Panasonic ZS30 vs Sony W810

In this article, we will be reviewing the Panasonic ZS30 and Sony W810, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by companies Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS30 (18MP) and the W810 (20MP) is pretty close and they come with the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The ZS30 was released 12 months before the W810 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera and the Sony W810 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a brief view of how the ZS30 scores against the W810 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W810. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery and Sony W810 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS30 comes with outer dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) while the Sony W810 has dimensions of 97mm x 56mm x 21mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 111 grams (0.24 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS30 and Sony W810 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the ZS30 and the W810.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS30 and W810 is 92 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to imagine the difference in sensor measurements simply by looking through technical specs. The graphic underneath will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS30 and W810.

As you have seen, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You should expect the Sony W810 to render more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older ZS30 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.