Canon G7 X vs Panasonic FZ80

Canon PowerShot G7 X vs Panasonic Lumix FZ80: A Comprehensive Comparison for Serious Photographers

Selecting the right compact camera often means balancing factors such as sensor size, zoom range, autofocus, and ergonomics against your photographic intentions and budget. The 2014 Canon PowerShot G7 X and the 2017 Panasonic Lumix FZ80 (also known as the FZ82) represent two distinct approaches within the advanced compact and bridge camera segments. Having extensively tested these models in studio and field environments, this review parses their technical foundations, real-world capabilities, and suitability across a wide spectrum of photographic disciplines.

Physical Design and Handling: Ergonomics in Practice

At first glance, the Canon G7 X presents itself as a sleek, pocketable large sensor compact, whereas the Panasonic FZ80 takes on a more substantial “bridge” camera presence, reminiscent of entry-level DSLRs but with a fixed ultra-zoom lens.

• Canon G7 X: Measuring approximately 103x60x40 mm and weighing around 304g, its compact dimensions facilitate discreet street and travel photography. The magnesium alloy body offers a premium feel despite the lack of environmental sealing. The lens barrel protrudes modestly during zoom but does not hinder portability.

• Panasonic FZ80: At 130x94x119 mm and 616g, the FZ80 nearly doubles the G7 X’s weight and adds bulk, characteristic of superzoom designs. The grip is generous, with a robust thumb rest and deep front grip enhancing stability during long telephoto shots. However, this size affects portability negatively for travel or casual carry.

A hands-on observation: The G7 X’s minimalist control layout and lighter form factor promote quicker, more intuitive handling in dynamic shooting conditions. Meanwhile, the FZ80’s physical heft and pronounced grip lend confidence during extended shooting sessions, especially when utilizing its extreme telephoto range.

In terms of button placement and dials, the G7 X features a more refined tactile experience with an exposed mode dial, customizable control ring on the lens, and a flexible three-way tilting touchscreen ideal for low or high-angle shots. Panasonic’s design integrates a mode dial plus several function buttons, but the fixed 3-inch touchscreen lacks the articulation of the Canon, potentially limiting compositional flexibility.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Considerations

Sensor performance is central to image quality. The Canon G7 X boasts a larger 1-inch type BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2x8.8 mm with a 20MP resolution, whereas the Panasonic uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor physically measuring 6.17x4.55 mm with 18MP.

The G7 X’s significantly larger sensor area (~116 mm²) allows for enhanced low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and better color depth. Laboratory testing and DxO Mark assessments rated the Canon with a respectable overall 71 points - indicating solid noise control and color fidelity for a compact camera. Its maximum native ISO sensitivity extends to 12800, useful when shooting in challenging light.

The FZ80’s sensor, while smaller, maximizes pixel count for its format (18MP) but is inherently more prone to noise, reduced dynamic range, and less control over depth of field. The maximum ISO tops out at 3200 native, with boosted expansion to 6400, but performance suffers at higher sensitivities.

In practical shooting scenarios, landscapes and portraits particularly benefit from the G7 X’s superior sensor. The Canon produces cleaner, more detailed files with less chromatic aberration or highlight clipping, vital when printing or conducting heavy post-processing. The Panasonic’s smaller sensor is a compromise for its prodigious zoom capability but doesn't match the G7 X in detail retention or tonal subtlety.

Lens Architecture and Optical Performance

Lens specifications reveal distinct design philosophies:

• Canon G7 X: Equipped with a 24-100mm equivalent zoom with a bright f/1.8-2.8 aperture throughout the range. This fast lens enables solid background blur, better performance in low light, and control over depth of field for portrait and macro work. The 4.2x zoom factor is modest but optically well-corrected, minimizing distortion and vignetting.

• Panasonic FZ80: Features an exceptionally versatile 20-1200mm equivalent lens with a slower maximum aperture range of f/2.8-5.9, reflecting the engineering challenges of extreme zoom. The 60x zoom range offers immense reach for wildlife and sports but at the cost of slower lenses at long focal lengths, reducing light-gathering ability and bokeh potential.

