Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this review, we are going to provide a detailed evaluation and comparison of two different camera models that fall into the same category - Small Sensor Superzoom. Although these cameras are from the same category, they were introduced by different brands - Panasonic and Nikon. Although Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Nikon Coolpix P900 are both equipped with the same CMOS sensor, they boast of different resolution. Thus, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 has a sensor with a resolution of 12.0 MP, while Nikon Coolpix P900 has a different resolution of 16.0 MP.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Nikon Coolpix P900 and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 Key Features:
Nikon Coolpix P900 Key Features:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 substituted Panasonic FZ200.
Raw Support | Yes vs No | Better image quality |
Continuous Shooting | 12 fps vs 7 fps | 5 fps faster |
External Flash | Yes vs No | Connect off-camera flash |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/16000 vs 1/4000 | Faster shutter speed |
Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots vs 921k dots | 11.4% higher resolution screen |
Touch Screen | Yes vs No | Easy control of camera functions |
Battery Life | 380 shots vs 360 shots | 20 more frames with a single charge |
Weight | 691 g vs 899 g | 208 g lighter |
Environmental Sealing | Yes vs No | Shoot at tough conditions |
Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 | Higher Resolution Video |
Microphone Port | Yes vs No | High quality audio recording option |
Viewfinder Resolution | 1,440k dots vs 921k dots | 36% higher resolution |
NFC | Yes vs No | Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices |
Gps | Yes vs No | Has GPS |
Sensor Resolution | 16.0 MP vs 12.0 MP | 25% more pixels |
Flash Range | 11.5 vs 8.8 | 2.7 better flash range |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
Screen Type | Fully Articulated | Fully Articulated | Help viewing and changing settings easily |
Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic | Better framing and control |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes | Creative shooting |
Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Built-In Flash | Yes | Yes | External flash available |
Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Built-in stabilization |
Sensor Resolution | 12.0 MP | 16.0 MP | Small sensor resolution |
Headphone Port | No | No | No headphone port |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Nikon Coolpix P900 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 208g less than the Nikon Coolpix P900. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Nikon Coolpix P900 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 features a 12.0 MP 1/2.3" sized CMOS sensor and boasts of a Venus Engine processor . Nikon Coolpix P900, in its turn, comes with a 16.0 MP 1/2.3" sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Nikon Coolpix P900 by the size of their sensors.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Nikon Coolpix P900 are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Nikon Coolpix P900 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
Photography Type | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 | Nikon Coolpix P900 |
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Portrait Photography |
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Street Photography |
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Sports Photography |
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Daily Photography |
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Landscape Photography |
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Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 or Nikon Coolpix P900, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Nikon Coolpix P900 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon Coolpix P900. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 | Nikon Coolpix P900 | |
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General | ||
Brand | Panasonic | Nikon |
Model | Lumix DMC-FZ300 | Coolpix P900 |
Announced | Jul 16, 2015 | Mar 02, 2015 |
Body Type | SLR-like (bridge) | SLR-like (bridge) |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor Dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55 mm | 6.17 x 4.55 mm |
Sensor Area | 28.07 mm2 | 28.07 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 12.0 MP | 16.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4608 x 3456 |
Max Native ISO | 6,400 | 6,400 |
Max Boosted ISO | n/a | 12,800 |
Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Fixed lens | Fixed lens |
Number of Lenses | n/a | n/a |
Focal Length Multiplier | n/a | n/a |
Macro Focus Range | 1 | 1 |
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 49 | n/a |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Fully Articulated | Fully Articulated |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots | 921k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Electronic | Electronic |
ViewFinder Resolution | 1,440k dots | 921k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
ViewFinder Magnification | ||
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 60 s | 15 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/16000 s | 1/4000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 12.0 fps | 7.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 8.8 | 11.5 |
Flash Modes | Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, forced on, forced on w/redeye reduction, slow sync, slow sync w/redeye reduction, forced off | |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 3840 x 2160 (30p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p) 640 x 480 (30p, 25p) |
Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 1920 x 1080 |
Video Formats | MPEG-4, AVCHD | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 691 g | 899 g |
Physical Dimensions | 132 x 92 x 117 mm | 140 x 103 x 137 mm |
Battery Life | 380 shots | 360 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | n/a | EN-EL23 |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | 1 | |
Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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