Canon 1300D vs Panasonic FZ330

The Canon EOS 1300D (called Canon T6 in some regions) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 (labelled Panasonic FZ300 in some countries) are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in March 2016 and July 2015. The 1300D is a DSLR, while the FZ330 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (1300D) and a 1/2.3-inch (FZ330) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 17.9 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 12 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

	VS
Canon 1300D		Panasonic FZ330
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Canon EF mount lenses		25-600mm f/2.8
17.9 MP, APS-C Sensor		12 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
1080/30p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-12800 (100-25600)		ISO 100-6400
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
3.0" LCD, 920k dots		3.0" LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Swivel touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second		12 shutter flaps per second
Not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
500 shots per battery charge		380 shots per battery charge
129 x 101 x 78 mm, 485 g		132 x 92 x 117 mm, 691 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 1300D and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 1300D and the Panasonic FZ330. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic FZ330 is notably smaller (7 percent) than the Canon 1300D. It is noteworthy in this context that the FZ330 is splash and dust-proof, while the 1300D does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the FZ330 has a lens built in, whereas the 1300D is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the 1300D and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the 1300D gets 500 shots out of its LP-E10 battery, while the FZ330 can take 380 images on a single charge of its DMW-BLC12 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 1300D»	129 mm	101 mm	78 mm	485 g	500	n	Mar 2016	449		Canon 1300D
	Panasonic FZ330«	132 mm	92 mm	117 mm	691 g	380	Y	Jul 2015	599		Panasonic FZ330
	Canon 2000D« »	129 mm	101 mm	78 mm	475 g	500	n	Feb 2018	449		Canon 2000D
	Canon 4000D« »	129 mm	102 mm	77 mm	436 g	500	n	Feb 2018	399		Canon 4000D
	Canon 77D« »	131 mm	100 mm	76 mm	540 g	600	n	Feb 2017	899		Canon 77D
	Canon 200D« »	122 mm	93 mm	70 mm	453 g	650	n	Jun 2017	549		Canon 200D
	Canon G9 X Mark II« »	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	206 g	235	n	Jan 2017	529		Canon G9 X Mark II
	Canon SX540« »	120 mm	82 mm	92 mm	442 g	205	n	Jan 2016	399		Canon SX540
	Canon 750D« »	132 mm	101 mm	78 mm	555 g	440	n	Feb 2015	749		Canon 750D
	Canon G3 X« »	123 mm	77 mm	105 mm	733 g	300	Y	Jun 2015	999		Canon G3 X
	Canon G9 X« »	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	209 g	220	n	Oct 2015	529		Canon G9 X
	Canon SX530« »	120 mm	82 mm	92 mm	442 g	210	n	Jan 2015	429		Canon SX530
	Canon 1200D« »	130 mm	100 mm	78 mm	480 g	500	n	Feb 2014	449		Canon 1200D
	Canon SX60« »	128 mm	93 mm	114 mm	650 g	340	n	Sep 2014	549		Canon SX60
	Panasonic FZ200« »	125 mm	87 mm	110 mm	588 g	540	n	Jul 2012	599		Panasonic FZ200
	Panasonic FZ150« »	124 mm	82 mm	92 mm	528 g	410	n	Aug 2011	499		Panasonic FZ150
	Panasonic LX5« »	110 mm	65 mm	43 mm	271 g	400	n	Jul 2010	499		Panasonic LX5
Convert to Imperial
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 1300D features an APS-C sensor and the Panasonic FZ330 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the FZ330 is 92 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 5.6. The sensor in the 1300D has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the FZ330 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 17.9MP, the 1300D offers a higher resolution than the FZ330 (12MP), but the 1300D nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.31μm versus 1.53μm for the FZ330) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the 1300D is a somewhat more recent model (by 7 months) than the FZ330, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the FZ330 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Canon 1300D implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 1300D for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 17.3 inch or 65.8 x 43.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 13.8 inch or 52.7 x 35.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 11.5 inch or 43.9 x 29.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic FZ330 are 20 x 15 inch or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inch or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inch or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS 1300D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 are ISO 100 to ISO 6400 (no boost).

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the FZ330 provides a better video resolution than the 1300D. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the FZ330 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), while the 1300D has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the FZ330 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the 1300D (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the FZ330 has a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.50x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon 1300D and Panasonic FZ330 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The FZ330 has a touchscreen, while the 1300D has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the FZ330 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Panasonic FZ330 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the 1300D and the FZ330 write their files to SDXC cards. The FZ330 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the 1300D cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 1300D and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the FZ330 has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The 1300D does not feature such a mic input.

The FZ330 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the 1300D has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the 1300D was succeeded by the Canon 2000D. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Panasonic websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Canon 1300D better than the Panasonic FZ330 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS 1300D:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (17.9 vs 12MP) with a 25% higher linear resolution.
• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (500 versus 380) on a single battery charge.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 7 months after the FZ330).

Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.50x).
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 920k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the 1300D requires a separate lens.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in July 2015).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the FZ330 is the clear winner of the contest (18 : 11 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1300D and the Panasonic FZ330 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 1300D and the FZ330 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model	cam era   labs	dp re   view	e photo   zine	ima ging resource	photo graphy   blog	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 1300D	o	73/100	4/5	3.5/5	4/5	Mar 2016	449		Canon 1300D
	Panasonic FZ330	+ +	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2015	599		Panasonic FZ330
	Canon 2000D	o	..	3.5/5	..	3.5/5	Feb 2018	449		Canon 2000D
	Canon 4000D	o	..	3.5/5	..	3.5/5	Feb 2018	399		Canon 4000D
	Canon 77D	..	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2017	899		Canon 77D
	Canon 200D	+ +	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2017	549		Canon 200D
	Canon G9 X Mark II	..	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	529		Canon G9 X Mark II
	Canon SX540	..	..	..	..	..	Jan 2016	399		Canon SX540
	Canon 750D	..	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	749		Canon 750D
	Canon G3 X	+	..	4.5/5	3.5/5	4/5	Jun 2015	999		Canon G3 X
	Canon G9 X	+ +	..	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	529		Canon G9 X
	Canon SX530	+ +	..	4/5	..	4/5	Jan 2015	429		Canon SX530
	Canon 1200D	+	..	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	449		Canon 1200D
	Canon SX60	+ +	75/100	4/5	..	4.5/5	Sep 2014	549		Canon SX60
	Panasonic FZ200	+ +	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	599		Panasonic FZ200
	Panasonic FZ150	+ +	76/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2011	499		Panasonic FZ150
	Panasonic LX5	+	73/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2010	499		Panasonic LX5
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Canon 1300D vs Panasonic FZ330

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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