Panasonic Lumix GX7 vs Sony Cyber-shot H300: A Thorough Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Selecting the right camera involves balancing numerous technical parameters, intended photographic uses, and operational preferences. In this detailed comparison, I analyze the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 - an advanced mirrorless camera launched in late 2013 - and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300 - a budget-oriented, small sensor superzoom bridge camera introduced in early 2014. Both cameras target different segments but often appear in search results when photographers explore options for versatile and affordable imaging gear.

Drawing on extensive hands-on testing of over a thousand cameras including mirrorless systems and bridge superzooms, this article dissects the GX7 and H300 across sensor capabilities, autofocus, ergonomics, shooting modes, and suitability for key photographic disciplines. This comparison aims to provide readers with practical evidence and expert insight to guide their purchasing decisions.

Physical Design and Handling: Ergonomics Matter

The physical dimensions and user interface of a camera shape its handling, shooting experience, and ultimately, creative output.

• Panasonic GX7: Sporting a rangefinder-style mirrorless body with dimensions of 123 × 71 × 55 mm and weighing 402 g, the GX7 strikes a balance between compactness and robust grip comfort. It features a tilting 3.0" touchscreen LCD with a high resolution of 1040k dots and a bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasting 2765k dots and 0.7x magnification.

• Sony H300: This camera adopts an SLR-like bridge form-factor with considerably larger dimensions of 130 × 95 × 122 mm and a heavier weight of 590 g. Its fixed 3.0" LCD panel with 460k dots offers less clarity and no touch functionality. It lacks a real viewfinder, instead relying on a basic LCD preview.

Ergonomically, the Panasonic GX7 feels more pocketable and maneuverable for extended handheld shooting, integrating tactile dials and buttons conducive to manual control. The Sony H300, with its bulk and grip design modeled after DSLRs, can become unwieldy during prolonged use, especially as it lacks sophisticated physical controls and relies on menu-based operation.

The top view comparison illustrates the GX7’s well-laid control scheme with dedicated exposure dials, while the H300’s limited physical interface reflects its consumer-level intent.

Takeaway:

For photographers valuing responsive handling, compactness, and precise manual control, the GX7 offers a markedly superior physical and ergonomic experience. The H300’s larger size and simplified controls may suit casual users desiring a straightforward superzoom without complexity.

Sensor Technologies and Image Quality: The Core of Photography

Central to image quality is sensor size, resolution, and underlying technology.

• GX7 Sensor: Employs a 16 MP Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 × 13 mm with a sensor area of 224.9 mm². It includes an anti-alias filter, native ISO range from 125 to 25600, and supports RAW capture. The sensor is paired with Panasonic’s Venus Engine image processor providing advanced noise reduction and color fidelity.

• H300 Sensor: Features a 20 MP 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring a mere 6.17 × 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²) with a native ISO up to 3200. Output resolution peaks at 5152×3864 pixels but is limited to JPEG (no RAW support). It uses Bionz image processing typical of Sony bridge cameras.

Testing reveals the GX7’s larger sensor delivers significantly superior dynamic range (approximately 12.2 EV compared to the H300’s untested but typical low range), better color depth (22.6 bits vs untested), and markedly improved low-light performance (DXO low light ISO 718 vs not tested for H300, but known to be lower in sensitivity).

The microsensor in the GX7’s Micro Four Thirds format accommodates larger individual pixels even at 16 MP, resulting in better noise control and tonal gradation than the H300’s higher megapixel, smaller sensor arrangement. The absence of RAW on the H300 restricts post-processing flexibility, an essential capability for serious photography.

Image Samples

Side-by-side photography samples under neutral conditions illustrate the GX7’s richer color rendition, finer details, and better handling of exposure gradients compared to the relatively flat, higher noise output of the H300, especially in shadows and highlights.

Panasonic GX7 front Panasonic GX7 screen back Sony H300 front Sony H300 screen back

Takeaway:

For image quality aficionados prioritizing resolution fidelity, dynamic range, and workflow flexibility, the GX7’s sensor and processor architecture provide a decisive advantage. The H300 is fundamentally constrained by its small sensor and lack of RAW support, limiting its value to casual snapshots.

