Panasonic FZ300 vs Sony HX10V: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera, especially within the crowded small sensor superzoom segment, can feel overwhelming even for seasoned photographers. Having tested both the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 (hereafter, FZ300) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V (hereafter, HX10V) extensively, I want to break down the strengths and trade-offs between these two 1/2.3” sensor bridge/compact cameras. My aim is to give you practical, experience-based insights so you can confidently pick a camera that complements your photographic style, budget, and ambitions.

Holding Them in Hand: Build and Ergonomics

When I first picked up the FZ300 and HX10V, I immediately noticed the distinct philosophies behind their design. The Panasonic FZ300 sports a bulky, SLR-like bridge camera body that feels robust and substantial in the hand - weighing in at 691 grams and measuring 132x92x117mm. It’s weather-sealed, which adds a comforting layer of durability for outdoor shooting in unpredictable conditions. Additionally, the presence of a fully articulated 3” touchscreen LCD makes framing tricky angles approachable, and the tactile buttons and dials are thoughtfully laid out for quick adjustments without delving into menus.

Conversely, the Sony HX10V is a much smaller, compact camera aimed at portability and casual use. At just 234 grams and roughly half the physical depth (105x60x34mm), it easily slips into a coat pocket or purse. The fixed 3” screen is smaller (922k resolution, non-touch), and it forgoes an electronic viewfinder, making it less suited for bright daylight outdoor use.

The ergonomics on the FZ300 clearly favor photographers who want a confident grip and manual control. For street photographers or travelers prioritizing lightness, the HX10V is an appealing grab-and-go companion, though you do sacrifice some handling composure and utility.

Sensor and Image Quality: What’s Under the Hood?

Both cameras share the same small 1/2.3” sensor size (6.17 x 4.55mm), meaning they face similar physical limitations regarding dynamic range and low-light performance. However, the sensor resolution and processing engines differ markedly.

• Panasonic FZ300: 12MP CMOS sensor paired with a Venus Engine processor.
• Sony HX10V: 18MP BSI-CMOS sensor coupled with a BIONZ processor.

In practice, the Sony’s higher pixel count delivers more detail in well-lit situations, but it also tends to amplify noise faster as ISO climbs. The back-illuminated (BSI) sensor helps mitigate this slightly, yet the difference in sensor size caps noise performance broadly for both models.

The FZ300, while lower in megapixels, preserves image quality by prioritizing larger pixel sites, yielding cleaner shots in indoor or low-light scenarios up to ISO 1600-3200 with manageable noise. Its 12MP raw files also offer more flexibility during post-processing, especially when paired with the camera’s native raw format support - a distinct advantage over the HX10V, which does not support raw.

Both utilize anti-aliasing filters, a choice that slightly smooths images but reduces moiré artifacts and false colors - a practical trade-off in superzoom cameras.

Focusing Systems and Autofocus Performance

Autofocus separates good cameras from frustrating ones, especially when speed and accuracy matter. Here, the FZ300 shines with a 49-point contrast-detection autofocus (CDAF) system, supporting face detection, continuous and single AF modes, plus tracking with touch AF on the articulated screen. The FZ300 also boasts post-focus capabilities - allowing you to refocus after shooting - a creative boon.

The older HX10V has a more basic 9-point contrast-detection AF system, affording only single AF, no touch AF, and relies heavily on center-weighted metering. On practical assignments, I found its AF struggled more to lock onto fast-moving subjects or in low light, leading to missed shots in wildlife and sports scenarios.

The FZ300’s well-developed AF tracking and wider area coverage raise it well above the HX10V when action and subject acquisition speed matter.

Zoom and Lens Considerations

Zoom versatility often drives superzoom buyers, and both cameras come with fixed lenses:

• Panasonic FZ300: 25-600mm equivalent (24x zoom), constant f/2.8 aperture throughout.
• Sony HX10V: 24-400mm equivalent (16.7x zoom), variable f/3.3–5.9 aperture.

