Casio EX-ZR1000 vs Panasonic Lumix ZS80: The Ultimate Compact Superzoom Showdown

Selecting the right compact superzoom camera can feel overwhelming, especially with options like the Casio EX-ZR1000 and the Panasonic Lumix ZS80 (also known as the DC-TZ95) competing in a similar category. Both deliver impressive zoom ranges and portable bodies, but how do they stack up when scrutinized through the lens of real-world photography needs and technical demands? After extensive hands-on testing and comparison across multiple disciplines, this article breaks down their strengths and limitations, helping you make an informed choice for your photography arsenal.

Getting a Feel: Size and Ergonomics Matter for Every Shoot

First impressions stick, and when you hold these cameras side by side, notable differences emerge in their size and handling.

• The Casio EX-ZR1000 is a compact powerhouse weighing just 255g with dimensions of 108x62x37mm. Its small footprint makes it extremely pocket-friendly, ideal for those valuing portability.

• The Panasonic ZS80 comes in slightly heavier and bigger, at 327g and 112x69x42mm, mainly due to additional features and a more substantial lens assembly for its longer zoom range.

Despite the Casio’s advantage in lightness, the Panasonic’s grip feels more robust and comfortable in hand, especially for prolonged use. I found the ZS80’s ergonomics better suited for one-handed operation without fatigue, thanks to its slightly deeper grip and better button placement - an important factor during fast-paced shooting.

Control and Interface: Navigating Your Settings with Confidence

Looking from above, control layouts can make or break the shooting experience.

• The EX-ZR1000 offers basic dials and buttons with no touchscreen functionality. It incorporates manual and aperture priority modes, plus exposure compensation. However, the control layout felt somewhat dated and cramped, making quick adjustments less intuitive.

• The ZS80, in contrast, sports a fully articulated touchscreen alongside physical controls. The touchscreen was responsive and made navigation of menus and autofocus point selection faster and more precise during my tests.

The inclusion of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2330-dot resolution on the ZS80 further enhances usability in bright conditions - something missing entirely on the Casio.

If you favor tactile controls yet appreciate touchscreen convenience and don’t mind a modest size increase, the ZS80’s interface clearly has the edge.

Under the Hood: Sensor Tech and Image Quality Essentials

Despite both using a 1/2.3" sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with an area of approximately 28 mm², their sensor tech and resolution vary.

The ZS80’s BSI-CMOS sensor design significantly benefits light-gathering efficiency and noise reduction in low-light scenarios - a key advantage. My detailed ISO tests confirmed that images from the Panasonic at ISO 1600 and above retained better detail and exhibited cleaner shadows compared to the Casio.

Notably, the Casio lacks RAW format support, restricting post-processing flexibility. For enthusiasts who rely on shooting RAW to fine-tune exposure and color, this is a notable limitation.

Viewing and Composing: Screens and Viewfinders in Action

Both cameras feature 3-inch tilting LCDs, but their implementation diverges significantly.

• The EX-ZR1000 has a Super Clear TFT LCD at 461k dots. The screen is reasonably bright but falls short in sharpness and detail, particularly under sunlight.

• The ZS80 sports a brighter 1040k dot touchscreen that is not only crisper but supports touch focus and menu control. The articulating feature enables high and low-angle shooting - a boon for street photography and vlogging.

The presence of an EVF on the ZS80 cannot be overstated. In bright daylight, where LCD visibility falls apart, having an electronic viewfinder with a 0.53x magnification and 100% coverage means you can compose confidently and reduce glare-related distractions. The Casio’s lack of any EVF places it at a disadvantage for outdoor use.

Zoom and Lens Versatility: Extending Your Reach

Zoom capability is a vital factor in superzoom cameras, so let’s compare their optics in detail.

The Panasonic’s 30x zoom reach to 720mm gives unmatched telephoto versatility - ideal for wildlife, sports, and travel photography. While the Casio’s 12.5x zoom is respectable, it falls short for those needing extreme telephoto capability.

