Canon PowerShot
SX30 IS
 vs
Panasonic Lumix
DMC-FZ100

Updated (September, 2011): Compare the Canon Powershot SX40 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

66
"HD image quality is excellent and the stereo mics do a good job of picking up voices at distances of up to several metres."
cameralabs.com | talking about the SX30 IS's video-quality
"The PowerShot SX30 IS is a super-zoom truly worthy of the name. It will, without doubt, prove even more popular than its predecessors."
cameralabs.com | talking about the SX30 IS's overall-performance

Reasons to buy the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

Zoom
 Great zoom
35x
External flash
 External flash
Better lighting
Fastest shutter speed
 Fast shutter speed
1/3200 of a second
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100

66
"Like the FZ45 it has a control interface that is mid-way between that of an SLR and a compact camera."
trustedreviews.com | talking about the DMC-FZ100's button-layout
"Panasonic's build quality is second to none, and the camera handles extremely well."
trustedreviews.com | talking about the DMC-FZ100's build-quality

Reasons to buy the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100

Movie format
 Full HD
1080p @ 30fps
High-speed framerate
 High speed movies
220 fps
Continuous shooting
 Rapid fire
11 fps
Sensor type
 CMOS Sensor
Better in low light
Light sensitivity (boost)
 High ISO (boost)
6,400 ISO
Supports RAW
 Shoots RAW
Better editing

differences

Advantages of the Canon SX30 IS
Zoom Much more zoom 35x vs 24x
Help
 More than 2x more zoom
Wide angle Better wide angle 24 mm vs 25 mm
Help
 Almost the same
Aperture Slightly wider aperture f/2.7 vs f/2.8
Help
 At its widest zoom, the SX30 IS's lens captures marginally more light (0.1 f-stops)
Lowest price Significantly cheaper $419.99 vs $610.64
Help
 The best price we've seen is $191 cheaper (more than 30% less)
Macro focus Better macro capability 0 cm vs 1 cm
Help
 Almost the same
True resolution Slightly higher true resolution 9.8 MP vs 9.8 MP
Help
 Almost the same
Fastest shutter speed Significantly faster max shutter speed 1/3200s vs 1/2000s
Help
 Around 40% faster max shutter speed
Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Learn more about
the Canon SX30 IS

Advantages of the Panasonic DMC-FZ100
Movie format Higher resolution movies 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps
Help
 Shoots higher resolution Full HD (1080p) video
Screen size Significantly larger screen 3.0" vs 2.7"
Help
 More than 10% larger screen
High-speed framerate Records high-speed movies 220 fps vs None
Help
 Capture events too fast for the naked eye and play them back in super-slow motion
Continuous shooting Shoots significantly faster 11 fps vs 1.1 fps
Help
 10x faster continuous shooting
Sensor type Has a CMOS-family sensor CMOS vs CCD
Help
 CMOS-family sensors often produce better quality images
Supports RAW Shoots RAW Yes vs No
Help
 Digitally develop your own photos with precise image control
Size Smaller 124x81x95 mm vs 123x92x108 mm
Help
 More than 20% smaller
Screen resolution Higher resolution screen 460k dots vs 230k dots
Help
 2x higher resolution screen
Light sensitivity (boost) Has boost ISO 6,400 ISO vs None
Help
 Allows taking photos in darker situations, often at the cost of additional noise in the image
Longest exposure Much longer exposures 60s vs 15s
Help
 4x longer exposures
Thickness Thinner 3.7" vs 4.3"
Help
 More than 10% thinner
Weight Lighter 539 g vs 601 g
Help
 More than 10% lighter
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 Learn more about
the Panasonic DMC-FZ100
vs

recommendations

Relative to the best recent super zooms, and ignoring price

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Canon PowerShot SX30 IS
66 vs 66
Explain scores
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100
Green arrow Too close to call! Snapsort considers these cameras too competitive to make a clear recommendation.

advice

Need help deciding?

