• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 400.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A65 advantages over Panasonic FZ1000

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.95 vs 2.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    717 vs 517 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 510 vs 360 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    80 mm vs 130 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 20.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Panasonic FZ1000 advantages over Sony A65

  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Fast startup
    ~1.20 vs 2.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/4000 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Both provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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.
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Extremely compact compared to interchangeable-lens camera with similar lenses; Comfortable grip and controls; Bright, far-reaching 16x zoom lens; Excellent electronic viewfinder; Versatile tilt/swivel LCD; Excellent performance; Great image quality

  • Body materials feel a bit plasticky; Connector compartment door is fiddly; Limited raw buffer depth; Battery life below average for class; No built-in neutral density filter

The Competition

Compared to Sony RX10

Sony A65
Sony RX10
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $698
  • 1 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Panasonic FZ1000
Sony RX10
  • $773
  • 1 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $698
  • 1 inch
  • Top deck display
  • Integrated ND filter

Compared to Nikon D3200

Sony A65
Nikon D3200
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $477
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Panasonic FZ1000
Nikon D3200
  • $773
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $477
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon D5200

Sony A65
Nikon D5200
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Panasonic FZ1000
Nikon D5200
  • $773
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony A58

Sony A65
Sony A58
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Panasonic FZ1000
Sony A58
  • $773
  • 1 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Leica V-LUX (Typ 114)

Sony A65
Leica V-LUX (Typ 114)
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $899
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Panasonic FZ1000
Leica V-LUX (Typ 114)
  • $773
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $899
  • 1 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
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