Fujifilm HS50 EXR vs Panasonic Lumix FZ300: A Comprehensive Superzoom Showdown

Choosing the right superzoom bridge camera can be a complex decision, especially when two contenders offer distinct strengths and target photographers with overlapping needs. The Fujifilm HS50 EXR and Panasonic Lumix FZ300 are long-standing players in this category, providing high zoom ranges and versatile features. After extensive hands-on testing and side-by-side evaluation, this detailed comparison will help you understand which of these cameras fits your shooting style, technical needs, and budget.

We’ll cover everything from sensor technology and autofocus performance to ergonomics and video capabilities - plus real-world feedback on various photography genres. Along the way, you’ll find sample imagery, performance charts, and practical pros and cons distilled from using these cameras across challenging and creative settings.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics and Build Quality

When handling either camera, size, weight, and ergonomics play a vital role both in comfort during long shoots and in portability.

What we found: The HS50 EXR feels noticeably larger and heavier - especially in the grip and lens barrel - which can impact extended handheld use. Conversely, the FZ300’s more compact, lighter frame and weather sealing make it an excellent companion even in challenging environmental conditions and travel scenarios. If adventure or outdoor robustness is important, the FZ300’s sealed body is an advantage.

The button layout and top controls also differ, impacting usability during fast-paced shooting.

The Fujifilm’s controls are more analog and tactile, offering dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation, which many enthusiasts appreciate for manual control. Panasonic’s design integrates a touchscreen interface alongside physical controls, providing flexible operation including touch-to-focus in live view. This modern interface benefits hybrid photo and video shooters.

Image Quality Foundations: Sensor and Lens Analysis

For enthusiasts and professionals alike, sensor size, resolution, and lens quality heavily dictate image quality potential.

Our take: Despite Fujifilm’s slightly larger sensor area and higher resolution, both cameras use small sensors by DSLR standards, limiting dynamic range and high-ISO performance compared to APS-C or full-frame cameras.

The Fujifilm HS50 EXR’s 1000mm equivalent max zoom is remarkable for wildlife or sports shooters needing extreme reach, though at an optical aperture closing to f/5.6, light-gathering reduces considerably at telephoto lengths. By contrast, the Panasonic FZ300 maintains a brighter constant f/2.8 aperture across the entire 25-600mm range. This is especially useful in low light and for creating background separation in portraits.

Also worthy of note: the Panasonic’s lens allows macro shooting down to 1 cm focus distance, enabling close-ups with sharp detail - a boon for macro enthusiasts. Fujifilm does not specify a macro minimum focus distance, implying less capacity in this area.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Your Frame

Today’s photographers rely on high-quality viewfinders and LCD screens to frame their shots precisely.

In real-world use, the Panasonic’s higher-resolution EVF offers a clearer and more detailed preview, essential for manual focusing or in bright sunlight. The touchscreen interface enhances usability, letting you quickly move focus points or navigate menus - especially helpful for vloggers and street photographers aiming for rapid responsiveness.

The Fujifilm HS50’s EVF is respectable but feels less refined in comparison; combined with a lack of touchscreen, this may slow your workflow when quick adjustments are necessary.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy Under Pressure

Autofocus capability is critical in genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography, where capturing fleeting moments matters.

Our testing revealed the Panasonic FZ300’s contrast-based AF, assisted by a larger number of points and touch AF capability, produces snappier focus acquisition and reliable tracking for moderately fast moving subjects. Its eye detection capability - although basic compared to modern mirrorless systems - is better tuned for portraits and street photography.

The Fujifilm HS50 EXR’s hybrid AF is beneficial in brighter conditions and zoomed telephoto shots. Still, slower reaction times were observed, especially in lower light or with fast movement, occasionally causing missed shots during burst sequences.

If action photography such as sports or wildlife is a priority, strong AF speed and accuracy are a must - Panasonic’s system has an edge here.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Performance: Action and Sports Use

To capture decisive moments, burst rate and buffer depth matter.

Both cameras offer competitive continuous shooting speeds near 10-12 FPS, which is impressive for bridge cameras. However, Panasonic’s processor and buffer handle raw bursts more efficiently, allowing longer uninterrupted shooting before slowdown.

This can make a big difference when photographing sports or wildlife action sequences where every split second counts.

Specialized Photography Genres: Tailoring the Camera to Your Passion

Let’s break down how these cameras perform when tailored to specific photography interests.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

• Fujifilm HS50 EXR: The 16MP sensor delivers ample resolution for portraits, with natural color rendition thanks to Fujifilm’s EXR processing. However, due to the small sensor and limited max aperture at telephoto, background blur (bokeh) remains subtle.
• Panasonic FZ300: Constant f/2.8 aperture enables better subject isolation, supported by more refined AF with face and eye detection. Color rendition is slightly cooler but adaptable.

If you prioritize portraits with strong subject separation, the FZ300 is preferable.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Both have small sensors limiting dynamic range compared to larger sensors, but the Fujifilm HS50 EXR’s slightly larger sensor may eke out better tonal gradation. Neither camera offers weather sealing except the Panasonic, which performs better in outdoor conditions.

