The Panasonic Lumix FZ330 is a camera for all situations. 1 Year on and I have not stopped using this fantastic all rounder. Lets take a non technical look at a camera you may not have considered trying.
May God Bless this earnest, sincere Guy, sitting next to 30+ year old personal computers, keyboards, monitors and ......a....1980's? .mouse.... Oh Boy !
I started with MFT (Lumix), a year later switched to APSC (Nikon), then on to Full Frame (Sony). Now, after 8 years' experimenting I shoot almost exclusively with my Nikon Coolpix P950 with its ridiculous 24-2000mm zoom and my Lumix FZ330 with its great zoom and wonderful f/2.8 constant aperture. For all general purpose photography which will probably only be shared on social media these tiny sensor cameras are really all you need - I haven't enjoyed photography so much in all this time. You just take one camera out with you knowing you can capture anything from close up to distant with great, usable high quality images. I've even printed some up to 24"x8" and they're still fine. I can't praise them enough. Huge smile factor. Love them Nuff said :)
I have one. But there's a helluva lot of options and menus to learn. Still I am glad I bought it at a low price during covid. Some lovely shots there, man.
I bought this camera for its video capabilities. It is stabilized for at least hd video and with the EVF that is great for tracking subjects you can assist the stabilization by holding it tight to your face. 4K photo is another feature of this camera allowing recording of a scene and then a selected frame (30 per second) to be selected at up to 8 mps.This camera does macro photo well too. Low ISO must be used and shooting raw will help with this tiny sensor. Great price for this all-in -one waterproof camera. It is a jack of all trades but master of none and for 500 bucks is worth buying.
This was a very helpful review for someone like me who doesn’t fully understand all of the technical details of photography. Your video helped me to feel confident in my decision to purchase this in 2023. Thank you!
Thanks for the review, Phil. You've helped me to decide on getting this camera. edit: I was looking for an affordable 4k camera that allows easy Self-shooting. The Peak option is also very helpful to me, because I can't see very well.
I have the fz300! It's taken some stunning photos and some real stinkers. In shooting wildlife at a distance, the stabilization is top notch. The only problem, and the reason I'm going back to dslr, is noise. I can only use this camera in bright light, wide open at 2.8, at iso200. If I go above 200 ISO the noise destroys all the detail unless my subject is close or large enough. Which means the subject has to hold still due to the slow shutter. I've had a lot of shots ruined by the signal noise. The sensor's too small, plain and simple. The photos lack the detail, color, and dynamic range of even an entry level dslr from 2006. Don't get me wrong, it can still take great photos for most use cases. It's light, simple, and focuses fast, and has the best stabilization of any camera I've used. But it's not enough for me.
Thank you for your feedback :) - Im glad it was helpful. I will be doing a video on bridge cameras and how they compare to DSLR's very soon which you may help you choose your next camera. Cheers Phil
Love your honest review of this gem, highlighting the main features. I absolutely love this camera, having purchased it recently and will get my hands on it in 4 weeks' time. One of the best features aside from the really usable zoom is the constant aperture of 2.8 throughout its zoom range of 25-600. I can't think of any other camera that has this feature. Surely, some DSLR lenses might have something similar but not with this zoom range, and I sweat thinking about the weight and cost of such a lens. Another relatively unknown feature of this camera is the ability to control external flashes wirelessly. Then there is the ability to focus stack within the camera itself, which can be really useful for a macro shot. This camera is so ahead of its times and at such a sweet price. Hats off to Panasonic for bringing out this awesome camera.
Don't forget the dust and splash resistance, which is pretty unique for this kind of camera aswell. It's an amazing camara overall. There are others with better image quality (but bigger or pricer), others with longer zoom (but heavier or non dust/spash resistence)...the perfect camera doesn't exist, this one is great for travel and casual nature shots. Panasonic really hit the nail on the head with this one.