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For example: Taking photos in low light or great family photos or ability to take great photos underwater

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similarities

Compared to recent digicams

Common Strengths Common Weaknesses
Zoom Incredible zoom Help
SX30 IS:35x
DMC-FZ100:24x
Screen flips out Flip-out screens Help
Great for movies
Aperture Wide aperture Help
SX30 IS:f/2.7
DMC-FZ100:f/2.8
Wide angle Good wide angle Help
SX30 IS:24 mm
DMC-FZ100:25 mm
Macro focus Good macro capabilities Help
SX30 IS:0 cm
DMC-FZ100:1 cm
Image stabilization Good image stabilization Help
Lens
External flash Support external flash Help
Better lighting
Viewfinder Both have digital viewfinders Help
Digital
Lowest price Very expensive Help
SX30 IS:$419.99
DMC-FZ100:$610.64
Thickness Quite thick Help
SX30 IS:4.3"
DMC-FZ100:3.7"
Weight Heavy Help
SX30 IS:601 g
DMC-FZ100:539 g
Size Large Help
SX30 IS:123x92x108 mm
DMC-FZ100:124x81x95 mm
Panorama Neither camera stitches together panoramas Help
You could stitch photos in post
HDR Neither has in-camera HDR Help
You could do HDR manually
Light sensitivity Poor maximum light sensitivity Help
1,600 ISO
3D Neither camera can take 3D photos Help
No 3d support
Touch screen No touchscreens Help
More buttons

Compared to recent super zooms

Common Strengths Common Weaknesses

Snapsort is not aware of any interesting strengths shared by these two products.
External mic jack Neither has an external mic jack Help
Limited to the in-camera mic

competitors

Shared Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages
Canon Powershot SX40

Canon Powershot SX40

Super zoom

$347 - $380
Light sensitivity Slightly higher maximum light sensitivity
Supports 24p Records movies in 24p
Thickness Is thicker
Size Is slightly larger
Compare the Powershot SX40 vs the PowerShot SX30 IS
Compare the Powershot SX40 vs the Lumix DMC-FZ100
Nikon Coolpix P500

Nikon Coolpix P500

Super zoom

$300
Screen resolution Has a significantly higher resolution screen
Light sensitivity Slightly higher maximum light sensitivity
Fastest shutter speed Has a slower max shutter speed
External flash Doesn't support an external flash
Compare the Coolpix P500 vs the PowerShot SX30 IS
Compare the Coolpix P500 vs the Lumix DMC-FZ100
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150

Super zoom

$499 - $500
Light sensitivity Slightly higher maximum light sensitivity
Panorama Creates panoramas in-camera
Fastest shutter speed Has a slower max shutter speed
Lowest price Is slightly more expensive
Compare the Lumix DMC-FZ150 vs the PowerShot SX30 IS
Compare the Lumix DMC-FZ150 vs the Lumix DMC-FZ100
Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR

Fujifilm FinePix HS20

Super zoom

$299 - $335
High-speed framerate Records even higher-speed movies
True resolution Takes significantly higher resolution photos
Thickness Is thicker
Weight Is significantly heavier
Compare the FinePix HS20 vs the PowerShot SX30 IS
Compare the FinePix HS20 vs the Lumix DMC-FZ100
Sony Cybershot DSC-HX100v

Sony Cybershot DSC-HX100v

Super zoom

$409
Screen resolution Has a significantly higher resolution screen
Light sensitivity Slightly higher maximum light sensitivity
External flash Doesn't support an external flash
Wide angle Has a significantly narrower wide angle lens
Compare the Cybershot DSC-HX100v vs the PowerShot SX30 IS
Compare the Cybershot DSC-HX100v vs the Lumix DMC-FZ100
Nikon Coolpix P510

Nikon Coolpix P510

Super zoom

$397 - $400
Zoom Has much more zoom
Screen resolution Has a significantly higher resolution screen
Fastest shutter speed Has a slower max shutter speed
Longest exposure Slightly shorter exposures
Compare the Coolpix P510 vs the PowerShot SX30 IS
Compare the Coolpix P510 vs the Lumix DMC-FZ100
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40

Super zoom

$411
Fastest shutter speed Has a slower max shutter speed
External flash Doesn't support an external flash
Compare the Lumix DMC-FZ40 vs the PowerShot SX30 IS
Compare the Lumix DMC-FZ40 vs the Lumix DMC-FZ100

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages
Nikon Coolpix L120

Nikon Coolpix L120

Super zoom

$180 - $229
Screen resolution Much higher resolution screen
Size Significantly smaller
Zoom Much less zoom
Screen flips out Screen does not flip out
Compare the Coolpix L120 vs the PowerShot SX30 IS

