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The FZ330 has three 4K Photo modes: 4K Burst Shooting, 4K Burst (Start/Stop) and 4K Pre-burst. In these modes the FZ330 records 4K footage at 30 frames per second, but it's possible to extract 8Mp still images in-camera. L) / 3264x2448 (8M) (M) / 2048x1536 (3M) (S)/[3:2] 4000x2672 (10.5M) (L) / 3264x2176 (7M) (M) / 2048x1360 (2.5M) (S)/[16:9]4000x2248 (9M) (L) / 3840x2160 (8M) (M) / 1920x1080 (2M) (S)/[1:1] 2992x2992 (9M) (L) / 2448x2448 (6M) (M) / 1920x1920 (3.5M) (S) x 720 pixels, 25p (HD: MP4) (Sensor Output is 100fps)/640 x 480 pixels, 25p (VGA: MP4) (Sensor Output is 200fps) Hmmm, imagine if that were true rather than merely my own fairly justifiable assumption. Where exactly would it leave FZ fans like me and countless others who have bought and enjoyed this range of camera for many years? Under the right circumstances, the FZ330 produces excellent images and captures vivid colours extremely well, as depicted in this shot of lobelia. Photo credit: Audley Jarvis Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 Verdict
Single autofocus (AFS), flexible autofocus (AFF), continuous autofocus (AFC) and manual focus (with focus peaking) are all available, and the FZ330 boasts improved autofocus performance, with a 240fps AF drive which Panasonic claims can achieve focus in 0.09 seconds. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 builds upon its popular predecessor, the FZ200, by principally adding a better viewfinder and LCD screen, touch-sensitive interface, faster autofocusing and start-up times, improved optical image stabilisation system, more robust weatherproof build, and of course, Panasonic's 4K video and still technology. Image quality remains the same thanks to the attractive combination of a sensible 12 megapixel sensor and the excellent f/2.8 25-600mm lens. While it may not offer quite enough to tempt FZ200 owners to upgrade, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 is a great choice for would-be bridge-camera buyers. Viewfinder - larger and better with eye sensor and rubber cup (0.39" 1.44M dot OLED vs 0.21" 1.312M dot LCD). The flip-up screen is particularly useful for low-angled shooting and can help give your images extra impact. Photo credit: Audley Jarvis
One area that left us slightly disappointed was shooting in low light at wide-angle zoom positions. Panasonic’s cameras offer an Intelligent ISO mode that adapts the ISO speed not just depending on available light but also on focal length and the detection of moving subjects in the scene. This is available in the FZ330 but the settings it chose weren’t always what we wanted. The slowest shutter speed it allowed was 1/60s, whereas for wide-angle shots of static subjects 1/15s gave us reliably sharp results. It’s not hard to set the shutter or ISO speed manually but we’d prefer not to have to bother. Burst: 30 frames/sec, max. 29 min 59 sec/4K Burst (S/S): 30 frames/sec, max. 29 min 59 sec/4K Pre-Burst: 30 frames/sec, approx. 2 sec/(Depending on memory card size and battery power)/Exif Information: Yes/Selectable Aspect Ratio: Yes (4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9 / 1:1 are selectable)/Exposure Mode: Program AE / Aperture Priority AE / Shutter Priority AE / Manual/Marking Function: Yes (in 4K Burst (S/S) mode) With so many buttons and dials as well as the new touchscreen interface, multiple ways to access the same feature are there to be explored rather than to feel daunted by. In so many ways, the FZ330 is far more flexible and efficient to use that the FZ200 and there is much to learn by comparison if users are of the mind to do so. For those who are not, the basics of camera operation are no more difficult on the FZ330 than they are when using cameras with far less options to tweak or adjust things. Ultimately, despite the fact this could be regarded as a true enthusiast’s camera, the FZ330 is equally as beginner-friendly to anyone who cares to handle it and, if necessary, read the instruction manual before use. The time available for recording varies depending on the environment, the interval between recordings, and the manner of use. Panasonic Image App– The FZ330 comes with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity that enables it to be paired with a smartphone or tablet via Panasonic’s Image App (free in Google Play and the Apple App Store). The app can also be used to control the camera remotely.
When Intelligent Auto is switched on, the DMC-FZ330 changes the scene mode used when you touch the subject, for example selecting portrait mode if you touch a face and macro mode if you touch a close-up flower. If you prefer to manually focus rather than use the snappy AF, you can magnify any part of the subject by 1x, 5x or 10x by simply dragging the image around the screen. The final touchscreen ability from an image composition point of view is the ability to release the shutter, with a small icon on the right hand screen enabling this functionality, and then a single on-screen tap all that's required to take the picture.It takes astonishingly good photographs for any camera in its class – of course within the limits of its tiny sensor. It’s splash and dust resistant, shoots 4K video and has a fast burst rate for capturing stills of action sequences. All in all and in my personal opinion, the FZ330 is the best camera of its kind made by any manufacturer, not just Panasonic but all of those so-called bigger brands, too. In the 1/2.3 sensor category, even in 2021 THE FZ330 REMAINS KING OF ALL BRIDGE CAMERAS for the money we pay. Nothing else comes remotely close to it. Build quality is very good with the camera feeling very sturdy, despite being made from plastic. There is a large rubber hand-grip surrounding the right-hand side of the camera, and this extends to the rear of the camera to give your thumb a good area to hold on to. The control wheel is neatly placed so that your thumb can easily reach this and adjust it. The camera has a logical layout of controls with most of them accessible using your right hand. When holding the camera with two hands, which is recommended for a stable grip, then the controls on the left of the camera are easy to reach. Fantastic quality and performance once it's going - I know someone who upgraded from the III to IV version and is very happy. Like all bridge cameras it still has that (for me, annoying) start up and zoom sequence delay, but you're probably used to that and have developed ways to minimize lost opportunities. I’ve put a Hoya UV filter on it, as I do with all my cameras, (52mm, if memory serves). Didn’t put a lens hood on this camera, as I usually do, as the one I bought was causing vignetting.
Approx. 135 min (rear monitor), 130 min (LVF)/FHD/50p: Approx. 170 min (rear monitor), 165 min (LVF)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 Focal Points
The headline specs may be the same but there are some welcome improvements to this updated model. The body is now splash- and dust-proof so there’s no need to stow it away at the first sight of a rain cloud or a sandy beach. The 3in articulated touchscreen has a higher resolution than before. The electronic viewfinder is significantly bigger and uses OLED technology for deeper contrast. I don't think that's too old, but if you're seeing a noticeable drop in speed then that could be a warning sign and it may be time for something new. Have you tried different cards to see if the speed's any different?
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