Great video, yes I agree with all you say. I have looked at much more expensive cameras but always come back to the Fz330. It is amazing what you get for £420 which is what I paid in Jan this year. 👍👍🙂
I bought one of these about 4 years ago I still use it now due to its size and versatility. But i also have a GX9 with a 14-140 which i use when i know i wont need to go over 300mm. You can tell the photo's apart because usually a stand alone lens is going to be sharper than one that has such a huge range. But the fz330 is very good.
If you understand this camera and shoot in manual mode and RAW, you can create really great photos. I've photographed squirrels, songbirds, butterflies, etc. with the FZ300 and no one could tell the difference from a DSLM unless I mentioned it. Stupidly, I sold the FZ300 a few years ago and I often think wistfully of this camera. So I'll buy the FZ300 again and I'll keep it forever.
Thank you so much for this video!! My husband bought me this exact camera [after asking for and SLR/DSLR for 30+ years! 😂]. I came onto YT looking for exactly this type of video! Now to find your other mentioned video where you explain the technical works!! I'm super excited!! Thx again!! 🤩
Patricia, check out Graham Houghton’s video channel on utube. He does a really comprehensive 4 part series called “Beginners guide to the FZ300/330” which you might find useful. Was looking at this camera myself and he covers it comprehensively! Cheers, Max.
I've an older Canon 70D which i have a smattering of lenses for; prime, wide, telephoto ...and rarely take it with me due to the bulk. Considering something like this for all the walking I like to do - thanks for the review!
Have just gone through the selection process you describe, after which I bought the FZ330. Have not yet worked my way though the manual, which I need to because my initial trial ended up with "odd" overlays on the screen/viewfinder after pressing some buttons at random!!! You have confirmed the decision I made and that is always welcome. I previously had a Panasonic FZ38 Bridge camera, the zoom of which stopped working after taking photos in drizzle, so the weather proofing was a strong positive feature. I go hill walking and inevitably am out on wet days when there are still images that are worth capturing, if the camera will survive the experience. The FZ38 zoom died when I found myself in the a Welsh woodland glade full of Orchids of all types and colours, which I just had to try and capture.
i like the fact that you can attach filters to the lens. It is a shame that the later models do not have this feature. Sometims a polarizer or a ND filter can make a huge difference to the picture. Dont buy the extension extender, it is only marginally better than the digital zoom and you lose a lot of flexibility since it only starts working 600mm.
The lens is an EXCELLENT " Leica . " 25-600 mm ( 1200 mm digital ! ) with a FIXED F2.8 Aperture ! So it is FAST and very little distortion from wide angle to telephoto and does an amazing job for the money ! This is a very respectable " Bridge " for the money ! Hope this helps !
For it's price, absolutly. Are there better ones? Of course, if you can afford them. The weather-proofing is not that common so this one is pretty one of a kind if you need that aswell.
Not a second, you may continue immediately. That limit is for "professional" video camera protection and some European copyright laws, not because of overheating. Panasonic's cameras don't have overheating problem, unlike Sony's.
No, it's the same camera. "Panasonic sells the camera in different regions of the world using an alternative designation (300 or 330) because of marketing and warranty considerations"
Panasonic? No way. My 2 Panasonic cameras have been duds. Poor photo quality at high iso, longer zoom, or even slightly low light. Will never buy a Panasonic again. NO camera can be perfect for everything, per your heading. NO camera can do macro , true macro, AND telephoto, and... and...
May God Bless this earnest, sincere Guy, sitting next to 30+ year old personal computers, keyboards, monitors and ......a....1980's? .mouse.... Oh Boy !
I started with MFT (Lumix), a year later switched to APSC (Nikon), then on to Full Frame (Sony). Now, after 8 years' experimenting I shoot almost exclusively with my Nikon Coolpix P950 with its ridiculous 24-2000mm zoom and my Lumix FZ330 with its great zoom and wonderful f/2.8 constant aperture. For all general purpose photography which will probably only be shared on social media these tiny sensor cameras are really all you need - I haven't enjoyed photography so much in all this time. You just take one camera out with you knowing you can capture anything from close up to distant with great, usable high quality images. I've even printed some up to 24"x8" and they're still fine. I can't praise them enough. Huge smile factor. Love them Nuff said :)
I have one. But there's a helluva lot of options and menus to learn.
