Panasonic Lumix FZ300 (FZ330)
Announced July 16, 2015
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Panasonic Lumix FZ300 is a versatile bridge camera that pairs a constant f/2.8 lens with a weather-sealed body and 4K video recording. Although it utilizes a smaller sensor that limits performance compared to larger-format competitors, it remains a highly capable all-in-one tool for travelers and outdoor photographers.
Weighted from 19 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-quality 4K video recording and 4K photo modes
- Fast autofocus and performance
- Impressive electronic viewfinder and vari-angle touchscreen
- Versatile constant f/2.8 lens across the entire zoom range
- Weather-resistant build quality
Cons
- Small 1/2.3-inch sensor limits low-light and high ISO performance
- Lack of advanced connectivity like headphone jacks or NFC
- Large, bulky body size compared to other compact cameras
- Awkward tripod mount placement and zoom handling
- Reduced battery life compared to previous models
- Launch price $599.99 (USD)
- Sensor 12.1MP Smaller than 1-inch
- Burst 60 fps electronic
What the Reviewers Say
All 19 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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With fourteen elements in eleven groups, including five aspherical lenses, three ED lenses, and one lens with Nano Surface Coating, the FZ300's built-in lens performs well across the entire focal length range.
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You’ll have to look very hard to find a compact bridge super-zoom with a 1/2.3in sensor that produces better quality photos and offers similar specifications and features. That’s reason enough to earn it a Cameralabs Highly Recommended award.
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Ultimately, while the FZ330 handles well and packs in plenty of appealing features to make it an attractive proposition, it can’t match the image quality produced by competitors with larger sensors.
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The Panasonic Lumix FZ330 offers a desirable package, that delivers both high quality images and video, and you'd be hard pressed to find a better camera for the price.
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While it may not offer quite enough to tempt FZ200 owners to upgrade, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 is a great choice for would-be bridge-camera buyers.
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The excellent Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 superzoom offers a long focal range with a fixed-aperture lens, 4K video, and instant autofocus.
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The FZ330 is a worthy successor to Panasonic's excellent FZ200, and the addition of 4K shooting, a touchscreen and speedier performance make it hard to beat for a mid-price bridge camera.
- CNET 8.2/10
The Panasonic Lumix FZ300 might not be a huge update from its predecessor, the FZ200, but it’s still one of the best in its class and a fantastic option for a single camera for photos and video — even in the rain.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
Capable of tackling most imaging and movie recording tasks, the FZ300 should please travellers who want for a single camera that is relatively compact and light to carry. [...] But it also keeps its price tag at an ‘affordable’ level.
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The FZ330 is exactly what an ultra-zoom bridge camera should be, excelling for image quality at the long end of the zoom and with elegant controls and lightning-fast performance.
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Even if it can’t compete with DSLRs and CSCs, it’s still a very fine and flexible shooter.
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There you have it, for me Panasonic Lumix FZ300 (FZ330) is the best ultra zoom ever made, both from features point of view and image and video quality.
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I couldn’t find anything else of concern while the FZ300 was in my hands. It covered a tremendous range of subjects with its zoom range, even managing well at macro range. And on top of all that, its ISO performance up to ISO 3200 is the best I’ve yet seen from a Lumix.
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This camera embodies the virtues of Panasonic's standard-setting compact LX7 and adds the phenomenal 4K video recording.
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I have to say I am extremely impressed with the FZ300 (FZ330) overall. This is a 100% kick-ass product.
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I'll tell you, if you're looking for a super zoom camera and you want something really portable, especially compared to the competition, you may want to consider the Panasonic Lumix FZ300 (FZ330). It won't break the bank and it won't break your arm either.
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I recommended the FZ200 to many, many people; they all thanked me, no one ever complained about that camera, so I suppose the Panasonic Lumix FZ300 (FZ330) is going to do the same thing.
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With an f2.8 25–600 mm Leica DC lens, optical image stabilisation (OIS) and a high ISO range, it looks like the perfect camera for those wanting to record the birds seen on a day out without having to carry heavy DSLR equipment around.
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If you're looking for a reliable all-in-one camera that can shoot everything from family vacations to wildlife to YouTube videos, the FZ300 deserves your attention.
