• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1200.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A33 advantages over Sony HX300

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Fast startup
    ~0.80 vs 2.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Less shutter lag
    0.21 vs 0.38 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sony HX300 advantages over Sony A33

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $750 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    20.4 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 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
  • 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

Common Weaknesses

  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Super-versatile 50x optical zoom lens helps you capture everything from wide-angle cityscapes to zoomed in portraits from what feels like a mile away; Still quite light and portable considering the powerful lens; Comfortable and ergonomic design; Full HD video recording at up to 60p, with good quality.

  • Relatively small, 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor delivers average image quality that degrades quickly at high sensitivities; Images not as sharp or as bright at full telephoto as we had hoped; Slow camera to use overall.

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
Sony HX300
Nikon D3100
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $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
Sony HX300
Sony A55
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $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
Sony HX300
Sony A35
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm SL1000

Sony A33
Fujifilm SL1000
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $650
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Sony HX300
Fujifilm SL1000
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • More pixels
  • $650
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • RAW file ability

Compared to Sony HX400V

Sony A33
Sony HX400V
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Sony HX300
Sony HX400V
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
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