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages
Leica V-Lux 2

Leica V-Lux 2

Super zoom

$1,101
Weight Slightly lighter
Movie format Lower resolution movies
High-speed framerate Doesn't record high-speed movies
Compare the V-Lux 2 vs the Lumix DMC-FZ100

appearance

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100
Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100
Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100

discussion

Showing 25 comments

Doug Sinnott (7:05 AM, July 17, 2011)
Having tried and used both the Canon SX30 and Panasonic FZ100 for several weeks,the biggest obvious difference in use is that the FZ100 is much quicker to use,almost instant focus and image capture,and is also quicker taking multiple flash pictures
The Canon shot to shot time is much slower,and the FZ100 is therefore much better at capturing fast moving action.
The FZ100 can also take up to 11 images in one second,at the full resolution of 14 MP,or even go up to 60 FPS at a reduced resolution of 3.5 MP.
The Canon can't compete with this.
The difference in maximum zoom is really immaterial,as the FZ100 can go up to 32X "Intelligent Zoom" if required,with minimal loss of image quality,and the FZ100 LCD screen and viewfinder are also better,in my view.
Added to which,the FZ100 can capture RAW images if required,and capture them very quickly,with no "freeze up" while they are being written to the card,and that just makes the FZ100 more suitable for the keen amateur,who doesn't want the bulk and weight(and expense!) of a DSLR,and a couple(at least) of lenses,but wants similar speed of use,and functions.
Several reviews comparing the two cameras,don't mention the difference in operating speed,or the lack of RAW facility with the Canon,which are both important to the keen hobbyist.
There is also very little difference in image quality,neither camera is really suitable for really large prints above A3,but that is hardly a problem to most amateurs like me,who only print A4,with some cropping.
So overall,I found the FZ100 the better camera of the two,after using both for some time,and have to disagree with this review.
 
Garthns (4:36 AM, May 21, 2011)
 Sorry, Snapsort, but all that goes to prove is that some people can't read on-line reviews! :-) The "Joint Winners" were the FZ35 and the SX20. The P100 was next best as "Recommended". The P100 appears on the conclusions page first, but that is like announcing the runner-up before announcing Miss World!
 
Dalcanon41 (5:38 PM, May 18, 2011)
Popularity??? I think your wrong...But look again, not only on this forum and you'll see the Lumix FZ100 is a better performer...That is if your looking for good quality picture and HD 1080p.

Just trying to find out my self, as I'm about to buy one or the other. Debate please!!! ;)
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (0:38 PM, April 25, 2011)
The Canon is the better all around camera, but the Panasonic is not that far behind. If you really want 1080p HD video then I think you will be happy with the Panasonic, if not stick with the Canon.
 
smiley (4:26 AM, April 22, 2011)
I'm torn between these two cameras. I'm looking for a good camera with great HD video within my budget. I'm leaning towards the Canon, as that's the brand I prefer most but I also want the full 1080p HD video. Which is best?
 
Emurdopo (4:06 AM, April 15, 2011)
*loL* :)) snapsort is right..
 
Avatar for Mike Mike (1:25 AM, March 22, 2011)
These are the movie clip capabilities of the FZ100:

• AVCHD : 1980 x 1080 (FSH: 17Mbps / FH:13Mbps)
• AVCHD Lite: 1280 x 720 pixels (SH: 17Mbps / H:13Mbps )
• Motion JPEG: 1280 x 720 pixels @ 30fps
• 4:3: 640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 pixels @ 30 fps
• 16:9: 848 x 480 pixels @ 30 fps

http://www.dpreview.com/news/1007/10072108panasonicdmcfz100.asp
 
Billy Katsoulakis (3:39 AM, March 13, 2011)
The Panosonic FZ100 Takes 720p video not !080p like posted above
 
SMG (11:22 PM, February 02, 2011)
Hi i am looking at both of these cameras for taking pictures of birds and other animals and am hoping to go some airshows this year. I realize that a DSLR would be better but i have had a few dslr's and to be honest because i don't print photos i just view them on my computer and also because buying lots of lenses is expensive and i hated lugging around lots of kit then i don't really want to go back to a dslr. Which of these do you think would be better its very confusing lol i am still a amateur :S, I can't decide if its better to have the longer optical zoom of the canon and faster shutter speed or the faster focusing and shooting panasonic.
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (1:31 PM, January 28, 2011)
Dpreview did a review of many of these superzooms last year, and they put the Nikon P100 on top . The Panasonic FZ35 was also a joint winner, and overall they rated it highest for image quality.
 
JoaoP (1:27 PM, January 28, 2011)
all these cameras look so similar that i still can´t decide!! What do you think about those three cameras i refer in the last coment!!
 
