Panasonic FZ1000 II vs Sony A380: A Hands-On, Detailed Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

As someone who has spent over 15 years testing everything from entry-level compacts to high-end pro bodies, I’ve had the privilege of evaluating thousands of cameras. Today, I’m diving deep into a pair of very differently positioned models - the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II, a large-sensor superzoom bridge camera announced in 2019, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380, an entry-level DSLR from 2009. Despite their disparate eras and form factors, these two serve overlapping users looking for versatile imaging solutions on a budget.

This comparison aims to present practical insights from real-world experience, technical analysis, and ergonomic evaluation to help photographers - whether hobbyists or professionals - understand which camera fits their unique workflow and creative ambitions best.

The Battle of Sizes and Handling: Ergonomics That Shape Your Creative Flow

When you first pick up a camera, the feel in your hands can shape your entire shooting experience. While specs only tell part of this story, my testing begins with how intuitive and comfortable the camera feels during extended shoots.

The Panasonic FZ1000 II is a bridge camera with an SLR-like body. Its dimensions (136 x 97 x 132 mm) and weight of 808 grams strike a balance between portability and stability. I found its grip comfortable for long handheld sessions, thanks to the pronounced textured front grip and thoughtfully placed controls - something I appreciated when shooting wildlife and landscape sequences.

In contrast, the Sony A380 has a more compact SLR form factor (128 x 97 x 71 mm) and is substantially lighter at 519 grams. The smaller, shallower grip reflected its early entry-level DSLR pedigree, feeling less substantial but easier to carry all day - ideal for street and travel photography. However, with a shallower depth, I occasionally craved a more secure hold when using larger telephoto lenses.

The Panasonic’s physical heft lends itself to more stable shooting at longer focal lengths, while the Sony keeps things nimble. Ultimately, this comes down to how you intend to shoot: If you prioritize handling and a bridge camera’s all-in-one simplicity, the FZ1000 II wins. If weight and compactness matter most, especially paired with your own lenses, the A380 is worth considering.

Controls and Interface: Finding What Feels Natural

A photographer’s creative impulse should never be slowed by confusing controls. Let’s explore the button layouts and user interface design from my experience.

Panasonic’s FZ1000 II uses the Venus Engine processor and features a touch-enabled, fully articulating 3-inch screen at 1240k dots resolution - bright and responsive during bright outdoor shooting.

The Sony A380 has a smaller 2.7-inch tilting LCD with just 230k dots resolution. While it lacks touchscreen functionality, the buttons and dials kept things straightforward, consistent with the DSLR lineage.

On the FZ1000 II, I loved the ease of quickly changing exposure modes - aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual - with dedicated dials and a rear control wheel. The touchscreen facilitated quick touch-to-focus and intuitive menu navigation, which streamlined shooting in varied environments.

Meanwhile, the Sony’s simpler command dial and function buttons were easy to memorize but required more menu diving for settings tweaks. The optical pentamirror viewfinder provided a classic shooting experience but at 95% coverage and 0.49x magnification, it felt less immersive than modern viewfinders.

In terms of viewfinders:

• FZ1000 II offers a 2,360k-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage, very sharp and practical for manual focusing.

• Sony A380 uses a traditional optical pentamirror viewfinder - no electronic overlay but slightly reduced field edge visibility.

In sum, Panasonic leans into a modern, hybrid shooting style combining touchscreen and EVF. Sony caters to traditional DSLR users who want reliable, no-nonsense physical controls.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

Here, sensor specs tell an intriguing story between these two cameras from different generations.

• Panasonic FZ1000 II: 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2x8.8 mm, 20MP resolution, max native ISO 12,800. Optical low-pass filter (AA filter) present.

• Sony A380: APS-C CCD sensor measuring 23.6x15.8 mm, 14MP resolution, max native ISO 3200, with AA filter.

The Sony’s APS-C sensor is physically larger (about 3x sensor area) and uses CCD technology common at its release. However, CCDs typically have slower readout speeds and more noise at higher ISOs compared to modern CMOS sensors.

The FZ1000 II’s 1-inch BSI CMOS is significantly smaller yet benefits from backside illumination and advances in sensor design and processing in its Venus engine. This yields better high-ISO performance - in practical terms, cleaner images in low light.

While ‘larger sensor = better image quality’ was a rule of thumb in DSLRs ten years ago, modern sensor tech has challenged that notion, especially on superzoom bridge cameras aiming for versatility.

From testing side-by-side RAW files under real shooting scenarios: The Sony’s APS-C sensor delivers smoother gradation, richer color depth (22.6 bits measured by DXO), and wider dynamic range (11.8 EV). This makes for stunning landscapes and portraits with nuanced tonality.

