Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20
      63
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      61
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 was introduced in January 2013 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 was introduced in April 2012. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Highlights

      • 18.1 MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 23 Focus Points (23 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 920k dot Fixed Screen
      • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-in GPS
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 Highlights

      • 14.1 MP 1/2.33-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 23 Focus Points (23 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-in GPS
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30
      4. Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20.

      PROS

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      •   Video Capture
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Light - 206 g (0.45 lb / 7.27 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1200 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      •   Sensor Resolution - 18.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps

      Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic ZS30
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20
      Larger Sensor 1/2.3-inch vs 1/2.33-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 18.1 Megapixel vs 14.1 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4896 x 3672 vs 4320 x 3240
      Higher Resolution Screen 920k dot vs 460k dot
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs
      Lighter 198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz) vs 206 g (0.45 lb / 7.27 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30.

      Panasonic ZS40
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      1/2.3-inch

      18.1 MP

      Panasonic ZS35
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      1/2.33-inch

      16 MP

      Panasonic ZS70
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      1/2.3-inch

      20.3 MP

      Panasonic ZS15
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Panasonic ZS60
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      1/2.3-inch

      18.1 MP

      Panasonic ZS50
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Panasonic ZS25
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      1/2.33-inch

      16.1 MP

      Panasonic ZS10
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      1/2.33-inch

      14.1 MP

      Panasonic ZS80
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      1/2.3-inch

      20.3 MP

      Panasonic ZS45
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      1/2.33-inch

      16 MP

      Sony a6400
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      Panasonic ZS20
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/1200 sec vs 1/2000 sec

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20.

      Panasonic ZS50
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Panasonic ZS45
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      1/2.33-inch

      16 MP

      Panasonic ZS10
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      1/2.33-inch

      14.1 MP

      Panasonic ZS80
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      1/2.3-inch

      20.3 MP

      Panasonic ZS15
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Panasonic ZS25
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      1/2.33-inch

      16.1 MP

      Panasonic ZS70
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      1/2.3-inch

      20.3 MP

      Panasonic ZS35
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      1/2.33-inch

      16 MP

      Panasonic ZS40
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      1/2.3-inch

      18.1 MP

      Panasonic ZS60
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      1/2.3-inch

      18.1 MP

      Sony a7R IV
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      Full Frame

      61.0 MP

      Nikon D50
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO6,4006,400
        Touch-to-Focus
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        Touch Screen
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output
        Built-in GPS
        Light198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz)206 g (0.45 lb / 7.27 oz)
        Internal Storage12 MB12 MB
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20
        Small Sensor1/2.3-inch1/2.33-inch
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Cross-type Focus Points00
        No Face Detection
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Viewfinder
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/1200 sec1/2000 sec
        No External Flash Connectivity
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life260 shots260 shots

      Screen

      Screen

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 have 3.0" Fixed screens with 920k dot and 460k dot resolutions respectively. Both models feature touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.

      Sensor

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 features a 18.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 features a 14.1 megapixel 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.08 x 4.56 mm and a total area of 20.8 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400.

      Photography Features

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 can take pictures up to 4896 x 3672 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4876 x 3264, 4896 x 2752, 4000 x 3000, 4000 x 2672, 4000 x 2752, 3664 x 3664, 3264 x 2448, 3264 x 2176, 3264 x 1840, 2992 x 2992, 2560 x 1920, 2560 x 1712, 2560 x 1440, 2448 x 2448, 2048 x 1536, 2048 x 1360, 1920 x 1080, 1920 x 1920, 1536 x 1536,640 x 480, 640 x 424, 640 x 360, 480 x 480 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 can take pictures up to 4320 x 3240 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4320 x 3240, 4320 x 2880, 4320 x 2432, 3648 x 2736, 3648 x 2432, 3648 x 2056, 3232 x 3232,3072 x 2048, 3072 x 2304, 3072 x 1728, 2736 x 2736, 2560 x 1920, 2560 x 1712, 2560 x 1440, 2304 x 2304, 2048 x 1536, 2048 x 1360, 1920 x 1920, 1920 x 1080, 1536 x 1536, 640 x 480, 640 x 424, 640 x 360, 480 x 480 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in GPS

      Cameras have built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which allows you to automatically tag the location where you took your photos. You can later categorize, organize, and search for photos based on location. This is very useful for travel and outdoor photographers for documenting the locations where images were captured.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in GPS.


      Built-in Wi-Fi on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Both cameras have HDMI connector for video signal output.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/1200 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30, and up to 1/2000 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. Cameras can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 6.40 m...

      Physical Parameters

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 bodies have the same dimensions of 105 x 59 x 28 mm (4.13 x 2.32 x 1.1"). Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 weighs 198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz) and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 weighs 206 g (0.45 lb / 7.27 oz).

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      105 mm

      59 mm

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      105 mm

      59 mm

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      59 mm

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      59 mm

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      28 mm

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      28 mm

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      Size comparisons of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      GOOD
      71
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      71
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      GOOD
      75
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      74
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      GOOD
      70
      •   Small Sensor
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Small Sensor
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   Small Sensor
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Small Sensor
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 206 g (0.45 lb / 7.27 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 206 g (0.45 lb / 7.27 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 and give them scores of 63 and 61 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      OVERALL
      63
      OVERALL
      61

      Sensor

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      POOR
      52
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 18.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      POOR
      51
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1200 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      GOOD
      72
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      72
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      GOOD
      74
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      GOOD
      79
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      •   Internal Storage
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 206 g (0.45 lb / 7.27 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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