Panasonic Lumix FZ300 Review

The Panasonic Lumix FZ300 bridge camera is a direct evolution of the company’s ground-breaking FZ200 model, which was introduced in 2012. The FZ200 established a new standard for excellence with its ability to capture raw data in addition to JPEGs, its constant aperture of f/2.8, and its 24x optical zoom lens.

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Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera Features 12.1 Megapixel, 1/2.3-Inch Sensor,...

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Last update was on: January 19, 2024 5:17 am

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The FZ330 is meant to appeal to enthusiasts and users of compacts and novice bridge cameras eager to step up a level. Even though its relatively tiny sensor size may be considered a disadvantage, the FZ330 features capability that rivals that of SLR cameras.

The Leica 25-600mm lens (a lens cover is included) and the 1/2.3-inch high-sensitivity MOS sensor with 12.2 million effective pixels are both shared by the Panasonic Lumix FZ330. The FZ330 also shares the outstanding constant aperture of f/2.8 on the Leica lens.

The 4K video and photo modes, a new processing engine with a higher native sensitivity of ISO 100-6400, a high-resolution touchscreen, and a more extensive and better viewfinder with an eye sensor are some excellent new features.

Panasonic Lumix FZ300 Build Quality

The Panasonic FZ330 has 131.6 x 91.5 x 117.1 mm dimensions, making it much bigger than the Panasonic FZ200 (5.2 x 3.6 x 4.6 inches). Additionally, it is close to 20% heavier, coming in at a little over 690 grams or 1.5 pounds when you include the battery and SD card.

It is not something you could put in your coat pocket, but when you consider all of the features and functions crammed inside, its size and weight are not ridiculous. Additionally, it is impervious to dust and liquid splashes.

The camera seems well constructed overall, despite the evident use of plastic in its construction. The coating has a textured pattern that is somewhat rubberized, making it pleasant to handle, and the deep front grip is well-sculpted. My index finger could easily access all of the buttons on the top plate, including the shutter button, zoom lever, and numerous other controls. I thought the ergonomics to be extremely lovely.

The top mode dial has a textured surface, making it simple to operate, and it is relatively rigid while it is being used, so there is little risk of accidentally switching modes. However, the dial does not feel particularly substantial. The on/off lever below this one may also be used with a comforting level of firmness. Quickly, the camera powers up, and as it does, the lens extends ever-so-slightly.

Panasonic Lumix FZ300 Performance

The Leica f/2.8 25-600mm lens works quite well across its whole focus range, which is particularly impressive when considering the camera’s tiny 1/2.3-inch sensor, as I had anticipated based on my previous experience with the FZ200. It is not surprising that the lens’s quality decreases slightly when extended to its maximum length; nonetheless, the degradation is slight. I was pleasantly pleased by just how well it functioned at 600 millimeters, even when stopped down to f/2.8.

The lens is susceptible to flare, which means that care must be given while shooting into the sun, and the lens helmet that comes with the lens is very helpful. This was the only significant flaw I could detect with the lens.

However, the sharpness in the center of the frame is relatively high even when the aperture is wide open. This is true for all focal lengths. The sweet spot seems to be between f/3 and f/5. Even if diffraction starts to occur as you approach the maximum limit of f/8, it is still an aperture, especially at the long end of the lens, where you might occasionally need it to acquire enough depth of field.

Panasonic Lumix FZ300 Image Quality

During this examination, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 generated photographs of exceptionally high quality. Up to ISO 1600, noise is well-controlled; nevertheless, beginning at that setting, artifacts, blurring of detail, and a minor loss of color saturation become visible. From an ISO level of 1600 to the fastest set of 6400, which isn’t useable, the amount of noise and the loss of information steadily worsen.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 handled chromatic aberrations quite effectively, with only minor purple fringing effects emerging in high-contrast conditions. This was a testament to the camera’s excellent performance. In addition, the pop-up flash performed admirably indoors, avoiding red-eye and achieving the correct exposure.