The Panasonic struggles slightly with less sensor real estate, especially in shadows but its newer processor helps compensate with effective noise reduction and excellent detail retention. It also shoots raw files with flexibility and supports post-focus and focus stacking - important for macro and creative composition.

In practice:

• For crisp, clean images in well-lit conditions with flexibility in post, Sony A380’s sensor shines.

• For better low-light versatility and pocketable telephoto reach, the new sensor tech on the FZ1000 II balances image noise and sharpness impressively.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in Action

Autofocus capabilities can dramatically influence your shooting success - from portraits to fast-paced sports.

The Panasonic FZ1000 II features 49 contrast-detection AF points with face detection and continuous AF tracking. Touchscreen AF, focus bracketing, and post-focus features add creative advantages. However, contrast detection, while accurate, is somewhat slower than phase detection, particularly in tracking fast-moving subjects.

By contrast, the Sony A380 has just 9 AF points but crucially employs phase-detection AF. Phase detection generally enables faster focus acquisition and superior tracking in DSLRs, especially with compatible Sony Alpha/Minolta lenses.

In practical tests with wildlife and sports:

• The FZ1000 II’s autofocus performed admirably but occasionally hunted under difficult lighting or with fast action.

• The A380’s phase-detection AF, although limited to fewer points, nailed swift focus acquisition and reacted reliably to moving subjects.

Sony’s flexible lens ecosystem, with dedicated lenses optimized for autofocus, also elevates focus speed and accuracy on this DSLR.

Zoom and Lens Versatility: Fixed Lens vs Interchangeable

A pivotal distinction: The Panasonic FZ1000 II sports a powerful fixed 25-400 mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8-4.0 lens, while the Sony A380 accepts any compatible Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lens.

That superzoom lens on the FZ1000 II delivers versatility for travel, wildlife, and sports without swapping lenses. Its wide aperture at the telephoto end lets in ample light. Optical image stabilization also offsets camera shake - a boon when shooting at max zoom handheld.

Conversely, the Sony A380’s strength lies in an extensive lens selection - over 140 native lenses across focal lengths and purposes. This opens doors to standout primes for portraits, macro lenses for close-ups, and ultra-wide angles for landscapes. You can tailor your gear to your style.

However, lens purchases can quickly escalate costs and add weight. The fixed-lens Panasonic is a ready-to-go combo, while Sony offers a system build tailored to precision but requires lens investment.

Burst Speed and Shutter Characteristics: Capturing the Decisive Moment

For action, burst shooting speed and shutter response are key.

• Panasonic FZ1000 II offers a robust 12 fps continuous shooting rate with autofocus, plus silent electronic shutter mode up to 1/16,000s.

• Sony A380 maxes at 3 fps, significantly slower, reflecting its 2009 entry-level DSLR design.

For sports or wildlife, Panasonic’s burst capability lets you capture rapid sequences with sharp focus tracking - ideal for fleeting action.

Sony’s DSLR reflex shutter provides tactile feedback and less rolling shutter, but slower burst limits capturing fast fortuitous moments.

Video Capabilities: Modern Needs vs Legacy Limitations

Video is integral to today’s content creation. The Panasonic FZ1000 II supports:

• 4K UHD video recording at 30p

• Full HD 1080p at up to 60p

• External mic input (no headphone jack)

• 4K photo mode capturing 8MP still frames from video

By contrast, Sony A380 does not offer video recording functionality.

In practical shooting, the Panasonic’s sensor size and lens aperture produce beautiful video with good background separation. Optical stabilization further smooths handheld footage.

For multimedia users looking to blend photo and video work, the Panasonic is superior.

Portrait, Landscape, and Macro Photography: Real-World Performance Insights

Portraits

The Sony’s APS-C sensor provides excellent shallow depth-of-field control with wide-aperture lenses, creating creamy bokeh - essential for flattering skin tones and eye-catching portraits. Its autofocus may struggle with eye detection (patient manual focusing often advised), but image quality is detailed and smooth.

Panasonic’s fixed zoom limits maximum aperture at telephoto but has decent bokeh when shooting wide-open. Face detection AF is reliable, especially with touchscreen.

Landscapes

Sony’s higher resolution and dynamic range translate to stunning landscapes with rich tonal gradations, especially capturing sunrise/sunset subtlety. Weather sealing is absent on both but Sony’s deeper grip aids handheld stability.

Panasonic’s superzoom lets you flexibly frame landscapes and reach distant subjects but compromises some image detail compared to APS-C sensors.

Macro

Panasonic excels with a minimum focusing distance of 3cm and focus stacking capabilities - a rare bridge camera feature. The tilting screen enables creative angles.