I also appreciated the Panasonic’s closer 3cm macro focusing distance, enabling more intimate close-ups without additional accessories. The Casio can focus down to 5cm, which is decent but less flexible for true macro work.

Both lenses show some softness at their longest focal lengths, common in compact superzooms. However, the Panasonic’s optics generally produce sharper images throughout the zoom range, thanks partly to newer lens coatings and image stabilization.

Autofocus Performance: How Fast and Accurate Are They?

Being able to lock focus quickly and accurately makes a critical difference, especially in wildlife, sports, and candid street shooting.

• The Casio EX-ZR1000 uses a contrast-detection AF system with face detection and eye detection capabilities but no phase detection. The camera supports single, continuous AF, and tracking modes, but lacks focus peaking or touch AF.

• The Panasonic ZS80 also relies on contrast detection but incorporates more sophisticated algorithms coupled with a touch-to-focus system, face detection, and selective AF points. It includes focus bracketing, stacking, and a post-focus mode, empowering greater creative control.

In practical testing, the ZS80’s autofocus was noticeably faster and more reliable, especially under challenging light or with moving subjects. While neither can rival dedicated phase-detection AF systems, Panasonic’s improvements made it the superior performer in this category.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed Options

For capturing action, continuous shooting speed and shutter capabilities are key.

The Panasonic’s burst rate of 10 frames per second is a standout against the Casio’s modest 3 fps. This makes the ZS80 better suited for sports and wildlife photography, where capturing split-second moments is crucial. Additionally, the ZS80 offers a silent electronic shutter up to 1/16000s, facilitating discreet shooting and possibly preventing motion blur even under bright conditions.

The EX-ZR1000’s lower burst speed and lack of silent shutter limit its candid and action shooting applications.

Video Capabilities: Crafting Moving Stories

Video features are increasingly important for hybrid shooters, so here’s how they compare.

The Panasonic ZS80’s 4K video recording places it a class above the Casio for video enthusiasts and content creators. I tested 4K footage and found it sharp and stable, thanks to its optical stabilization, which considerably reduces handshake. Conversely, the Casio is limited to 1080p with no 4K, and its sensor-shift stabilization, though helpful for stills, is less effective in video.

The ZS80 also supports touch autofocus during video recording, allowing smooth focus transitions - a feature the Casio lacks.

While neither camera offers microphone inputs, which somewhat constrains audio quality improvements, the ZS80 stands out for serious casual video work.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You Shooting Longer

Battery capacity often governs how much photography you can do without downtime.

Here, the Casio offers superior endurance, lasting about 470 shots - great if you’re planning a long day out without charging options. The Panasonic’s rating of approximately 380 shots is still respectable but slightly less accommodating.

Both cameras use standard SD card slots with support for high-speed UHS-I cards on the ZS80, benefiting faster file transfer and buffering.

Casio EX ZR1000 front Casio EX ZR1000 screen back Panasonic ZS80 front Panasonic ZS80 screen back

Real-World Image and Video Quality: Putting Them Through Their Paces

Seeing is believing. I ran a series of test shots in natural light, low light, and mixed lighting conditions to evaluate their output.

• Portraits: Panasonic’s higher resolution and better dynamic range yielded portraits with smoother skin tones and pleasing bokeh at wide apertures. Casio’s images were serviceable but less refined, with a slightly cooler color cast and harder transitions in out-of-focus areas.

• Landscapes: Both cameras performed adequately, but the ZS80 captured more detail, especially in shadows. The Casio’s images occasionally showed minor chromatic aberration on the edges at full zoom.

• Wildlife and Sports: The Casio’s slower autofocus and 3 fps continuous shooting translated into more missed frames. The Panasonic’s 10fps burst and snappy AF tracked moving subjects much more reliably.

• Low Light: Panasonic edges out with cleaner ISO 1600 shots and better flash range (5.6m vs 4.7m). Noise is more pronounced on the Casio, which maxes out at ISO 3200 without boosting.

• Macro: Panasonic’s 3cm minimum focusing distance allowed compelling close-up details not as easily achievable with the Casio’s 5cm limit.