Your nighttime shot turned out wonderfully, and the fact that you could use the maximum shutter speed of 60 seconds allowed you to capture a lot of light. In addition, while hand-holding the camera in low-light circumstances or utilizing the telephoto end of the zoom range, the anti-shake feature performs exceptionally well.

Panasonic Lumix FZ300 Specs

Body typeSLR-like (bridge)
Max resolution4000 x 3000
Other resolutions4:3 (3264 x 2448, 2048 x 1536), 3:2 (4000 x 2672, 3264 x 2176, 2048 x 1360), 16:9 (4000 x 2248, 3840 x 2160, 1920 x 1080), 1:1 (2992 x 2992, 2448 x 2448, 1920 x 1920)
Image ratio w h1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels12 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors13 megapixels
Sensor size1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor typeBSI-CMOS
ProcessorVenus Engine
ISOAuto, 100-6400
White balance presets5
Custom white balanceYes
Image stabilizationOptical
Image stabilization notes5-axis hybrid IS in movie mode
Uncompressed formatRAW
JPEG quality levelsFine, standard
Focal length (Equiv.)25–600 mm
Optical zoom24×
Maximum apertureF2.8
AutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View.
Digital zoomYes (4X)
Manual focusYes
Normal focus range30 cm (11.81″)
Macro focus range1 cm (0.39″)
Articulated LCDFully articulated
Screen size3″
Screen dots1,040,000
Touch screenYes
Screen typeTFT LCD
Live viewYes
Viewfinder typeElectronic
Viewfinder coverage100%
Viewfinder magnification0.7×
Viewfinder resolution1,440,000
Minimum shutter speed60 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/16000 sec
Aperture priorityYes
Shutter priorityYes
Manual exposure modeYes
Subject/scene modesYes
Built-in flashYes
Flash Range8.80 m (at Auto ISO)
External flashYes (via hot shoe)
Flash modesAuto, auto w/redeye reduction, forced on, forced on w/redeye reduction, slow sync, slow sync w/redeye reduction, forced off
Continuous drive12.0 fps
Self-timerYes
Metering modesMultiCenter-weighted spot
Exposure compensation±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB BracketingNo
Resolutions3840 x 2160 (30p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
FormatMPEG-4, AVCHD
MicrophoneStereo
SpeakerMono
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC card
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMIYes (mini-HDMI)
Microphone portYes
Headphone portNo
WirelessBuilt-In
Wireless notes802.11b/g/n
Remote controlYes (wired or smartphone)
Environmentally sealedYes (Water and dust resistant)
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionLithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)380
Weight (inc. batteries)691 g (1.52 lb / 24.37 oz)
Dimensions132 x 92 x 117 mm (5.2 x 3.62 x 4.61″)
Orientation sensorYes
Timelapse recordingNo
GPSNone

Panasonic Lumix FZ300 Verdict

The Panasonic FZ330 was a camera that I found to be pleasurable to use overall. The camera is easy to hold and use, has an excellent viewfinder, and has a touchscreen that can be tilted to various angles, allowing you to work with the device comfortably in different lighting conditions.

The autofocus is quick and sensitive in practically every setting. The results that can be achieved with the 25-600mm f/2.8 zoom lens are remarkable over its focal length range.

Because the camera contains such a large number of functions and so many various modes of operation, mainly novice users may experience some level of confusion. However, the intelligent auto mode does quite well, providing an excellent backup choice for users who prefer to exercise greater caution.

The image quality is remarkably excellent, considering that this type of bridge camera typically has a sensor that is just 1/2.3 inches in size. A significant portion of this credit must go to the exceptional Leica lens. On the other hand, I couldn’t help but wish that the sensor was a little bit bigger, mainly when working with greater sensitivities.

Panasonic Lumix FZ300 Price

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Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 Long Zoom Digital Camera Features 12.1 Megapixel, 1/2.3-Inch Sensor,...

& Free shipping
Last update was on: January 19, 2024 5:17 am
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