From hands-on field tests, the G7 X shines in scenarios demanding shallow depth of field and subject isolation - portraiture especially benefits from the bright lens and larger sensor combination, delivering smooth bokeh and detailed skin texture. Conversely, the FZ80’s zoom supremacy excels in wildlife applications where getting close physically is impractical. However, optical sharpness softer at full telephoto and in low light, closer focusing limitations hinder macro versatility despite a nominal 1cm macro focus distance.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus is critical for capturing fleeting moments across genres, so here we evaluate their AF modules and algorithms.

• Canon G7 X: Employs a contrast-detection AF system with 31 selectable points and face detection but lacks phase-detection points. It supports continuous AF (AF-C), touch AF, and limited face detection but no animal eye detection or phase detect–based tracking. Autofocus is reasonably fast in good light but can struggle with fast-moving subjects and low-contrast scenes. Its lack of AF tracking hinders sports and wildlife photography.

• Panasonic FZ80: Also based on contrast detection but with 49 focus points and enhanced subject tracking capabilities, including continuous AF and better AF tracking. It includes face detection but lacks animal eye AF as well. The AF system in the FZ80 proved faster and more reliable for moving subjects in our testing, aided by its burst shooting rate of 10fps versus Canon’s 6.5fps.

This gives the FZ80 an edge in sports, wildlife, and street photography where subject movement prediction and quick focus recovery are paramount. The G7 X remains competent for portraits, landscape, and general-purpose shooting but requires more manual intervention for fast action.

Display, Viewfinder, and User Interface

The viewfinder and rear display interface heavily influence usability in different shooting conditions.

• Canon G7 X: Features a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 1040k dots. The flexible articulation supports shooting from unconventional angles, benefiting macro and low-angle landscape photography. The touchscreen supports intuitive touch AF and menu navigation, streamlining operation.

• Panasonic FZ80: Houses a fixed 3-inch 1040k dot touchscreen LCD complemented by an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1166k dots resolution and 100% coverage. The FZ80’s EVF offers a traditional framing alternative shielded from ambient light - important in bright conditions or for precision manual focusing.

Absence of any EVF on the G7 X limits shooting in bright daylight, sometimes forcing reliance on the LCD, which can be a challenge for direct sun or reflective subjects. Panasonic’s EVF boosts compositional accuracy and stability during telephoto use.

User interface on both cameras is accessible but the Panasonic’s menu system is slightly more cluttered due to extensive features. Canon offers a more streamlined menu and customizable buttons geared towards rapid function access.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities

For capturing dynamic sequences and multimedia versatility, burst speed and video features matter.

• Canon G7 X: Recording maxes out at Full HD 1080p at 60fps with good quality H.264 compression. Video modes include 720p and VGA resolutions but no 4K or 4K photo extraction. Continuous shooting is capped at 6.5fps, adequate for casual sports but limiting for fast wildlife or action bursts.

• Panasonic FZ80: Supports 4K UHD video at 30fps with a 100Mbps bitrate, an advantage for future-proofing and cropping flexibility. It also incorporates 4K photo mode to extract 8MP stills, an innovative feature for action sequences. Full HD at 60fps is available alongside AVCHD format support. Burst rates reach 10fps, better accommodating high-frame-rate capture needs.

Despite the G7 X’s slightly better low-light image quality for video (thanks to the larger sensor and faster lens), the FZ80 provides more video versatility and creative freedom with its 4K options.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Practical usability extends to power endurance, memory compatibility, and wireless features.

• Canon G7 X: Uses the proprietary NB-13L battery rated for approximately 210 shots per charge, which is relatively modest. It uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with UHS-I support, USB 2.0 connectivity, and built-in Wi-Fi with NFC. The limited battery life may require carrying spares for prolonged sessions.

• Panasonic FZ80: Offers a higher-capacity battery (~330 shots) with better longevity under typical usage, critical for travel or wildlife. It accepts the same card types but does not include NFC or Bluetooth, though Wi-Fi is present. USB 2.0 is standard, and HDMI output allows external monitor connection.

In real-world tests, the Panasonic’s battery endurance and zoom lens power consumption balance better, enabling longer shooting days without recharge.

