• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 125.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 483.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-FX500 advantages over Samsung WB850F

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.68 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 16 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Samsung WB850F advantages over Panasonic DMC-FX500

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    483 mm vs 125 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • More dots on screen
    614k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.2 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon SD880 IS

Panasonic DMC-FX500
Canon SD880 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Wider angle lens
  • Longer exposure
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Samsung WB850F
Canon SD880 IS
  • $467
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX580S

Panasonic DMC-FX500
Panasonic DMC-FX580S
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • $303
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels
Samsung WB850F
Panasonic DMC-FX580S
  • $467
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $303
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure

Compared to Canon SD980 IS

Panasonic DMC-FX500
Canon SD980 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Samsung WB850F
Canon SD980 IS
  • $467
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • HDMI out

Compared to Samsung Galaxy Camera

Panasonic DMC-FX500
Samsung Galaxy Camera
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $520
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
Samsung WB850F
Samsung Galaxy Camera
  • $467
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $520
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Thinner

Compared to Samsung WB800F

Panasonic DMC-FX500
Samsung WB800F
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer exposure
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Samsung WB850F
Samsung WB800F
  • $467
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
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