Still I am glad I bought it at a low price during covid.
Some lovely shots there, man.
I bought this camera for its video capabilities. It is stabilized for at least hd video and with the EVF that is great for tracking subjects you can assist the stabilization by holding it tight to your face. 4K photo is another feature of this camera allowing recording of a scene and then a selected frame (30 per second) to be selected at up to 8 mps.This camera does macro photo well too. Low ISO must be used and shooting raw will help with this tiny sensor. Great price for this all-in -one waterproof camera. It is a jack of all trades but master of none and for 500 bucks is worth buying.
This was a very helpful review for someone like me who doesn’t fully understand all of the technical details of photography. Your video helped me to feel confident in my decision to purchase this in 2023. Thank you!
Thanks for the review, Phil.
You've helped me to decide on getting this camera.
edit: I was looking for an affordable 4k camera that allows easy Self-shooting. The Peak option is also very helpful to me, because I can't see very well.
I have the fz300! It's taken some stunning photos and some real stinkers. In shooting wildlife at a distance, the stabilization is top notch. The only problem, and the reason I'm going back to dslr, is noise. I can only use this camera in bright light, wide open at 2.8, at iso200. If I go above 200 ISO the noise destroys all the detail unless my subject is close or large enough. Which means the subject has to hold still due to the slow shutter. I've had a lot of shots ruined by the signal noise. The sensor's too small, plain and simple. The photos lack the detail, color, and dynamic range of even an entry level dslr from 2006. Don't get me wrong, it can still take great photos for most use cases. It's light, simple, and focuses fast, and has the best stabilization of any camera I've used. But it's not enough for me.
Thank you for an informative video which endorses the purchase that I made yesterday. Well done me.
I have one, and I love it.
Thanks for share your profesional opinion
Bro this was a great video thanks for explaining this camera!
Thank you for your feedback :) - Im glad it was helpful. I will be doing a video on bridge cameras and how they compare to DSLR's very soon which you may help you choose your next camera. Cheers Phil
Love your honest review of this gem, highlighting the main features. I absolutely love this camera, having purchased it recently and will get my hands on it in 4 weeks' time. One of the best features aside from the really usable zoom is the constant aperture of 2.8 throughout its zoom range of 25-600. I can't think of any other camera that has this feature. Surely, some DSLR lenses might have something similar but not with this zoom range, and I sweat thinking about the weight and cost of such a lens. Another relatively unknown feature of this camera is the ability to control external flashes wirelessly. Then there is the ability to focus stack within the camera itself, which can be really useful for a macro shot. This camera is so ahead of its times and at such a sweet price. Hats off to Panasonic for bringing out this awesome camera.
Don't forget the dust and splash resistance, which is pretty unique for this kind of camera aswell. It's an amazing camara overall. There are others with better image quality (but bigger or pricer), others with longer zoom (but heavier or non dust/spash resistence)...the perfect camera doesn't exist, this one is great for travel and casual nature shots. Panasonic really hit the nail on the head with this one.
Great video, yes I agree with all you say. I have looked at much more expensive cameras but always come back to the Fz330. It is amazing what you get for £420 which is what I paid in Jan this year. 👍👍🙂
I bought one of these about 4 years ago
I still use it now due to its size and versatility.
But i also have a GX9 with a 14-140 which i use when i know i wont need to go over 300mm.
You can tell the photo's apart because usually a stand alone lens is going to be sharper than one that has such a huge range.
But the fz330 is very good.
If you understand this camera and shoot in manual mode and RAW, you can create really great photos. I've photographed squirrels, songbirds, butterflies, etc. with the FZ300 and no one could tell the difference from a DSLM unless I mentioned it. Stupidly, I sold the FZ300 a few years ago and I often think wistfully of this camera. So I'll buy the FZ300 again and I'll keep it forever.
I did the same thing and really missed it. I just bought one on ebay this week (Nov 2023). I am so happy to have this camera again.
