A Comprehensive Review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30: Is It Worth the Investment?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 is a budget-friendly camera that comes with a powerful zoom lens and impressive features. In this blog post, we'll take an in-depth look at this camera, its key specifications, performance, and pros and cons. By the end of this review, you'll have a clear insight into whether the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 is a good investment for your photography needs.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 07 2013

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPanasonic
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight552g
MSRP$229USD

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Released Jan 07 2013 | 18MP resolution

Overview of the Lumix DMC-LZ30

Are you an aspiring photographer or a professional looking for an affordable camera? If yes, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 might be the right choice for you. This camera boasts a 16-megapixel sensor, a 35x optical zoom lens and a range of modes and features that will help you capture stunning photos and videos. But is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 really worth the investment? In this review, we'll find out if this camera is a good fit for you based on its key specifications and performance. So, let's dig deep into the features and functionality of this camera to help you make your decision.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

35x optical zoom for long-range shots
720p HD video recording
Affordable price point
16.1 megapixel resolution
Lightweight and compact design
Optical image stabilization for clear shots
Easy to use interface
Decent battery life
Manual controls for advanced photographers
Macro mode for close-up shots

Cons

No Wi-Fi or NFC connectivity
Limited ISO range for low light settings
No RAW image format support
Low resolution electronic viewfinder
Slow autofocus in low light
Low quality LCD screen
No external microphone input for video recording
Plastic build feels cheap
No built-in flash or hot shoe for external flash
Limited aperture range for creative control

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30

Weather sealed
Dimensions124 x 84 x 92mm
Weight552g
Thickness92mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution460k dots
Body typeSLR-like (bridge)

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 460k dots. This makes the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Lumix DMC-LZ30 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 has a 16MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 has a native ISO range of 100 - 6400 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jan 07 2013

Announced

100 - 6400

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4608 x 3456 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Lumix DMC-LZ30 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Battery Life380 shots
Battery Model4 x AA
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 uses the 4 x AA model of aa. This is rated for 380 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 features a CCD sensor

Is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 weather sealed?

No the Lumix DMC-LZ30 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 announced?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 was announced on Jan 07 2013

Does the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Lumix DMC-LZ30 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30?

The Lumix DMC-LZ30 has a native ISO range of 100-6400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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