JoaoP (11:00 PM, January 27, 2011)
But when i was searching for similiar cameras like the fz100 i found much more cameras: the nikon p100 ,the fujifilm finepix hs20 0r 22 (i think they´re the same) and canon sx 30 is!! Thank you
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (7:15 PM, January 27, 2011)
Hi Joao, I think the FZ100 would be a great choice because of its 11fps continuous shooting.
 
Joao P (7:05 PM, January 27, 2011)
Hi. I can´t decide the best camera for me. I would use it most to take photos of people surfing. What do you think the best option for me ?
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (10:04 PM, December 08, 2010)
Panasonic currently only has two digital cameras that shoot 10fps or faster!
 
Digital_grounds (7:38 PM, December 08, 2010)
i love FZ100's 11fps burst shot but im also considering shooting in low-light. is there any lumix cmera that you can suggest that performs best in low-light situations but has almost the same burst speed as the FZ100? HD video recording too....
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (2:05 PM, November 09, 2010)
The numbers I gave above were just an example, not the sensor sizes of these two cameras. Your quoted sensor sizes look accurate - we'll hopefully update the site soon to include decimal places for sensor sizes.
 
Jlg02048 (8:34 AM, November 09, 2010)
Are you sure about those numbers - another review site had the sensor sizes listed as 6.13x4.60mm for the Z100 and 6.16x4.62mm for the SX30.
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (7:44 PM, November 08, 2010)
Yes the Pentax K-x would be a great choice, almost as good as the D3100 in low light. Regardless, keep in mind a DSLR is a lot more expensive (you need lenses too) and bigger and bulkier. You'll only get really good results in low light from your DSLR if you have fast lenses and bump up the ISO.
 
Itgirl179 (7:35 PM, November 08, 2010)
Wow, you guys are fast and thorough! Thanks so much. I'm glad I found your site and will certainly tell people about it.
Back to my dilemma. Looks like the Nikon D3100 is the only one I could buy though a bit over my budget. How about the Pentax K-x? Sounds like it has really good performance in low light and has image stablizer, which I need. Although I'm not a fan of Pentax, I am open to your suggestion. The G12 sounds great too. I don't like the Canon PowerShot S95 simply because it does not have a viewfinder.

Thanks again!
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (0:28 PM, November 08, 2010)
1. Taking pictures of moving things in low light is very challenging for cameras.
2. I don't think most point and shoots (e.g. the FZ100, P100 or SX30), will do any better than the ZS3, they all have the same sized sensor and similar low light capabilities
3. Going for a 30x super-zoom is only going to make things worse generally - the more zoom you use, the faster a shutter speed you need to prevent blurry images from hand-shake
4. For the *best* low light shooting in a point and shoot you have to sacrifice zoom, and go with a pro digicam like the Canon PowerShot S95, the S95 has a wide f/2.0 aperture and a larger sensor. (The G12 also has a larger sensor).
5. Here is some good advice for taking pictures of kids in a play
6. To shoot well in low light also requires you to know your camera well, to be able to set the aperture, bump up the ISO, turn on auto-iso, fix the shutter speed, etc.

So in summary, going from the ZS3 to the P100/SX30/FZ100 is mostly just going to get you more zoom. Instead, you should go for the Canon PowerShot S95 (or something similar), and take advantage of the bigger sensor and wider aperture in low light, but you'll lose out on zoom.

But ultimately low light is very difficult to shoot in, and to do it well you need a DSLR with good high ISO performance, and a fast f/1.8 or f/1.4 lens. Two good but expensive options would be the Nikon D7000 with the 50mm f/1.8 lens, or the Nikon D3100 with a35mm f/1.8 lens

Remember though, digital cameras are always compromising something!
 
Itgirl179 (6:08 AM, November 08, 2010)
oh no, now I read about the Nikon Coolpix P100, what am I going to do? Nikon seems to be better than Lumix in all criteria?
 
Itgirl179 (5:09 AM, November 08, 2010)
suggestion?
 
Itgirl179 (3:48 AM, November 08, 2010)
So, I need to pick one: Lumix DMC-FZ100 or a Canon. How about the Canon G12 or Rebel XS?
 
Itgirl179 (3:44 AM, November 08, 2010)
Both, mostly kids who are not patient and kids in action, playing or performing. In either case, I would be lucky to get one with sufficient light. I have a Sony T10 and Panasonic DMC-ZS3, both point & shoot. I want to move up to better camera but still need a small, light, and simple camera which takes decent pictures in (sometimes) low light with moving kids in it. Thanks.