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Panasonic FZ330 vs Sony A850

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 (called Panasonic FZ300 in some regions) and the Sony Alpha A850 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in July 2015 and August 2009. The FZ330 is a fixed lens compact, while the A850 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a 1/2.3-inch (FZ330) and a full frame (A850) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 24.4 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Panasonic FZ330
versus
Sony A850
Panasonic FZ330   Sony A850
Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
25-600mm f/2.8 Sony A mount lenses
12 MP – 1/2.3" sensor 24.4 MP – Full Frame sensor
4K/30p Video no Video
ISO 100-6,400 ISO 200-3,200 (100 - 6,400)
Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Swivel touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
12 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
380 shots per battery charge880 shots per battery charge
132 x 92 x 117 mm, 691 g 156 x 117 x 82 mm, 895 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 and the Sony Alpha A850? 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

The physical size and weight of the Panasonic FZ330 and the Sony A850 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. 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.

Size Panasonic FZ330 vs Sony A850
Compare FZ330 versus A850 top
Comparison FZ330 or A850 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A850 is considerably larger (50 percent) than the Panasonic FZ330. 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 above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the FZ330 has a lens built in, whereas the A850 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the FZ330 gets 380 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLC12 battery, while the A850 can take 880 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FM500H power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic FZ330 132 mm 92 mm 117 mm 691 g 380 Y Jul 2015 599 amazon.com
2.
 
Sony A850 156 mm 117 mm 82 mm 895 g 880 Y Aug 2009 1,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G3 X 123 mm 77 mm 105 mm 733 g 300 Y Jun 2015 999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX60 128 mm 93 mm 114 mm 650 g 340 n Sep 2014 549ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X30 119 mm 72 mm 60 mm 423 g 470 n Aug 2014 599ebay.com
6.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113 140 mm 79 mm 88 mm 635 g 450 Y Jan 2016 2,950ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 137 mm 99 mm 131 mm 831 g 360 n Jun 2014 899ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic LX100 115 mm 66 mm 55 mm 393 g 300 n Sep 2014 899ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic FZ200 125 mm 87 mm 110 mm 588 g 540 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic FZ150 124 mm 82 mm 92 mm 528 g 410 n Aug 2011 499ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic LX5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Jul 2010 499ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7C 124 mm 71 mm 60 mm 509 g 740 Y Sep 2020 1,799 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony RX10 II 129 mm 88 mm 102 mm 813 g 400 Y Jun 2015 1,299ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A99 147 mm 111 mm 78 mm 812 g 500 Y Sep 2012 2,799ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A900 156 mm 117 mm 82 mm 895 g 880 Y Sep 2008 2,999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The FZ330 was launched at a lower price than the A850, despite having a lens built in. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 Panasonic FZ330 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and the Sony A850 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A850 is 2979 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 5.6 and 1.0. The sensor in the FZ330 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the A850 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Panasonic FZ330 and Sony A850 sensor measures

With 24.4MP, the A850 offers a higher resolution than the FZ330 (12MP), but the A850 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 1.53μm for the FZ330) due to its larger sensor. However, the FZ330 is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 10 months) than the A850, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. 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 Sony A850 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A850 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.2 x 20.2 inches or 76.8 x 51.2 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.2 x 16.1 inches or 61.4 x 41 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.2 x 13.4 inches or 51.2 x 34.1 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic FZ330 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A850 are ISO 200 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-6400.

In terms of underlying technology, the FZ330 is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the A850 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

FZ330 versus A850 MP

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"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the A850 offers substantially better image quality than the FZ330 (overall score 41 points higher). The advantage is based on 4.5 bits higher color depth, 1.2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 3.9 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic FZ330 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30004K/30p19.311.09738
2.
 
Sony A850 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.812.2141579
3.
 
Canon G3 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.412.352163
4.
 
Canon SX60 1/2.3 14.2 4608 30721080/60p19.210.812739
5.
 
Fujifilm X30 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.411.2-31249
6.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.813.0161480
7.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
8.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.111.751764
9.
 
Panasonic LX100 Four Thirds 12.7 4112 30884K/30p22.312.555367
10.
 
Panasonic FZ200 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.110.811437
11.
 
Panasonic FZ150 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.410.913240
12.
 
Panasonic LX5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.610.813241
13.
 
Sony A7C Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7340795
14.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
15.
 
Sony RX10 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p23.012.653170
16.
 
Sony A99 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.014.0155589
17.
 