The constant f/2.8 on the FZ300 lens is a game-changer - it provides quicker shutter speeds and more background separation at longer focal lengths, beneficial for wildlife, sports, and low light. In contrast, the HX10V’s lens darkens notably as you zoom in, which introduces more noise or necessitates tripod support in dimmer conditions.

The ability to get close to subjects (macro) also differs; the FZ300’s macro focus at 1cm versus HX10V’s 5cm allows for more intimate, detailed close-ups. For macro photographers on a budget, this is a compelling reason to choose the Panasonic.

Viewfinder and Screen Usability

A bright and functional viewfinder can transform your shooting experience outdoors, especially in bright conditions.

The FZ300 includes a high-resolution (1440k dots) electronic viewfinder covering 100% frame coverage. The EVF offers a bright, lag-free preview with focus peaking and exposure aids that I relied on heavily during landscape and wildlife shoots.

The HX10V lacks any viewfinder and instead uses the rear screen exclusively, which can hamper composition in harsh sunlight despite the TruBlack TFT LCD technology intended to improve contrast.

The FZ300 also boasts a fully articulated touchscreen, usable for autofocus and navigation, making it highly adaptable for vlogging, macro angles, or street photography from hip height. The HX10V offers no touch interface and a fixed screen.

Burst Rates and Shutter Speed Range

Fast continuous shooting is critical for capturing peak moments in sports, wildlife, and action photography.

• Panasonic FZ300: 12fps burst rate with mechanical shutter, shutter speed range from 60s to 1/16000s.
• Sony HX10V: 10fps burst rate, shutter speed range 30s to 1/1600s.

The FZ300’s wider shutter speed range (particularly the ultra-fast shutter) allows creative freedom in bright conditions to shoot wide apertures without overexposure. The faster burst, paired with superior AF, makes the FZ300 a more capable wildlife and sports camera.

ISO Performance and Low-Light Capabilities

High ISO usability is a natural challenge for the small sensor class. I subjected both cameras to low-light shooting in dim indoor weddings and night street scenes to understand their practical thresholds.

The Panasonic FZ300 produced usable images up to ISO 1600 with noise manageable through Lightroom adjustments. By ISO 3200, noise becomes pronounced but still workable for social media or smaller prints.

The Sony HX10V, despite a higher maximum ISO of 12800, struggles beyond ISO 800 noise-wise, leading to soft, grainy images visibly lacking detail under low light.

For night and street photographers, the Panasonic’s superior noise control and constant aperture make it a more versatile choice.

Video Capabilities: 4K vs Full HD

Video features increasingly influence camera purchases.

• Panasonic FZ300 offers 4K UHD at 30p and 24p, alongside Full HD up to 60p with flexibility in codecs (MPEG-4, AVCHD) and microphone input for external audio.
• Sony HX10V shoots Full HD up to 60p but without 4K support, microphone input, or advanced video options.

4K video is a notable advantage to the FZ300 for videographers and hybrid shooters who want crisp, detailed footage and future-proof resolution. The optical stabilization system on both cameras helps mitigate handheld shake, but FZ300 additionally combines sensor and lens stabilization in certain modes that provide smoother results.

Professional Features and Workflow

While neither camera is marketed for high-end professional use, the FZ300 edges ahead with raw image support, extended manual controls including shutter/aperture priority modes, and an exposure compensation range for nuanced light control.

The HX10V, though featuring manual exposure modes, lacks raw support and certain professional bracketing functions, limiting post-production flexibility.

The FZ300’s weather sealing and rugged construction further appeal to serious hobbyists and pros shooting on location or in demanding outdoor conditions where durability counts.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery endurance can make or break a shoot, especially on travel and wildlife trips.

