• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.2 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 288.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony HX30V advantages over Panasonic SZ8

  • More telephoto lens reach
    500 mm vs 288 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 320 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 1.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic SZ8 advantages over Sony HX30V

  • Less expensive
    $170 vs $420 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    26 mm vs 34 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    159g vs 250g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

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

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Panasonic SZ8
Panasonic SZ8

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 SZ8
Sony DSC-HX9V
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Panasonic SZ8 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 SZ8
Sony HX10V
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Panasonic SZ8 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 SZ8
Sony HX20V
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Panasonic SZ8 vs Sony HX20V

Compared to Nikon S6400

Sony HX30V
Nikon S6400
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compare Sony HX30V vs Nikon S6400

Panasonic SZ8
Nikon S6400
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • HDMI out

Compare Panasonic SZ8 vs Nikon S6400

Compared to Samsung WB50F

Sony HX30V
Samsung WB50F
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Built-in GPS
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compare Sony HX30V vs Samsung WB50F

Panasonic SZ8
Samsung WB50F
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus

Compare Panasonic SZ8 vs Samsung WB50F

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