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Panasonic ZS30 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Panasonic ZS30

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    Main Features

    • 18MP - 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 6400
    • 24-480 mm F3.3-6.4 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3" Fixed Type Screen
    • 10 fps continuous shooting
    • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video
    • 220fps High-Speed Video
    • Built-in Wireless
    • Built-in GPS
    • 198g. 105 x 59 x 28 mm
    • Also known as Lumix DMC-TZ40
    • Replaced Panasonic ZS25
    • Replaced by Panasonic ZS35
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Panasonic ZS30 Overview

    First introduced in January 2013 , Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 is a 18.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 24-480 mm F3.3-6.4 lens. ZS30 is also sold as Lumix DMC-TZ40 in some of the countries. Panasonic replaced the older Panasonic ZS25 with this model and later ZS30 was replaced with Panasonic ZS35. Follow the links to compare these cameras in detail:
    Compare Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 (Lumix DMC-TZ40) vs Panasonic ZS25
    Compare Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 (Lumix DMC-TZ40) vs Panasonic ZS35

    Panasonic ZS30 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Panasonic ZS30 has an Overall Score of 45/100 and ranked #123 out of 629 in Compact cameras (Top 10 Compact), and ranked #599 out of 1226 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Panasonic ZS30 Physical Specs
    Panasonic ZS30 weighs 198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz) and has external dimensions of 105 x 59 x 28 mm (4.13 x 2.32 x 1.1″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 28mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Panasonic ZS30
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Panasonic ZS30
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Panasonic ZS30 with the dimensions:

    Panasonic ZS30 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Panasonic ZS30 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Panasonic ZS30, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Panasonic ZS30 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Panasonic ZS30 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now let's compare Panasonic ZS30 size with the camera that it replaced: Panasonic ZS25. As depicted on the comparison image, and have the exact same height, width and thickness.


    Panasonic ZS30 vs Panasonic ZS25 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
    Comparison image of Panasonic ZS30 and Panasonic ZS25 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Panasonic ZS30 with its main competitors:

    Panasonic ZS30 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs ZS30 Thickness vs ZS30
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Camera Panasonic ZS20
    Compare
    206g 8g heavier 28mm equal thickness
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Camera Panasonic ZS40
    Compare
    240g 42g heavier 34mm 6mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Camera Panasonic ZS80
    Compare
    327g 129g heavier 42mm 14mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Camera Panasonic ZS25
    Compare
    193g 5g lighter 28mm equal thickness
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Camera Panasonic ZS60
    Compare
    282g 84g heavier 38mm 10mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Camera Panasonic ZS70
    Compare
    322g 124g heavier 41mm 13mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Camera Panasonic ZS50
    Compare
    243g 45g heavier 34mm 6mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Camera Panasonic ZS35
    Compare
    305g 107g heavier 32mm 4mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Panasonic ZS30 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Panasonic ZS30 Sensor and Photography Features

    Panasonic ZS30 has a 18.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4896 x 3672 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. ZS30 has a native ISO range of 100 - 6400 but unfortunately, Panasonic ZS30 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 (Lumix DMC-TZ80) or Nikon Coolpix P7100 in the same price range.

    Panasonic ZS30 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Panasonic ZS30 vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Panasonic ZS30's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Panasonic ZS30 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Panasonic ZS30 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Panasonic ZS30 Lens

    Panasonic ZS30 features a 24-480 mm F3.3-6.4 20× zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 24mm focal length on the wide end and remarkable super telephoto reach at 480mm.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    ZS30
    Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    ZS30
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    With a max aperture of f3.30 at 24mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end, and it is slow at the tele end with its max aperture of f6.40.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    ZS30
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    ZS30
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    ZS30 is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds.



    Panasonic ZS30 LCD

    Panasonic ZS30 has a Fixed Type 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 920k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

    LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

    Panasonic ZS30 back view and LCD

    ZS30 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 (Lumix DMC-TZ80) (Compare) or Nikon Coolpix P7100 (Compare).
    If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

    Panasonic ZS30 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Thanks to the built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity feature, Panasonic ZS30 lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.

    You can connect ZS30 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Panasonic ZS30 is powered by a proprietary battery which provides a shooting life of 260 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 255 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

    Panasonic ZS30
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Fujifilm HS35EXR with its 600shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Superzoom cameras. Check the comparison of Panasonic ZS30 vs Fujifilm HS35EXR or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Panasonic ZS30 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Camera Panasonic ZS20
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 260shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Camera Panasonic ZS40
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 300shots Yes No Yes
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Camera Panasonic ZS80
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 380shots Yes Yes No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Camera Panasonic ZS25
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 260shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Camera Panasonic ZS60
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 320shots Yes No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Camera Panasonic ZS70
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 380shots Yes No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Camera Panasonic ZS50
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 300shots Yes No Yes
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Camera Panasonic ZS35
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No No

    Panasonic ZS30 Video Features

    With Panasonic ZS30, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps and save in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. Full HD resolution of Panasonic ZS30 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    High-Speed Video

    ZS30 features a high speed mode where it captures videos at 220fps which helps to create slow motion videos. If you shoot a video at a frame rate of 220fps and play it back at 24fps, the video will be 9.16666666667x slower and longer than normal.

