to beat for spotting wildlife at a distance or action at a field’s edge. That extra reach is indispensable.

However, autofocus tracking limitations hamper both cameras severely here. Sony lacks continuous subject tracking and animal eye AF, making it tricky to reliably nail focus on fast or erratically moving animals - even with its generous reach.

Panasonic offers continuous AF and 23 points but no face or subject tracking that would be advantageous for sports or wildlife.

Both cameras max out at 10fps burst with electronic (but not silent) shutter options - sufficient for casual sports but inadequate for professional sports photography.

Summing up, Sony delivers superior reach and sturdy handling but neither camera is truly optimized for high-performance sports/wildlife shooting due to AF and sensor limitations. Serious professionals would turn to dedicated APS-C/Full-frame cameras with phase-detect AF.

Street Photography: Discretion and User Experience

Street photography hails compactness and unobtrusiveness - and here the Panasonic ZS30 shines. Its minimal profile and quiet operation make it suitable for candid shots without drawing attention.

Sony’s larger bridge design commands more notice and weight, which may impede quick, spontaneous shooting.

ZS30’s touchscreen interface combined with face detection AF offers speedy framing and capture, crucial for fleeting moments. Sony lacks touchscreen but trades on the EVF for stable framing in bright urban settings.

For street photographers on a budget or seeking travel-friendly gear, Panasonic ZS30’s nimbleness is advantageous.

Macro Photography: Detail Up Close

Macro enthusiasts will appreciate the Panasonic ZS30’s macro focus distance of 3cm compared to Sony’s exceptionally close 1cm.

The Sony’s manual focus ring enables more precise adjustments critical in macro work, while the Panasonic relies exclusively on autofocus.

However, Sony’s larger size and weight make handheld macro tricky without support, while Panasonic’s compact form and good stabilization ease close-up shooting in the field.

Optical image stabilization (OIS) on both models helps mitigate shake but expect limitations at extreme close distances without dedicated macro lenses or tripod use.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Shooting stars or nighttime cityscapes demands keen low light ability.

Sony’s BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ X shine modestly better here. Its max native ISO of 3200 and boosted sensitivity to 12800 (albeit noisy) allows more flexibility in dark conditions than Panasonic’s 6400 ceiling.

Shutter speeds differ: Panasonic offers max 1/1200 sec, minimum 15 sec; Sony extends from 30 sec to 1/4000 sec. Sony’s ability to expose up to 30 seconds benefits astro photography, while Panasonic’s minimum 15 seconds can constrain some long-exposure applications.

Neither camera supports RAW, which limits post-exposure noise reduction and dynamic range recovery - significant for astrophotographers wanting fine control.

In sum, Sony slightly pulls ahead for night shots due to sensor tech, ISO options, and shutter range.

Video Capabilities: What’s in the Movie Bag?

Both cameras deliver Full HD 1080p video with AVCHD and MPEG-4 codecs - standard fare for small sensor superzooms.

Panasonic ZS30 can shoot 1080p at 60 fps for smoother motion and offers slow-motion capture at lower resolutions, an edge for creative experimentation. Sony maxes at 1080p but only 60 fps without slow-motion variants.

Neither offers 4K capture or external microphone/headphone jacks, potentially limiting for serious vloggers or filmmakers.

Image stabilization on both ensures handheld footage is less jittery, but neither features advanced electronic stabilization modes popular in newer mirrorless models.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Sony HX350 wins slight brownie points with a higher battery life of 300 shots per charge versus Panasonic’s 260.

Storage options are flexible on both: Panasonic uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, Sony supports both SD and Memory Stick Duo formats.

Panasonic’s built-in GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity are clear advantages, enabling geo-tagging and wireless image transfer - features Sony curiously omits.

USB2.0 and HDMI ports are present on both for file transfers and external monitoring, but no USB charging support.

Price and Value: What’s Your Budget Saying?

At around $250 (used or older stock) the Panasonic ZS30 is a budget superzoom with solid all-around capabilities but limited by sensor tech and lack of raw capture.

The Sony HX350 appears pricier new (prices vary regionally), reflecting its bigger zoom, better ergonomics, and advanced sensor tech. For some buyers, the extra dough is justified by longer zoom, EVF, and better video options.

Summing Up: Which Superzoom Should You Choose?

It’s time to bring it all together with a handy visual and clear advice.

Panasonic ZS30 front Panasonic ZS30 screen back Sony HX350 front Sony HX350 screen back

Who Should Pick the Panasonic ZS30?

• Travel photographers craving ultra-compact weight and size
• Street shooters valuing stealth and quick touchscreen operation
• Casual shooters wanting a budget-friendly superzoom with GPS tagging
• Macro enthusiasts who appreciate close focusing and portability

Pros: Compact and lightweight, intuitive touchscreen, GPS/Wi-Fi, relatively sharp lens at 20x zoom
Cons: No raw capture, limited max aperture, no EVF, older sensor tech

Who Should Pick the Sony HX350?

• Wildlife and distant subject shooters seeking max telephoto reach (50x zoom)
• Enthusiasts prioritizing comfortable handling and robust ergonomics
• Photographers wanting better low-light performance and tilting LCD/EVF combos
• Those requiring manual focus control and more extensive video options

Pros: Huge zoom range, brighter wide aperture (f/2.8), electronic viewfinder, BSI CMOS sensor, manual focus ring
Cons: Bulky and heavy, no Wi-Fi or GPS, no touchscreen, no raw support

Final Thoughts

Both Panasonic ZS30 and Sony HX350 deliver respectable superzoom performance for small sensor compacts, but your choice boils down to distinct priorities.

For portability, quick social sharing, and budget-minded shooting, Panasonic’s ZS30 is a reliable travel buddy. Its lightweight design and touchscreen ease make it accessible, if not startlingly advanced.

If your ambitions push toward the farthest reaches of zoom, better ergonomics, and slightly stronger low-light prowess, the Sony HX350 justifies its heft and price with capabilities that pack a punch.

Neither camera replaces professional interchangeable lens systems, but in the small zoom compact niche, both hold merit - depending on your photographic journey.

Happy shooting, and may your zoom always be sharp!

End of Review