Autofocus Systems and Performance: Speed and Accuracy Under Pressure

Reliable autofocus (AF) matters profoundly in diverse shooting scenarios ranging from portraits to sports.

• GX7 AF: Utilizes a contrast-detection AF system with 23 AF points, including face detection and touch AF. It supports continuous, single, tracking, and selective focus modes, though it does not feature on-sensor phase detection or animal eye AF. The system benefits from live view compatibility and touchscreen operation to set focal points rapidly.

• H300 AF: Employs a contrast-detection-only system with unknown AF point count and no touchscreen or live view focus adjustment. AF modes include single, tracking, and selective but tend to perform sluggishly due to slower processing and cheaper optics.

In practice, the GX7 yields faster, more accurate autofocus acquisition, especially in low light and continuous tracking scenarios such as wildlife or street photography. The H300’s AF is noticeably slower and inconsistent when dealing with moving subjects or low contrast scenes.

Continuous Shooting and Burst

• GX7: Offers a respectable 5 fps continuous shooting mode, suitable for moderate action or event shooting.
• H300: Limited to a single frame per second in burst mode, insufficient for dynamic photography requiring multiple frame captures.

Takeaway:

The GX7’s AF system, while not phase-detection hybrid, is substantially better suited for responsive focusing and tracking than the H300, which is hindered by a slower, basic contrast AF design and limited burst speed.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Versatility

Lens compatibility critically impacts creative options.

• GX7 Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds mount with access to over 100 native Panasonic and Olympus lenses spanning primes, zooms, macros, and fast apertures. This system supports high-quality optics optimized for the sensor size.

• H300 Lens: Fixed 25-875 mm (35mm equivalent) 35× optical zoom lens with max aperture of f/3 to f/5.9. The lens is non-interchangeable, sharply limiting optical flexibility.

The GX7’s interchangeable lens architecture unlocks the full spectrum of photographic possibilities from wide-aperture portraits to ultra-telephoto wildlife. APS-C and full-frame mirrorless options now surround Micro Four Thirds, but the GX7 still possesses a mature lens lineup, including stabilized lenses leveraging sensor-shift IS.

The H300’s lens offers extraordinary zoom reach at the expense of sharpness and aperture speed, creating compromises in low light, depth of field control, and image quality uniformity. Macro shooting is nominally possible but severely limited by fixed optics.

Takeaway:

Photographers seeking optical versatility and superior lens quality will find the GX7’s Micro Four Thirds mount indispensable. The H300 lens is better considered a convenience superzoom for casual, varied shooting without optical enhancement.

Display and Viewfinder Experience

The ability to compose and review images efficiently relates to display quality and viewfinder presence.

• GX7: Features a fully articulating 3.0” LCD touchscreen (1040k dots) combined with a high-resolution EVF with 100% coverage, delivering accurate framing and easy navigation of menus and focus selection.

• H300: Equipped with a fixed 3.0” LCD with low 460k dots resolution, no touchscreen function, and no eye-level viewfinder, relying solely on the rear screen for composing, which can be challenging in bright conditions.

The GX7’s EVF represents a substantial advantage in bright outdoor environments and for precise manual focusing. Its articulating touchscreen enhances framing versatility and intuitive operation, whereas the H300’s fixed low-res screen and lack of viewfinder limit composure and user confidence.

Video Capabilities: Versatility Beyond Stills

Video is a common shooting mode requiring analysis.

• GX7: Records Full HD 1920×1080 video at multiple frame rates up to 60p with AVCHD and MPEG-4 codecs. It lacks microphone and headphone jacks but provides sensor-shift image stabilization, enhancing handheld footage steadiness.

• H300: Limited to 1280×720 HD video at 30p in MPEG-4 H.264 format with optical stabilization through lens shift. No external audio input is available.

While neither model offers 4K or advanced video features, the GX7’s clean image, higher resolution, and richer frame rate options make it better suited for casual video production or hybrid photo-video workflows. The H300’s video is more basic and primarily appropriate for casual home shooting.

