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Panasonic FZ300 vs FZ330

The Panasonic FZ300 and the Panasonic FZ330 are identical cameras that only differ by name. Panasonic sells the camera in different regions of the world using an alternative designation because of marketing and warranty considerations. Hence, there is not much to differentiate the two. You might want to move across to the CAM-parator app in order to select two other camera models for a more meaningful comparison, or just scroll down to the tables on this page to see how the Panasonic FZ300 (aka Panasonic FZ330) relates to a set of comparators.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 (called Panasonic FZ330 in some regions) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 (labelled Panasonic FZ300 in some countries) are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public in July 2015. Both the FZ300 and the FZ330 are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 12 megapixels.

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

Headline Specifications
Panasonic FZ300
versus
Panasonic FZ330
Panasonic FZ300   Panasonic FZ330
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
25-600mm f/2.8 25-600mm f/2.8
12 MP – 1/2.3" sensor 12 MP – 1/2.3" sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-6,400 ISO 100-6,400
Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots) Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Swivel touchscreen Swivel touchscreen
12 shutter flaps per second 12 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
380 shots per battery charge380 shots per battery charge
132 x 92 x 117 mm, 691 g 132 x 92 x 117 mm, 691 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 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.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Panasonic FZ300 and the Panasonic FZ330 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Panasonic FZ300 vs Panasonic FZ330
Compare FZ300 versus FZ330 top
Comparison FZ300 or FZ330 rear

In this particular case, the Panasonic FZ300 and the Panasonic FZ330 have exactly the same width and height, and, thus, have identically-sized bodies. Moreover, the two cameras also share the same weight. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic FZ300 132 mm 92 mm 117 mm 691 g 380 Y Jul 2015 599 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic FZ330 132 mm 92 mm 117 mm 691 g 380 Y Jul 2015 599 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon G3 X 123 mm 77 mm 105 mm 733 g 300 Y Jun 2015 999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX1 128 mm 88 mm 88 mm 615 g .. n Sep 2008 599ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX60 128 mm 93 mm 114 mm 650 g 340 n Sep 2014 549ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X30 119 mm 72 mm 60 mm 423 g 470 n Aug 2014 599ebay.com
7.
 
Kodak AZ901 139 mm 104 mm 119 mm 777 g 400 n Jan 2016 499 amazon.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ100 124 mm 82 mm 92 mm 540 g 410 n Jul 2010 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic FZ150 124 mm 82 mm 92 mm 528 g 410 n Aug 2011 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic FZ200 125 mm 87 mm 110 mm 588 g 540 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic LX5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Jul 2010 499ebay.com
12.
 
Sony HX400V 130 mm 93 mm 103 mm 660 g 300 n Feb 2014 499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The two cameras under review were launched at the same price and fall into the same market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a 1/2.3-inch sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

Panasonic FZ300 and Panasonic FZ330 sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 12 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the FZ300 and the FZ330 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. Moreover, the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

FZ300 versus FZ330 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic FZ300 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30004K/30p19.311.09738
2.
 
Panasonic FZ330 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30004K/30p19.311.09738
3.
 
Canon G3 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.412.352163
4.
 
Canon SX1 1/2.3 10.0 3648 27361080/30p19.010.314435
5.
 
Canon SX60 1/2.3 14.2 4608 30721080/60p19.210.812739
6.
 
Fujifilm X30 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.411.2-31249
7.
 
Kodak AZ901 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/30p20.311.780648
8.
 
Panasonic FZ100 1/2.3 14.0 4320 32401080/60i19.410.730639
9.
 
Panasonic FZ150 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.410.913240
10.
 
Panasonic FZ200 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.110.811437
11.
 
Panasonic LX5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.610.813241
12.
 
Sony HX400V 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.111.462945
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The FZ300 and the FZ330 are similar in the sense that both feature an electronic viewfinder, which is helpful when framing images in bright sunlight. Moreover, their viewfinders offer an identical resolution of 1440k dots. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Panasonic FZ300 and Panasonic FZ330 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Panasonic FZ3001440 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Panasonic FZ3301440 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G3 Xoptional n3.2 / 1620 tilting Y 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon SX1202 n2.8 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 4.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon SX60922 n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/2000s 6.4/s Y Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X302360 n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Kodak AZ901202 n3.0 / 920 swivel n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Panasonic FZ100202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 11.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Panasonic FZ150202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 12.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Panasonic FZ2001312 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Panasonic LX5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
12.
 
Sony HX400V210 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.

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, both cameras under consideration feature an 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 FZ300 and the Panasonic FZ330 both have 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.

Both the FZ300 and the FZ330 have zoom lenses built in. Both optics have identical focal length range and aperture specifications (4.5-108mm f/2.8-2.8). Both cameras offer the same maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the FZ300 and the FZ330 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic FZ300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
2.
 
Panasonic FZ330Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon G3 XYstereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon SX1Ystereo / mono--YES2.0---
5.
 
Canon SX60Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
6.
 
Fujifilm X30Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Kodak AZ901-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Panasonic FZ100Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic FZ150Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic FZ200Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic LX5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Sony HX400VYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-

Both the FZ300 and the FZ330 are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The FZ300 replaced the earlier Panasonic FZ200, while the FZ330 followed on from the Panasonic FZ200. Further information on the features and operation of the FZ300 and FZ330 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic FZ300 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic FZ330 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Panasonic FZ300 and the Panasonic FZ330? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300:

  • Well, not many: Does not have any feature that gives it a substantial advantage over the FZ330.


Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330:

  • Well, not many: Does not offer any functionality that gives it a clear advantage over the FZ300.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the match-up finishes in a tie (0 points each).

FZ300 00:00 FZ330

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic FZ300 and the Panasonic FZ330 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the FZ300 or the FZ330 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic FZ300..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2015 599 amazon.com
2.
 
Panasonic FZ330..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2015 599 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon G3 X3.5/5+....4.5/54/5 Jun 2015 999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX1..+ +..+..3.5/5 Sep 2008 599ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX603/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2014 549ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X304/5....76/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2014 599ebay.com
7.
 
Kodak AZ901........3.5/53/5 Jan 2016 499 amazon.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ100..+....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic FZ1503/5+ +..76/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2011 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic FZ2003/5+ +..80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic LX54/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 499ebay.com
12.
 
Sony HX400V4/5+ +....4/54/5 Feb 2014 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Check FZ300 price at
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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 use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Panasonic FZ300 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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Panasonic FZ300 Panasonic FZ330
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 25-600mm f/2.8 25-600mm f/2.8
    Launch Date July 2015 July 2015
    Launch Price USD 599 USD 599
    Sensor Specs Panasonic FZ300 Panasonic FZ330
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.0735 mm2 28.0735 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 pixels 4000 x 3000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.53 μm 1.53 μm
    Pixel Density 42.74 MP/cm2 42.74 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 6,400 ISO
    Image Processor Venus Venus
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 38 38
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 19.3 19.3
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.0 11.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 97 97
    Screen Specs Panasonic FZ300 Panasonic FZ330
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1440k dots 1440k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic FZ300 Panasonic FZ330
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 12 shutter flaps/s 12 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic FZ300 Panasonic FZ330
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Body Specs Panasonic FZ300 Panasonic FZ330
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLC12 Panasonic DMW-BLC12
    Battery Life (CIPA)380 shots per charge380 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 132 x 92 x 117 mm
    (5.2 x 3.6 x 4.6 in)
    132 x 92 x 117 mm
    (5.2 x 3.6 x 4.6 in)
    Camera Weight 691 g (24.4 oz) 691 g (24.4 oz)
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