    ZS30 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker.
    Panasonic ZS30 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Nikon Coolpix P7100 or Nikon Coolpix P7000 in a similar price range.

    Panasonic ZS30 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Panasonic ZS30 can shoot continuously at max speed of 10 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/1200 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately ZS30 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Panasonic ZS30 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 23 points to choose from.

    Panasonic ZS30 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Panasonic ZS30 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    Image Stabilization
    Full HD Video
    Touch Screen
    Built-in GPS
    18.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    23 Focus Points
    920k dots LCD Resolution
    10.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    198g Light Body
    Manual Exposure
    24mm Wide Angle Lens
    480mm Good Tele Lens
    20.0X Optical Zoom
    3D Shooting Capability
    Panorama Shooting
    220fps High Speed Video
    AE Bracketing
    Report a correction

    Buy Panasonic ZS30 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    No Face Detection Focusing
    1/1200s Low Max Shutter Speed
    Low Battery Life: 260 shots
    No Manual Focusing
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Wide: f3.30
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.40
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Panasonic ZS30 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Panasonic ZS30 in 5 different photography areas.

    Panasonic ZS30 for Portrait Photography

    Panasonic ZS30 has a score of 23 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theZS30.
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP
    Image Stabilization
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Manual Focus Mode
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic ZS30 for Portrait Photography

    Panasonic ZS30 for Street Photography

    Panasonic ZS30 has a score of 54 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Live-view
    Image Stabilization
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Small Body
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic ZS30 for Street Photography

    Panasonic ZS30 for Sports Photography

    Panasonic ZS30 has a score of 23 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theZS30.
    Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
    23 Focus Points
    Wireless Connection
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Image Stabilization
    480 mm Tele Lens
    Environmental Sealings
    Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1200s
    Poor Battery Life: 260 shots
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Flash Shoe
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.40
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic ZS30 for Sports Photography

    Panasonic ZS30 for Daily Photography

    Panasonic ZS30 has a score of 61 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    198g
    20.0X Optical Zoom
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic ZS30 for Daily Photography

    Panasonic ZS30 for Landscape Photography

    Panasonic ZS30 has a score of 24 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theZS30.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Built-in GPS
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic ZS30 for Landscape Photography
    Panasonic ZS30 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Panasonic ZS30 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Panasonic ZS30 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Panasonic ZS30

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Panasonic ZS30 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Panasonic ZS20
    Panasonic ZS20
    Compare
    Panasonic ZS40
    Panasonic ZS40
    Compare
    Panasonic ZS80
    Panasonic ZS80
    Compare
    Panasonic ZS25
    Panasonic ZS25
    Compare
    Panasonic ZS60
    Panasonic ZS60
    Compare
    Panasonic ZS70
    Panasonic ZS70
    Compare
    Panasonic ZS50
    Panasonic ZS50
    Compare
    Panasonic ZS35
    Panasonic ZS35
    Compare

    Panasonic ZS30 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Panasonic ZS30 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Panasonic ZS30's price range.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Panasonic ZS30
    Does the Panasonic ZS30 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Panasonic ZS30 have RAW support?
    Does the Panasonic ZS30 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Panasonic ZS30 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Panasonic ZS30?
    What is the Sensor Size of Panasonic ZS30?
    is the Panasonic ZS30 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Panasonic ZS30 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Panasonic ZS30 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Panasonic ZS30?
    What is the Weight of Panasonic ZS30?
    What are the Dimensions of Panasonic ZS30?
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Panasonic
    Model Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30
    Also known as Lumix DMC-TZ40
    Announced 2013-01-07
    Body Type Compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 24-480 mm (20×)
    Max Aperture F3.3-6.4
    Macro Focus Range 3cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3"
    Screen Resolution 920k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 15s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/1200s
    Continuous Shooting 10.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 6.40 m
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size 1/2.3-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 18 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4896 x 3672
    Max Native ISO 6,400
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 23
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (220 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, AVCHD
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 198g
    Physical Dimensions 105 x 59 x 28mm
    Battery Life 260 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS Built-in
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
    Storage Slots 1


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