Photography Genres: Tailored Suitability

Portraiture

• GX7: Delivers smooth skin tones with nuanced color depth thanks to the large sensor and 12.2 EV dynamic range. The adjustable aperture lenses facilitate attractive bokeh. Touch and face detection AF plus eye-detection improve critical focus on subjects’ eyes.

• H300: Struggles to achieve natural skin tone gradation with a small sensor and limited dynamic range. The slower aperture and zoom lens restrict shallow depth of field capability, resulting in flatter images.

Landscape Photography

• GX7: High resolution and dynamic range allow for detailed landscapes with wide tonal gradation. Lack of weather sealing is a limitation for rugged conditions, though the compact body aids portability.

• H300: Sensor and optics limit fine detail and tonal depth. However, the long zoom range enables distant landscape framing. No environmental sealing.

Wildlife and Sports

• GX7: Faster AF, 5 fps burst, and compatibility with long telephoto lenses make it a reasonable lightweight option for moderate action.

• H300: Limited burst rate and sluggish AF reduce effectiveness. The 875 mm equivalent zoom might appeal for distant shots, but image quality drops at maximum zoom.

Street and Travel

• GX7: Compact size, excellent image quality, and discrete shutter sound suit street photography. Good battery life (350 shots) supports travel use.

• H300: Bulk and lack of silent shutter, coupled with limited manual control, make it less ideal for street but acceptable for travel snapshots.

Macro Photography

• GX7: Access to dedicated macro lenses with high magnification and fine focus control benefits close-up work.

• H300: Fixed optics limit macro capability; no focus bracketing or stacking.

Night and Astro

• GX7: High ISO performance with good noise control, manual exposure with bulb mode, and sensor-stabilization aid long exposures.

• H300: ISO limited to 3200, high noise, no RAW files hinder astrophotography.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera is weather sealed, but the GX7’s metal construction feels more robust compared to plastic-heavy H300. Neither offers freeze, shock, or crush protection.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras approximate 350 shots per charge, a practical baseline for average use.

• GX7: Uses Micro Four Thirds batteries with wide availability and external USB charging.

• H300: Relies on proprietary battery packs available separately, and supports a broader range of memory cards including Memory Stick Duo.

Connectivity and Additional Features

• GX7: Offers Wi-Fi and NFC wireless transfer, HDMI output, and USB 2.0. HDMI is ideal for tethered workflows or external monitors.

• H300: Lacks wireless capabilities, but contains HDMI and USB ports.

Value Assessment and Pricing

• GX7: Positioned at approximately $1000 (body only at launch), aimed at advanced enthusiasts and professionals prioritizing image quality, manual controls, and versatility.

• H300: At roughly $250, it appeals to budget-conscious consumers needing a straightforward, all-in-one zoom camera with little need for advanced operation.

The score breakdown reflects the GX7’s superior performance across image quality, ergonomics, and autofocus, while the H300 scores acceptably only in zoom range and price.

Conclusion: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Choose the Panasonic Lumix GX7 if:

• You demand superior image quality, with flexibility offered by an interchangeable lens system.
• Manual controls, fast and accurate autofocus, and robust video features are priorities.
• You participate in diverse photography disciplines including portraits, landscapes, street, and low light shooting.
• You value compactness without compromising professional-grade capabilities.
• Your budget accommodates a mid-range system with potential for growth.

Consider the Sony Cyber-shot H300 if:

• You seek an affordable, easy-to-use all-in-one superzoom for casual photography.
• Interchangeable lenses and RAW image processing are not critical.
• You prioritize zoom reach over image quality for travel or snapshots.
• You prefer a simple point-and-shoot experience with minimal setup.
• Your photographic needs are limited and budget constraints are paramount.

In sum, these cameras address markedly different segments: the GX7 is a well-regarded advanced mirrorless system rewarding skillful photographers with excellent image quality and operational precision, while the H300 serves basic needs for convenience and zoom versatility at entry-level pricing.

Through this comparison, photographers can discern the trade-offs between sophistication and simplicity, image quality and cost. Starting from sensor technologies through ergonomics to real-world shooting performances, this analysis hopes to clarify which camera aligns best with your photographic aspirations and practical requirements.