Sony A900 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.712.3143179
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The FZ330 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the A850 does not. The highest resolution format that the FZ330 can use is 4K/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the FZ330 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), while the A850 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 A850 (98%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. On the other hand, the viewfinder of the A850 has a higher magnification (0.74x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Panasonic FZ330 and Sony A850 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
# image 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 FZ3301440 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Sony A850optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon G3 Xoptional n3.2 / 1620 tilting Y 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon SX60922 n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/2000s 6.4/s Y Y
5.
 
Fujifilm X302360 n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
8.
 
Panasonic FZ10002359 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Panasonic LX1002764 n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
10.
 
Panasonic FZ2001312 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Panasonic FZ150202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 12.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Panasonic LX5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
13.
 
Sony A7C2360 n3.0 / 922 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony RX10 II2359 Y3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/3200s 14.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Sony A992359 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 6.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A900optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The FZ330 has one, while the A850 does not. While the built-in flash of the FZ330 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The FZ330 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the A850 does not have a selfie-screen.

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.

The FZ330 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A850 uses Compact Flash or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The A850 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the FZ330 only has one slot.

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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-FZ330 and Sony Alpha A850 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic FZ330Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
2.
 
Sony A850Y- / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon G3 XYstereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon SX60Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Fujifilm X30Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113Ystereo / mono---2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
8.
 
Panasonic FZ1000Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Panasonic LX100Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
10.
 
Panasonic FZ200Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic FZ150Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic LX5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Sony A7CYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
14.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
15.
 
Sony RX10 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
16.
 
Sony A99Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0---
17.
 
Sony A900Y- / ---mini2.0---
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It is notable that the FZ330 offers wifi support, while the A850 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Sony A850 (unlike the FZ330) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The FZ330 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the A850 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the A850 from Sony. Further information on the features and operation of the FZ330 and A850 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic FZ330 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A850 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Panasonic FZ330 or the Sony A850 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 4K/30p movies.
  • 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 98%).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 922k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • 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 a built-in lens, while the A850 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (132x92mm vs 156x117mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the A850).
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Reflects 5 years and 10 months of technical progress since the A850 launch.

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Advantages of the Sony Alpha A850:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24.4 vs 12MP), which boosts linear resolution by 45%.
  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (41 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (4.5 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.2 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (3.9 stops ISO advantage).
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.74x vs 0.70x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • More flexible: Makes it possible to change lenses and thus to use specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (880 versus 380) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in August 2009).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the FZ330 emerges as the winner of the contest (18 : 15 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

FZ330 18:15 A850

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic FZ330 and the Sony A850 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best DSLR 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 remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the FZ330 or the A850 perform in practice. 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 where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular 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
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic FZ330..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2015 599 amazon.com
2.
 
Sony A8503/5....75/100..4.5/5 Aug 2009 1,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G3 X3.5/5+....4.5/54/5 Jun 2015 999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX603/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2014 549ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X304/5....76/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2014 599ebay.com
6.
 
Leica X-U Typ 1133.5/5........3.5/5 Jan 2016 2,950ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ10004/5+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2014 899ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic LX1005/5+ +..85/1005/55/5 Sep 2014 899ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic FZ2003/5+ +..80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic FZ1503/5+ +..76/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2011 499ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic LX54/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 499ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7C3.5/5..3.5/586/1004/54/5 Sep 2020 1,799 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony RX10 II5/5+ +..82/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2015 1,299ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A995/5....84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,799ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A900..+ +..+ +4.5/55/5 Sep 2008 2,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Panasonic FZ330 vs Sony A850

    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 FZ330 Sony A850
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens 25-600mm f/2.8 Sony A mount lenses
    Launch Date July 2015 August 2009
    Launch Price USD 599 USD 1,999
    Sensor Specs Panasonic FZ330 Sony A850
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm 35.9 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 28.0735 mm2 861.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels 24.4 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 pixels 6048 x 4032 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.53 μm 5.94 μm
    Pixel Density 42.74 MP/cm2 2.83 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6,400 ISO 200 - 3,200 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 100 - 6,400 ISO
    Image Processor Venus BIONZ
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 38 79
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 19.3 23.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.0 12.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 97 1415
    Screen Specs Panasonic FZ330 Sony A850
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 98%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.74x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1440k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic FZ330 Sony A850
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 12 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationLens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards CF or MS cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic FZ330 Sony A850
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Body Specs Panasonic FZ330 Sony A850
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLC12 Sony NP-FM500H
    Battery Life (CIPA)380 shots per charge880 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 132 x 92 x 117 mm
    (5.2 x 3.6 x 4.6 in)
    156 x 117 x 82 mm
    (6.1 x 4.6 x 3.2 in)
    Camera Weight 691 g (24.4 oz) 895 g (31.6 oz)
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