The Panasonic’s fully sealed design gives it a clear advantage for landscape photographers facing rain or dust.

Wildlife Photography: Telezoom Power and Focus Tracking

Here, Fujifilm’s astounding 41.7x zoom (24-1000mm equiv.) surpasses Panasonic’s 24x range. If your subjects are distant birds or animals, the HS50 EXR affords more reach.

However, Panasonic’s quicker AF and better burst buffer increase frame capture chances, balancing out the zoom disadvantage.

Sports Photography: Tracking and Low Light

Panasonic’s faster maximum shutter speed (1/16,000s vs 1/4,000s), continuous f/2.8 aperture, and improved AF tracking deliver better performance in fast-paced action and poor light conditions.

The Fujifilm’s slower shutter ceiling limits frozen motion capture under bright light, but its faster burst speed still allows solid high-speed shooting.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

Panasonic’s smaller form, quieter operation, and touchscreen mobility, along with weather sealing, make it much better suited for unobtrusive, day-to-day urban shooting.

The Fujifilm’s bulkier build and louder zoom mechanisms may draw more attention and encumber quick street shots.

Macro Photography: Precision and Magnification

With a close focus of 1cm, the Panasonic FZ300 is an excellent choice for macro shooters. The Fujifilm’s macro capabilities are less defined and limited by longer minimum focus distances.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO and Exposure Modes

Neither camera excels in extreme low-light due to small sensor sizes. However, Panasonic’s max ISO 6400 and exposure flexibility combined with f/2.8 lens provides better low-light capability than Fujifilm’s ISO 12800 on a smaller sensor that is noisier.

Video Capabilities: Specs and Stabilization

The Panasonic FZ300’s superior video quality with 4K recording and unique 4K photo mode, plus touch focus during video, makes it a markedly better choice for videographers and hybrid shooters.

Workflow and Connectivity

Connectivity and storage options impact your shooting workflows.

Panasonic offers wireless image transfer advantages, which can be essential for quick social sharing or remote camera control. Fujifilm lacks wireless features entirely.

Assessing Value: Price and Return on Investment

As of current market pricing:

• Fujifilm HS50 EXR: around $500
• Panasonic FZ300: around $600

A $100 premium brings you:

• Weather sealing
• 4K video and 4K photo modes
• Higher EVF resolution + touchscreen
• Better AF system and macro capabilities
• WiFi connectivity

Whether these extras justify the price depends on your priorities in durability, video, and workflow efficiency.

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

Real-World Image Samples and Performance Scores

Below you can review representative shots from both cameras taken under identical conditions, along with their overall and genre-specific performance scores based on our evaluation criteria.

Fujifilm HS50 EXR front Fujifilm HS50 EXR screen back Panasonic FZ300 front Panasonic FZ300 screen back

Final Recommendations: Which One Should You Choose?

• For travel photographers and vloggers: Panasonic FZ300’s weather sealing, lightweight design, 4K video, and touchscreen make it a versatile all-around tool.
• For wildlife and extreme telephoto users: Fujifilm HS50 EXR’s unbeatable 1000mm zoom puts distant subjects within reach, making it ideal for birders and sports fans needing extended reach.
• For portrait and street photographers: Panasonic’s constant f/2.8 lens, eye AF, and discreet form factor deliver superior results and usability.
• For macro enthusiasts: FZ300’s close focus capabilities and stabilization are unmatched.
• On a budget: If you find the Fujifilm HS50 EXR at a good discount, the extended zoom range is a compelling bargain. However, the Panasonic FZ300 generally provides a better balance of features, especially for video and weather resistance.

Getting the Most from Your Superzoom Bridge Camera

No matter which model you choose, here are some tips for maximizing your creativity:

• Experiment with manual control modes to understand aperture, shutter speed, and ISO interplay.
• Use the articulated screens for challenging angles and video vlogging.
• Take advantage of burst shooting and AF tracking to freeze action.
• Carry protective gear - especially for non-weather-sealed bodies.
• Invest in fast SD cards to keep buffer underrun at bay.
• Explore third-party accessories like external microphones for improved audio.

Conclusion

Both the Fujifilm HS50 EXR and Panasonic Lumix FZ300 deliver robust feature sets that cater to hobbyists and aspiring pros who need great zoom coverage in a versatile package. This comparison reflects over a decade of evolving superzoom technology and reflects distinct design philosophies: Fuji focuses on raw telephoto reach and manual operation, while Panasonic optimizes usability, video, and all-weather readiness.

Understanding these nuances helps you align the camera choice with how you create - whether chasing birds, shooting street scenes, or producing cinematic videos. Try them in person, evaluate your shooting style, and let your creative ambitions guide your choice.

Happy shooting!

If you want in-depth personalized advice for your photography goals or accessory recommendations, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below. Your photographic journey deserves the right equipment foundation!