Expert Scorecard: How They Rank Across Core Competencies

What Works Best for Different Types of Photography?

Portrait Photography

If soft, natural skin tones and reliable eye detection are paramount, the Panasonic ZS80 delivers better quality and faster AF tracking. The Casio can produce decent portraits but lacks the same refinement.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras handle landscapes well, but Panasonic’s superior dynamic range and resolution yield richer images, making it ideal for enthusiasts wanting to crop or print.

Wildlife & Sports

For moving subjects, the ZS80’s faster burst mode and predictive AF are essential. The Casio’s modest speed limits it to slower, less dynamic shooting.

Street Photography

The Casio’s smaller size gives it an edge for discreet shooting. However, the ZS80’s EVF and better low-light AF somewhat offset this. Your choice depends on whether ultimate portability or control matters more.

Macro Photography

Panasonic’s closer focusing distance and focus bracketing capabilities make it the clear winner here.

Night and Astro Photography

While neither is specialized, the ZS80’s better high ISO control and 4K video for night timelapses provide advantages.

Video Work

For vloggers and casual videographers, Panasonic’s 4K, touchscreen, and optical stabilization make it a standout, with Casio falling short.

Travel Photography

Both are compact enough, but the ZS80’s versatile zoom range and image stabilization make traveling lighter without sacrificing capability.

Professional Use

Neither camera is a professional workhorse, but the ZS80’s RAW format support and wider feature set lend it some semi-pro usability.

Connectivity and Workflow: Staying Connected and Efficient

The ZS80 includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling smooth image transfer and remote camera control via smartphone apps. In contrast, the Casio EX-ZR1000 lacks any wireless connectivity, which is a significant drawback for modern workflows where instant sharing is commonplace.

Both support USB 2.0 and HDMI output for data and video streaming but omit microphone/headphone ports, meaning external audio gear integration isn’t possible.

Durability and Build Quality: Can These Cameras Take a Beating?

Neither camera offers weather sealing or durability enhancements (dustproof, waterproof), signaling their position as casual compacts rather than rugged travel companions.

Physically, both feel well-constructed within their class, but the ZS80’s more substantial grip and higher-quality materials instill greater confidence for extended use.

Price to Performance: Getting the Best Bang for Your Buck

• The Casio EX-ZR1000 retails around $572.
• The Panasonic ZS80 is more affordable at approximately $448.

Given the ZS80’s more advanced features, better image quality, modern interface, and 4K video with a longer zoom, it offers superior overall value. While the Casio performs decently and provides longer battery life, its older tech and limited capabilities make it less compelling for most buyers in 2024.

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Superzoom Should You Choose?

After rigorous testing environments and varied shooting scenarios, the verdict is clear:

Choose the Panasonic Lumix ZS80 if:

• You want a versatile 30x zoom for wildlife, travel, and sports
• You prioritize image quality with RAW support and better low-light performance
• You shoot 4K video and desire touchscreen and EVF usability
• You need modern connectivity for quick sharing
• You appreciate faster continuous shooting and advanced autofocus
• Your budget is moderate and you want excellent value for money

Choose the Casio EX-ZR1000 if:

• You prioritize the smallest, lightest camera possible
• Battery life is a critical concern for your shooting style
• Your photography is mostly casual, with occasional snapshots
• You’re okay without RAW or 4K video support
• Portability beats out all other features

Why You Can Trust This Review

With over 15 years of experience inspecting, testing, and comparing hundreds of compact and superzoom cameras, my assessments combine technical measurement with real-world usage. I’ve conducted ISO noise tests, AF speed tracking, burst shooting timed trials, and video quality analysis under various conditions, producing conclusions that go beyond marketing specs.

My goal is to empower you with balanced, practical information to align your purchase with true photographic needs, ensuring you invest wisely in a camera that supports your creative vision now and in the years ahead.

If you have questions about these cameras or want recommendations for other compact superzooms, feel free to reach out - I’m here to help you capture your best images.