Thank you so much for this video!! My husband bought me this exact camera [after asking for and SLR/DSLR for 30+ years! 😂]. I came onto YT looking for exactly this type of video! Now to find your other mentioned video where you explain the technical works!! I'm super excited!! Thx again!! 🤩
Patricia, check out Graham Houghton’s video channel on utube. He does a really comprehensive 4 part series called “Beginners guide to the FZ300/330” which you might find useful. Was looking at this camera myself and he covers it comprehensively! Cheers, Max.
Phil, are you delving into this camera further. I like your approach
Just bought this camera 📸😁.
I've an older Canon 70D which i have a smattering of lenses for; prime, wide, telephoto ...and rarely take it with me due to the bulk. Considering something like this for all the walking I like to do - thanks for the review!
Have just gone through the selection process you describe, after which I bought the FZ330. Have not yet worked my way though the manual, which I need to because my initial trial ended up with "odd" overlays on the screen/viewfinder after pressing some buttons at random!!!
You have confirmed the decision I made and that is always welcome.
I previously had a Panasonic FZ38 Bridge camera, the zoom of which stopped working after taking photos in drizzle, so the weather proofing was a strong positive feature. I go hill walking and inevitably am out on wet days when there are still images that are worth capturing, if the camera will survive the experience. The FZ38 zoom died when I found myself in the a Welsh woodland glade full of Orchids of all types and colours, which I just had to try and capture.
I've used my Fz300 under constant light rain in Northern Spain without issues. It's a really great camera for those who enjoy outdoors in any weather.
I don't think you mentioned the constant f2.8 throughout the range. I think that's a nice feature.
man, that thing has a mental dynamic range...
i like the fact that you can attach filters to the lens. It is a shame that the later models do not have this feature. Sometims a polarizer or a ND filter can make a huge difference to the picture. Dont buy the extension extender, it is only marginally better than the digital zoom and you lose a lot of flexibility since it only starts working 600mm.
Really informative video,thank you. Is the FZ330 recommended for wildlife/irding...is the zoom good enough?
The lens is an EXCELLENT " Leica . " 25-600 mm ( 1200 mm digital ! ) with a FIXED F2.8 Aperture ! So it is FAST and very little distortion from wide angle to telephoto and does an amazing job for the money ! This is a very respectable " Bridge " for the money ! Hope this helps !
For it's price, absolutly. Are there better ones? Of course, if you can afford them. The weather-proofing is not that common so this one is pretty one of a kind if you need that aswell.
Is there a way to slow-zoom with this camera while recording video?
Is this the same as FZ300? I never heard of the FZ330, where is it sold?
It's the same
FZ300 in US and FZ330 in UK. You say tomayto, I say tomahto. I just bought one. Very happy with it.
10:23 After a continuous 29 mins video shot, how long should I let the camera cool down before taking another 29mins shot?
Not a second, you may continue immediately. That limit is for "professional" video camera protection and some European copyright laws, not because of overheating. Panasonic's cameras don't have overheating problem, unlike Sony's.
@@djolemadzarevic Thank you so much for the clarification! :D
@@mechouilli I'm glad if I helped 🙂
i HAve an fz300 for plane spotting! does this have a bigger sensor???
No, it's the same camera. "Panasonic sells the camera in different regions of the world using an alternative designation (300 or 330) because of marketing and warranty considerations"
Lumix FZ330 is great, but I would say that FZ-1000 II is even better, even if it costs some more
Except professional work. I have two FZ330's, but compared to a full frame body married with Canon 'L' lenses, it just does not compare.
Robi równie paskudne zdjęcia co poprzednik?
A correction. This is not a mirrorless camera. It's a bridge camera.
yes it is a bridge camera - however - if you take it apart - it is insides exactly like a mirrorless
Panasonic? No way. My 2 Panasonic cameras have been duds. Poor photo quality at high iso, longer zoom, or even slightly low light. Will never buy a Panasonic again. NO camera can be perfect for everything, per your heading. NO camera can do macro , true macro, AND telephoto, and... and...
A camera review without sample images and field test is totally shit
He said it's an introduction, not a review.