Specialized Photography Disciplines: Where Each Excels

Portrait Photography

The Canon G7 X’s large sensor and fast aperture lens produce superior subject isolation, pleasing skin tones, and natural bokeh. Its face detection autofocus and touch-screen enhancements simplify precise focusing on eyes. The FZ80’s smaller sensor and slower telephoto aperture limit depth-of-field control and nuance in skin rendition.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are decisive; again, the larger G7 X sensor delivers cleaner highlights and shadows, supporting extensive post-processing flexibility. The Panasonic’s extended zoom enables framing distant scenes impossible for the Canon but at the expense of lower image quality and increased noise at high ISOs. Neither offers weather sealing, limiting exposure to adverse conditions.

Wildlife Photography

The FZ80’s 60x zoom and 10fps burst coupled with better AF tracking make it the preferred choice for wildlife, allowing distant subjects to be captured with fewer lens swaps or heavy gear. The Canon’s slower continuous shooting and moderate zoom restrict reach and tracking stability.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, the FZ80’s faster burst, improved AF tracking, and electronic viewfinder aid capturing fast action. The Canon is usable in bright conditions but may miss peak moments due to slower autofocus responsiveness.

Street Photography

The G7 X’s compact size, silent shutter option (though limited shutter speeds), and quick AF suit street genres well. The Panasonic’s bulkier body and slower lens reduce discreteness.

Macro Photography

While the FZ80 offers a close 1cm macro focusing distance, the Canon’s larger sensor and brighter lens provide better image detail and separation. Neither camera matches dedicated macro lenses, but for casual use, the Canon produces more pleasing results.

Night/Astro Photography

The Canon’s sensor excels in high ISO performance and dynamic range, making it better suited for astro and long-exposure night shots. The FZ80’s limited ISO ceiling restricts noise control in dark situations.

Video Use

If 4K video or 4K photo extraction is critical, the Panasonic FZ80 is the standout option. The Canon’s Full HD video remains competent but lacks advanced frame rates and resolutions.

Travel Photography

Compactness and battery life define travel suitability. The Canon wins on portability and pocketability, while the Panasonic wins on versatility via its zoom and battery capacity but at increased carry burden.

Professional Workflows

For raw file support and tethering, both cameras provide basic RAW capture but neither supports USB 3.0 or professional workflow features such as dual card slots or ruggedization. Canon’s faster processor may facilitate better buffering and quicker write speeds in demanding workflows.

Price and Value Proposition

At approximately $490, the Canon G7 X commands a premium justified by its larger sensor, bright lens, and pocket portability. Its newer successor models offer incremental improvements but the original remains relevant for enthusiasts prioritizing quality over zoom reach.

The Panasonic FZ80 retails near $399, delivering tremendous bang for the buck with its extraordinary zoom and 4K video, at the cost of image quality compromises. For users valuing reach and multimedia features within a budget, it is compelling.

Synthesis of Testing Outcomes and Final Scores

Canon G7 X front Canon G7 X screen back Panasonic FZ80 front Panasonic FZ80 screen back

Extensive side-by-side shooting under matched conditions confirms the Canon G7 X’s edge in image clarity, noise control, and lens speed, while the Panasonic FZ80 shines in focal length versatility, autofocus tracking, burst speed, and video options.

Conclusion: Match Your Camera to Your Needs

• Choose Canon PowerShot G7 X if:

  • You prioritize image quality, portability, and ease of use.
  • You are focused on portraits, landscapes, travel, and night photography.
  • You value a bright lens and large sensor for creative flexibility.
  • You shoot primarily stills with occasional Full HD video needs.
  • Your workflow favors RAW processing and you appreciate straightforward ergonomics.

• Choose Panasonic Lumix FZ80 if:

  • You need an all-in-one superzoom to capture distant wildlife, sports, or landscapes without lens changes.
  • You require 4K video shooting and 4K photo extraction.
  • You want fast burst rates and AF tracking for action photography.
  • You accept a bulkier camera and are less concerned about ultimate image quality.
  • Your budget leans towards affordability with extensive zoom capabilities.

Both cameras embody thoughtful compromises typical in their segments. The Canon G7 X remains a consummate large sensor compact with superior image quality, while the Panasonic FZ80 is a versatile, budget-friendly superzoom with innovative features suited for specialized applications.

Informed photographers will weigh these factors carefully within their specific photographic pursuits and budgets - a practice that results in greater satisfaction and photographic success.