Sony’s macro performance depends on your lens choice. With a dedicated macro lens, it outperforms fixed zooms in magnification and sharpness.

Wildlife, Sports, and Street Photography: When Speed and Discretion Matter

Wildlife

Panasonic’s extended telephoto range and fast burst rates let you capture animals from a distance. Optical stabilization compensates for shaky hands. However, autofocus can lag following erratic movement.

Sony’s faster phase-detection AF with telephoto lenses can deliver snap focus shots but is limited by lower burst rate.

Sports

Panasonic’s continuous AF during 12 fps burst excels for moderate-speed sports and intervals.

Sony is better suited to slower-paced subjects due to its lower frame rate but benefits from lens options optimized for sports.

Street

Sony A380, lighter and quieter with its optical shutter, is less conspicuous for candid street photography. Smaller size and tilting screen aid in low-key shooting.

The Panasonic’s bulk and longer lens may attract attention but tapping touch AF and silent shutter mitigate noise for stealthier operation.

Night and Astro Photography: Pushing ISO and Exposure Limits

High ISO noise and long-exposure capability define performance in low-light.

Panasonic’s max ISO rating of 12,800 native and boost to 25,600 yield usable results with moderate noise, thanks to advanced processing. Silent shutter aids shooting star trails without mechanical vibration.

Sony tops out at ISO 3200, and CCD sensor noise climbs quickly at extremes. Longer mechanical shutter durability in Sony may favor long exposures, though the Panasonic’s max shutter speed of 60s is adequate for most.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Sony A380 shines here with an estimated 500 shots per charge versus Panasonic’s modest 350 shots. The DSLR’s larger battery pack and conservative processing account for this.

Storage-wise:

• Panasonic supports SD cards with UHS-I - fast and widely available.

• Sony supports both SD/SDHC and Memory Stick Pro Duo, though the latter is less common now.

Connectivity and Build: Modern Convenience vs Classic Design

Panasonic adds built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing straightforward image transfer and remote control with mobile apps.

Sony A380 offers no wireless connectivity.

Build-wise, neither offers weather sealing. Both are plastic bodies typical for their category, though Panasonic’s bulk contributes some perceived durability.

Summarizing Strengths and Ideal Uses

Who Should Choose Each Camera?

Choose Panasonic FZ1000 II if you:

• Want an all-in-one superzoom with great telephoto reach and video capability
• Prefer a modern touchscreen interface with articulating screen
• Need fast burst shooting for wildlife or sports at moderate pace
• Seek a versatile travel companion with good image stabilization
• Value 4K video recording and wireless connectivity

Choose Sony A380 if you:

• Desire a DSLR experience with interchangeable lenses and extensive optics
• Prioritize image quality in well-lit portraits and landscapes (especially with dedicated lenses)
• Prefer optical viewfinders and robust physical controls
• Are on a tight budget and can find it secondhand
• Shoot primarily stills and don’t require video functionality

Final Thoughts

Though separated by a decade, the Panasonic FZ1000 II and Sony A380 each bring valuable qualities to the table. From personal experience testing both extensively in varied conditions, the Panasonic is a powerhouse bridge camera that bridges gaps between compact ease and image quality, especially for multimedia and travel.

The Sony A380 offers a classic DSLR entry path, best suited to photographers who value lens breathability and expansive creative control over a polished user interface or video needs.

For many photographers, my advice is to consider your lens and video needs alongside portability and connectivity. If you want a single device to do it all seamlessly today, the FZ1000 II tends to edge ahead. If you prefer building a system around lenses and don’t mind older tech, the Sony A380 remains a viable option.

Panasonic FZ1000 II front Panasonic FZ1000 II screen back Sony A380 front Sony A380 screen back

Above are sample frames where you can see Panasonic’s sharp detail in telephoto shots and clean video stills contrasted with Sony’s creamy portrait bokeh and wide landscapes.

Here you can view overall performance ratings: Panasonic scores notably higher in autofocus speed, video, and zoom versatility; Sony leads in sensor size and battery life.

The genre analysis highlights Panasonic’s superiority in video, travel, and sports, while Sony excels in landscapes, portraits, and macro when paired with quality lenses.

My Testing Methodology Note

My assessments are based on extended real-world shooting sessions, standardized lab tests for dynamic range, ISO noise, and autofocus tracking, multiple lens evaluations for Sony, and practical workflow trials including tethered and mobile connectivity. I share candid pros and cons to help you confidently choose cameras that align with your creative vision.

I hope this thorough comparison helps you find the camera that feels like an extension of your artistic eye and practical needs. Happy shooting! If you have further questions or want detailed samples in specific settings, feel free to reach out.