• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 480.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon V2 advantages over Panasonic ZS30

  • Slower slow-motion
    1200 fps vs 240 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.86 vs 1.26 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.6 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    40 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic ZS30 advantages over Nikon V2

  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Thinner
    27 mm vs 45 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    18.1 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon V1

Nikon V2
Nikon V1
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
Panasonic ZS30
Nikon V1
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Panasonic ZS19

Nikon V2
Panasonic ZS19
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic ZS30
Panasonic ZS19
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure

Compared to Panasonic ZS25

Nikon V2
Panasonic ZS25
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $350
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic ZS30
Panasonic ZS25
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $350
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compared to Nikon AW1

Nikon V2
Nikon AW1
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic ZS30
Nikon AW1
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Waterproof

Compared to Nikon V3

Nikon V2
Nikon V3
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic ZS30
Nikon V3
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
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