• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 480.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Panasonic ZS45 advantages over Nikon Z 30

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    32 mm vs 59 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    249g vs 390g
    Lighter weight

Nikon Z 30 advantages over Panasonic ZS45

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.22 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    2 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    20.9 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.0 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic ZS45

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony H90

Panasonic ZS45
Sony H90
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Nikon Z 30
Sony H90
  • $708
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash

Compared to Nikon L610

Panasonic ZS45
Nikon L610
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $147
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
Nikon Z 30
Nikon L610
  • $708
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $147
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash

Compared to Panasonic ZS35

Panasonic ZS45
Panasonic ZS35
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • More dots on screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
Nikon Z 30
Panasonic ZS35
  • $708
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Canon EOS M50 II

Panasonic ZS45
Canon EOS M50 II
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Nikon Z 30
Canon EOS M50 II
  • $708
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Newer
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon Z fc

Panasonic ZS45
Nikon Z fc
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $957
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Nikon Z 30
Nikon Z fc
  • $708
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $957
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Thinner
Compare Other Cameras?