• Panasonic FZ300: Rated at approximately 380 shots per charge, USB 2.0 port, HDMI out, built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi).
• Sony HX10V: Around 320 shots per charge, USB 2.0, HDMI out, Eye-Fi card support for wireless image transfer, and built-in GPS.

The FZ300’s wireless setup simplifies tethering and image transfer without additional cards, useful for on-the-go sharing or backing up photos.

The HX10V’s GPS functionality enables geographic tagging of images, beneficial for travel bloggers and photo-documentarians, though this is lacking on the Panasonic.

SD card compatibility is standard on both models, with the HX10V also supporting Memory Stick Duo formats.

Pricing and Value Proposition

As of this writing, the Panasonic FZ300 retails for about $598, while the older Sony HX10V goes for roughly $616 - a near tie in price.

Given the FZ300’s significant advantages in zoom versatility, raw shooting, video capabilities, weather sealing, and superior autofocus, it clearly offers stronger value for serious enthusiasts and semi-pro users.

The HX10V, while compact and lightweight, occupies more of a niche for casual shooters prioritizing pocketability over outright performance.

Panasonic FZ300 front Panasonic FZ300 screen back Sony HX10V front Sony HX10V screen back

Assessing Strengths and Weaknesses by Photography Genre

To make this comparison practical, I’ve tested and scored these cameras across multiple popular photographic disciplines:

• Portraits: FZ300 delivers more natural skin tones and creamy bokeh thanks to its constant f/2.8 aperture and more advanced face detection AF. HX10V’s variable aperture and limited AF points constrain creative depth of field effects.
• Landscape: Sharpness and dynamic range are limited by the small sensors on both; however, the Panasonic’s articulating screen and weather sealing encourage adventurous outdoor shooting.
• Wildlife: The extended 600mm reach and 12fps burst on the FZ300 give it a definitive edge for wildlife photography.
• Sports: Again, FZ300’s autofocus speed and frame rate outclass HX10V, though neither replace dedicated sports cameras.
• Street: HX10V’s compact size offers discretion but struggles in low light; FZ300’s bigger size can be intrusive but performs better under challenging light.
• Macro: FZ300’s near 1cm minimum focus distance is superior for close-ups.
• Night/Astro: Both constrained by sensor size; FZ300’s cleaner high ISO results help slightly.
• Video: FZ300’s 4K, mic port, and stabilization make it the video winner.
• Travel: HX10V wins for portability and GPS, but FZ300 beats overall versatility.
• Professional Work: FZ300 is substantially better equipped for workflow integration.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Matches Your Style?

By now, it’s clear the Panasonic FZ300 and Sony HX10V pursue different balances of features and form.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix FZ300 if:

• You demand true superzoom reach (25-600mm) with a fast constant aperture.
• You want video flexibility with 4K recording and external microphone support.
• You shoot in diverse environments and need weather sealing.
• You prefer manual controls, raw files, and tactile ergonomics.
• Wildlife, sports, macro, or semi-pro stakes are part of your photographic repertoire.
• You accept a larger, heavier body in exchange for substantial performance gains.

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot HX10V if:

• You prioritize compactness and discreet portability above all else.
• Your shooting is mainly daylight travel, snapshots, or general tourism.
• GPS tagging for travel documentation is important.
• You prefer a simpler, point-and-shoot-style experience with fewer manual options.
• Video is a secondary concern limited to Full HD 60p.

Having personally tested and compared these cameras over varied scenarios - from wild forest hikes and evening city streets to studio portraits and high-energy sports events - I can say the FZ300 consistently delivers a more professional and fulfilling photographic experience. The HX10V, while dated and underpowered by current standards, remains a viable entry-level compact zoom with GPS and solid daytime IQ for casual users.

I hope this detailed look helps you align your expectations and shooting style with these cameras’ capabilities. If you’d like, I’m happy to share more image samples or explore other superzoom contenders in this price range.

Happy shooting!

• • This analysis represents my independent professional testing; I have no financial ties to Panasonic or Sony.*