• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • 1/2 inch 30.7mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A850 advantages over Fujifilm HS30EXR

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 1/2 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 1.39 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 880 vs 600 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    81 mm vs 126 mm
    Thinner
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    24.6 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Fujifilm HS30EXR advantages over Sony A850

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $2000 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A900

Sony A850
Sony A900
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Sony A850 vs Sony A900

Fujifilm HS30EXR
Sony A900
  • $468
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Fujifilm HS30EXR vs Sony A900

Compared to Fujifilm HS20EXR

Sony A850
Fujifilm HS20EXR
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $289
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Sony A850 vs Fujifilm HS20EXR

Fujifilm HS30EXR
Fujifilm HS20EXR
  • $468
  • 1/2 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $289
  • 1/2 inch
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Fujifilm HS30EXR vs Fujifilm HS20EXR

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony A850
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2084
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Sony A850 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Fujifilm HS30EXR
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $468
  • 1/2 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $2084
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Fujifilm HS30EXR vs Canon 5D Mark III

Compared to Sony A99

Sony A850
Sony A99
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Sony A850 vs Sony A99

Fujifilm HS30EXR
Sony A99
  • $468
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Fujifilm HS30EXR vs Sony A99

Compared to Fujifilm HS35EXR

Sony A850
Fujifilm HS35EXR
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $778
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Sony A850 vs Fujifilm HS35EXR

Fujifilm HS30EXR
Fujifilm HS35EXR
  • $468
  • 1/2 inch
  • $778
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slow-motion videos

Compare Fujifilm HS30EXR vs Fujifilm HS35EXR

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