Panasonic FZ70 vs Sony WX350: A Deep Dive Into Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

When stepping into the realm of small sensor superzoom cameras, the choice can quickly become overwhelming due to overlapping features, unique quality trade-offs, and the tricky balance of zoom range versus image performance. Today, I put two compelling contenders head-to-head: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 (2013) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX350 (2014). I’ve personally tested hundreds of cameras in this category, and in the following comparison, I bring a thorough hands-on perspective along with technical analysis, real-world use cases, and informed buying advice tailored to diverse photographer profiles.

Getting Acquainted: Design and Ergonomics Matter

Ergonomics and handling can make or break your shooting experience, especially for enthusiasts who shoot frequently or for extended periods.

Panasonic FZ70: SLR-Like Bridge Camera with Extensive Zoom

With its SLR-inspired “bridge” form factor, the FZ70 delivers a chunky yet reassuring grip. It strikes a balance between compactness and control comfort, largely thanks to good-sized buttons and the classic DSLR-style layout. With dimensions of 130 x 97 x 118 mm and weighing 606 grams, it feels substantive but not overwhelmingly heavy.

Sony WX350: Pocketable Compact with Streamlined Body

The WX350 trades bulk for discretion - it’s a traditional compact camera with dimensions of just 96 x 55 x 26 mm and a featherweight 164 grams, making it pocket-friendly and ideal for grab-and-go photography.

Ergonomic Takeaway:

• If your preference leans toward a camera that feels solid and offers ample physical controls, the Panasonic FZ70 is your pick.
• For travelers and street shooters prioritizing portability and packability, the Sony WX350’s slim profile clearly shines.

Control Layouts and User Interface: How Intuitive is It?

Both cameras feature fixed, non-touch 3-inch LCD screens with 460k dots, but their operation philosophies diverge.

• Panasonic FZ70 includes dedicated manual exposure controls - shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual modes - catering well to enthusiasts who want creative control.
• Sony WX350 is largely automated, lacking full manual modes and shutter/aperture priority, better suited for beginners or users wanting point-and-shoot simplicity.

The Panasonic’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) offers an alternative framing method which I found helpful in bright daylight, while Sony omits a viewfinder entirely, relying solely on the rear screen.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors with Big Ambitions

Both cameras feature the standard 1/2.3” sensor size (6.17 x 4.55 mm), but with notable distinctions.

Technical Insights:

• The Panasonic’s traditional CMOS sensor coupled with a Venus Engine processor delivers decent color depth and dynamic range for the category, with DxOMark scores indicating average low-light performance (DxO low light ISO: 171).
• Sony’s Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, despite lacking raw support, tends to offer better high ISO performance and improved noise handling, thanks to the BSI architecture that enhances light gathering efficiency.

What does this mean for you?

• If you prioritize post-processing flexibility and shooting in RAW, the FZ70’s advantage is clear.
• If you aim to capture handheld low-light shots and want a cleaner JPEG straight out of camera at high ISO, the WX350’s sensor technology is beneficial.

Image Processing and Color Rendition

The Panasonic’s Venus Engine is known for punchy color rendition, often boosting greens and blues, making landscapes vivid. I found this appealing when shooting nature scenes, though some skin tones required slight correction in post to avoid oversaturation.

Sony’s imaging engine takes a more neutral, natural rendering approach, producing skin tones very close to reality. For portrait enthusiasts, that can be a selling point.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Huge Reach vs Balanced Optics

This is where these cameras fundamentally diverge.

Real-World Usage:

• The Panasonic FZ70 offers a massive 60x zoom, ideal for wildlife and sports shooters who need to get close to distant subjects without swapping lenses. The bright f/2.8 aperture at the wide end helps in low light.
• The Sony WX350 offers more modest reach but shines with a more compact lens, retaining solid optics throughout the 20x zoom range.

Macro photography enthusiasts will appreciate the FZ70’s remarkable 1 cm close-focusing ability, enabling detailed close-ups of small subjects like insects or flowers.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus systems can make all the difference, especially in action, wildlife, and sports photography.

Despite its age, the Panasonic FZ70 supports continuous autofocus tracking and 23 AF points. In practical tests, I found its AF noticeably snappier and more reliable in tracking moving targets when shooting outdoors.

The Sony WX350’s AF is limited to single autofocus, without continuous tracking. It works well in good light for static subjects but lags behind in dynamic scenarios.

If your priority is action photography or wildlife, the FZ70's better continuous AF system is a decisive advantage.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed Range

Fast burst rates aid sports and wildlife shooters.

• Panasonic FZ70 offers 9 fps continuous shooting at full resolution.
• Sony WX350 manages a slightly faster 10 fps, but lacks continuous AF, limiting its practical use.

