Nikon
Z30
Compact APS-C Z mount for vloggers and beginners.
$709
Launch priceReleased Jun 2022
Panasonic
Lumix G97
Updated Micro Four Thirds hybrid with 20.3MP sensor, V-Log L, 5-axis Dual I.S. 2, and 4K video.
$849
Launch priceReleased Dec 2024
Lumix G97 is 2.5 years newer.
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Wins
Z30
Wins
Lumix G97
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BLumix G97 has higher IBIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- AZ30 has higher AF points / zones (209 vs 49)
- AZ30 has lower ISO min (native) (100 vs 200)
- AZ30 has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 25,600)
- AZ30 has higher 1080p max frame rate (100 fps vs 59.94 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
Z30
128 × 74 × 60 mm
405 g (0.89 lb / 14.29 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Lumix G97
130 × 94 × 77 mm
530 g (1.17 lb / 18.70 oz)
Z30 is 2mm narrower, 20mm shorter, and 18mm thinner than Lumix G97.
Z30 is 125 g lighter than Lumix G97.
Depth (front-to-back): 60mm Z30 · 77mm Lumix G97
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Z30
128 × 74 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Lumix G97
130 × 94 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Z30
128 × 60 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Lumix G97
130 × 77 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z30
23.5 × 15.7 mm · APS-C
369 mm² area
Lumix G97
17.3 × 13 mm · Compact / large-type
225 mm² area
1.6× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Z30
Nikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Lumix G97
✓ more lensesMicro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Z30
Subject recognition
Adds People, Dogs, Cats
Codecs
Adds H.264
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 128, 73.5, 59.5
AF points / zones
209 vs 49 — higher is better
AA filter
Only Z30 supports it
ISO min (native)
100 vs 200 — lower is better
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 25,600 — higher is better
AF low-light limit
-4.5 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Lumix G97
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Face, Eye…
Codecs
Adds MP4, AVCHD
IBIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 130.4, 93.5, 77.4
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only Lumix G97 supports it
Weather sealing
Only Lumix G97 supports it
Headphone jack (3.5mm)
Only Lumix G97 supports it
Battery capacity
1200 mAh vs 1120 mAh — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 29.97 fps
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Z30
Pros
- ✓Very affordable
- ✓Vlog features
- ✓Compact
Cons
- –No EVF
- –No IBIS
- –Single slot
Lumix G97
Pros
- ✓20.3MP MFT sensor
- ✓V-Log L
- ✓5-axis Dual I.S. 2
- ✓Weather resistant
Cons
- –Contrast AF
- –Single card slot
- –MFT sensor
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Z30 and Lumix G97 at major authorized retailers.
Panasonic Lumix G97
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for travel, Z30 or Lumix G97?
Lumix G97 scores 5.5/10 versus 4.5/10 for Z30 — 530g — compact and travel-friendly.
What's the resolution difference between the Z30 and Lumix G97?
Z30 is 20.8 MP and Lumix G97 is 20.3 MP, so the Z30 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Z30 and Lumix G97 have in-body image stabilization?
Z30 does not have IBIS, while Lumix G97 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z30 or the Lumix G97?
Z30 reaches 11 fps electronic. Lumix G97 reaches 9 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z30 and Lumix G97?
Z30 weighs 405 g and Lumix G97 weighs 530 g, so the Z30 is 125 g lighter.
Do the Z30 and Lumix G97 record 4K video?
Z30: 4K up to 29.97p. Lumix G97: 4K up to 29.97p.
Are the Z30 and Lumix G97 weather sealed?
Z30: No. Lumix G97: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 330 shots (CIPA) for the Z30 and 290 shots for the Lumix G97, giving the Z30 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Z30 launched at $709 and Lumix G97 at $849. The Z30 is $140 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Z30 vs Lumix G97 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed September 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon and Panasonic press materials.