Panasonic ZS30 vs Sony W800

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic ZS30 versus Sony W800, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS30 (18MP) and the W800 (20MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras offer the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The ZS30 was manufactured 13 months before the W800 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a short summation of how the ZS30 scores vs the W800 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery & Sony W800 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS30 has got outer 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 Sony W800 has measurements of 97mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS30 versus Sony W800 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the ZS30 and the W800.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS30 and W800 is 92 and 96 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to visualise the gap between sensor measurements purely by checking specifications. The visual below might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS30 and W800.

Plainly, both of those cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Sony W800 to give extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older ZS30 is going to be behind in sensor tech.