Shutter speed range:

• FZ70: From 8 seconds to 1/2000 sec
• WX350: 4 seconds to 1/1600 sec

While neither camera provides very fast shutters essential for freezing extremely fast motion, FZ70’s slightly wider range allows better night or creative exposures.

Video Capabilities: Full HD with Limitations

Both cameras capture Full HD 1080p video.

The WX350 edges ahead with smoother 60p frame rates providing slicker motion capture, while the FZ70 maxes at 30p for progressive modes.

However, neither camera offers professional video features like external mic inputs or 4K recording, limiting their appeal for serious videographers.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life influences how long you can shoot on the go:

• Panasonic FZ70 rates around 400 shots per charge.
• Sony WX350 rates higher with 470 shots per charge.

Both cameras use proprietary battery packs (Sony’s NP-BX1 in the WX350) and single memory card slots supporting SD and compatible formats.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity can be crucial for workflow.

• Panasonic FZ70 lacks any wireless connectivity.
• Sony WX350 offers built-in Wi-Fi, enabling easy image transfer to smartphones or remote shooting via app - a useful feature for casual sharing and travel.

Neither camera offers GPS, NFC, or headphone jacks.

Durability, Build Quality, and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized build quality, so neither is well suited to abuse in harsh conditions.

Summarizing the Practical Use Across Photography Genres

Let's break down which camera excels in common photographic genres and why.

Portrait Photography

• FZ70: Manual control lets you adjust aperture for better bokeh; raw support enables skin tone fine-tuning.
• WX350: More automated - great for quick snapshots but less control; slight edge on natural JPEG color tones.

Landscape Photography

• Panasonic’s wider lens range and slightly better dynamic range favor landscapes.
• The FZ70’s brighter wide aperture helps with early morning or dusk shots.
• Sony’s pocketability favors travel landscapes on the go.

Wildlife Photography

• Panasonic wins hands-down with 60x zoom, continuous AF, and 9 fps burst.
• Sony’s zoom is too limited for distant subjects.

Sports Photography

• FZ70’s continuous AF and high burst rate also make it a better choice for sports.
• WX350 is less capable in tracking fast-moving action.

Street Photography

• Sony’s compact size and concealability make it ideal for street shooters valuing discretion.
• Panasonic’s size can be intrusive and less suitable for candid shots.

Macro Photography

• FZ70’s close focus distance of 1 cm and manual controls make it far better.
• WX350 lacks macro mode data; limited close-up utility.

Night/Astro Photography

• Both struggle due to sensor size but Panasonic’s longer shutter capability and raw support give some edge.
• Sony’s higher ISO ceiling may be useful but without raw limits flexibility.

Video

• Both offer Full HD 1080p, but Sony’s smoother 60p gives an advantage.
• No external mic inputs restrict audio quality.

Travel Photography

• Sony WX350’s light weight, small size, and wireless connectivity make it very travel friendly.
• Panasonic offers versatility but is bulkier.

Professional Work

• Neither model is designed for professional use but Panasonic edges in manual operation and raw workflow integration.

Technical Performance Scores at a Glance

• Panasonic FZ70: Strong in zoom, controls, and burst capabilities.
• Sony WX350: Scores higher for portability, video frame rates, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

From portraits to sports, this visualization spotlights where each excels based on tested parameters - reinforcing our detailed observations.

Gallery: Sample Images Comparison

Panasonic FZ70 front Panasonic FZ70 screen back Sony WX350 front Sony WX350 screen back

Examining images side by side summarizes the narrative:

• FZ70 images show punchy color and impressive reach.
• WX350 outputs are cleaner at high ISO but lack zoom versatility.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Final Thoughts: Balancing Specs With Real-World Use

While both cameras sit in the small sensor superzoom category, their target users diverge sharply. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 is an enthusiast-oriented superzoom powerhouse with greater creative control, exceptional reach, and superior burst modes that I found indispensable for wildlife and action.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX350 trades technical breadth for sleek portability, Wi-Fi convenience, and decent stills and Full HD video, perfect for travelers and casual photographers valuing compactness and ease.

If you require versatility and full control in a single all-in-one zoom, the FZ70 remains a compelling choice more than a decade later. Conversely, if you demand a highly portable solution with respectable zoom and connectivity, the WX350 delivers practical convenience.

Before deciding, be sure you evaluate how you shoot and which camera blends best with your photographic style and priorities.

Why You Can Trust This Review

Having personally field-tested both cameras across diverse lighting environments, genres, and shooting conditions, I draw conclusions grounded in extensive real-world experience. This article combines hands-on testing with detailed spec analysis and user-centered advice to empower your purchase choice beyond abstract specs.

Choosing between the Panasonic FZ70 and Sony WX350 boils down to prioritizing either zoom power and creative control or portability and connectivity. Both have strengths that appeal to distinctly different photography needs - now, it’s your time to match those strengths to your vision.

Happy shooting!