• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 1/2 inch 30.7mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A33 advantages over Fujifilm HS20EXR

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 1.39 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Thinner
    84 mm vs 126 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    13 vs 8 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Fujifilm HS20EXR advantages over Sony A33

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $750 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 400 vs 270 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.0 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3100

Sony A33
Nikon D3100
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Fujifilm HS20EXR
Nikon D3100
  • $289
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony A55

Sony A33
Sony A55
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
Fujifilm HS20EXR
Sony A55
  • $289
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony A35

Sony A33
Sony A35
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
Fujifilm HS20EXR
Sony A35
  • $289
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm HS30EXR

Sony A33
Fujifilm HS30EXR
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $468
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Fujifilm HS20EXR
Fujifilm HS30EXR
  • $289
  • 1/2 inch
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $468
  • 1/2 inch
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Fujifilm HS25EXR

Sony A33
Fujifilm HS25EXR
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $279
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Fujifilm HS20EXR
Fujifilm HS25EXR
  • $289
  • 1/2 inch
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $279
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
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