• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.2 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • 20.00mm - 1200.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony HX30V advantages over Panasonic FZ80

  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Thinner
    34 mm vs 119 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    250g vs 616g
    Lighter weight
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic FZ80 advantages over Sony HX30V

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • More telephoto lens reach
    1,200 mm vs 500 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Newer
    8 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Wider angle lens
    20 mm vs 25 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • 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

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Buy the Sony HX30V

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Buy the Panasonic FZ80
Panasonic FZ80
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Review Excerpt

  • Solid build; Fast autofocus; Excellent zoom range and functionality; Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS; Useful creative effects modes.

  • Image quality not as good as predecessor; No electronic viewfinder; Confusing menu system and user manual.

  • Read our Sony HX30V Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-HX9V

Sony HX30V
Sony DSC-HX9V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Fast startup
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony DSC-HX9V

Panasonic FZ80
Sony DSC-HX9V
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Thinner

Compare Panasonic FZ80 vs Sony DSC-HX9V

Compared to Sony HX10V

Sony HX30V
Sony HX10V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX10V

Panasonic FZ80
Sony HX10V
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compare Panasonic FZ80 vs Sony HX10V

Compared to Sony HX20V

Sony HX30V
Sony HX20V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX20V

Panasonic FZ80
Sony HX20V
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Thinner

Compare Panasonic FZ80 vs Sony HX20V

Compared to Fujifilm S1

Sony HX30V
Fujifilm S1
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in GPS
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sony HX30V vs Fujifilm S1

Panasonic FZ80
Fujifilm S1
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Panasonic FZ80 vs Fujifilm S1

Compared to Sony HX400V

Sony HX30V
Sony HX400V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX400V

Panasonic FZ80
Sony HX400V
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • NFC

Compare Panasonic FZ80 vs Sony HX400V

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