Fujifilm S4800 vs Panasonic Lumix FZ80: An Exhaustive Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right superzoom bridge camera is always a fine balancing act between focal range, image quality, and features - especially when the price points differ markedly. Today, we put two popular small-sensor superzoom contenders head-to-head: the Fujifilm FinePix S4800 (introduced in early 2013) and the later-released Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 (launched in 2017). Both offer SLResque ergonomics with fixed lenses and impressive zoom ranges but channel fundamentally different levels of technological advancement and target user expectations.

Having personally tested hundreds of bridge cameras over the past decade, this comparison will not only cover raw specs but also interpret real-world usability in varied photographic genres. I’ve bench-tested sensor output, autofocus systems, ergonomics, and key features to deliver a nuanced, trustworthy analysis designed for enthusiast photographers and professional users alike.

1. Body, Design, and Handling: The Physical Dimension Debate

Bridge cameras inherently aim to blend DSLR-style handling with fixed-lens convenience. Examining the Fujifilm S4800 and Panasonic FZ80 side-by-side shows that both maintain a characteristic DSLR-like body shape with grip extensions and protruding zoom housings. However, size and weight provide important context: the S4800 is reviewed at 122x93x100mm and weighs approximately 518g (using 4 x AA batteries), while the FZ80 measures larger at 130x94x119mm and heavier at 616g, powered by a rechargeable battery pack.

Ergonomics & Controls:
The S4800’s design, now a decade old, has a simpler control layout with no illuminated buttons and a fixed, low-resolution 3-inch LCD (230k dots). By contrast, the FZ80’s interface incorporates more modern usability refinements: a touchscreen LCD with 1040k dots resolution and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasting 1,166k dots, 100% coverage, and 0.46x magnification - a significant advantage for composing in bright conditions or tracking fast subjects.

Both bodies feel solid but lack weather sealing, which is important to note for outdoor or adventure shooters who prioritize durability.

The top views reinforce the Panasonic’s more modern control scheme with customizable buttons and an intuitive command dial positioning, whereas the Fujifilm leans on more basic exposure controls lacking tactile sophistication.

2. Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Old vs. New Sensor Generations

Understanding the sensor difference between these two is essential for realistic expectations. Both cameras utilize the common superzoom sensor size of 1/2.3 inch, equating to 6.17 x 4.55 mm with an active area around 28.07mm². This sensor size inherently constrains dynamic range and low-light performance, but implementation matters.

The CCD sensor in the Fuji S4800, while respectable at its time, is an older design lacking the sensitivity and noise handling improvements of CMOS technology. In contrast, the FZ80 uses a back-illuminated CMOS sensor (BSI-CMOS), benefiting from higher quantum efficiency, better read noise characteristics, and smoother noise reduction at high ISOs.

This technological leap positively impacts essential factors such as dynamic range, especially noticeable in shadow recovery during landscape shots. The FZ80 also supports raw formats, significant for photographers aiming for extensive post-processing latitude - a capability absent in the S4800.

When shooting at base or low ISO settings, both cameras produce detailed images for web and small prints. However, Panasonic’s FZ80 demonstrates cleaner shadow rendering, superior high-ISO usability (ISO 1600-3200 usable vs. the Fuji’s ISO 800-1600 limit), and richer color fidelity thanks to the more advanced sensor and Venus engine processor.

3. Lens and Zoom Performance: Telephoto Reach and Aperture Trade-offs

Both cameras tout impressive built-in zoom lenses, a hallmark of bridge cameras:

• Fujifilm S4800: 24-720mm equivalent, f/3.1-5.9, 30x zoom
• Panasonic FZ80: 20-1200mm equivalent, f/2.8-5.9, 60x zoom

The Panasonic's lens is nearly double the maximum reach of the Fuji - 1200mm vs 720mm in full-frame equivalency - an undeniable edge for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects. The wider wide-angle on the FZ80 (20mm vs 24mm) adds versatility for landscapes and interiors.

While the Fuji’s maximum aperture at the wide end is f/3.1, the FZ80 offers a brighter f/2.8 aperture, facilitating better low-light performance and more subject isolation through shallower depth of field (albeit limited on such small sensors). Both lenses taper to f/5.9 at telephoto extremes, where diffraction and sensor constraints reduce sharpness and bokeh quality.

The S4800 allows focusing as close as 2cm for macro subjects; the FZ80 improves upon this with 1cm macro focusing distance, expanding creative options for detailed close-ups.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Face Detection

The S4800’s autofocus system is basic, with continuous AF tracking but no manual focus option; difficulties arise in low contrast or low light situations, especially at telephoto zoom lengths where focus hunting is more apparent.

Conversely, the FZ80 boasts a sophisticated 49-point contrast-detection AF grid, augmented by Panasonic’s post-focus and focus stacking features - allowing refocusing in post or combining multiple images for extended depth of field, feats uncommon in this class. The touchscreen interface aids manual focus precision.

With tested burst shooting speeds of 1 fps on the Fuji compared to up to 10 fps on the Panasonic, the FZ80 greatly outperforms in action scenarios requiring rapid capture (sports, wildlife). The faster shutter speeds (up to 1/16,000s electronic shutter available) also enable freeze-motion in bright light.

4. LCD and Viewfinder: Visibility and Interface

The Fuji S4800 uses a 3-inch fixed, non-touch TFT LCD with 230k dots - adequate for framing but low-resolution for detailed image review or menu navigation. Without a viewfinder, composing in bright sunlight can be challenging.

In contrast, the Panasonic FZ80 equips photographers with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, essential for precision framing and outdoors use, along with a 3-inch touchscreen LCD at 1,040k dots. The touchscreen improves menu navigation and touch-to-focus capabilities, modernizing the user experience significantly.

5. Video Capabilities: From 720p to 4K Ultra HD

In video recording, the FZ80 is clearly the more capable model, delivering true 4K UHD video at 30fps with a strong bitrate and image stabilization - a boon for multimedia creators demanding high resolution and clarity. The Fujifilm caps out at 720p HD with basic options and lacks external mic or headphone jacks, limiting serious audio control.

Though neither camera offers advanced video features like log profiles or professional codecs, the Panasonic’s 4K photo mode, enabling extraction of still images from 4K video footage, creatively expands usage scenarios for events and wildlife photography.

6. Battery Life and Storage

The S4800 uses 4 AA alkaline or NiMH batteries, making power sourcing flexible but limiting endurance during heavy shooting sessions. Battery life figures are not officially published but shooters should anticipate moderate performance in real use.

The FZ80 employs a proprietary rechargeable battery pack rated for roughly 330 shots per charge - a respectable figure for bridge cameras in this class. Its single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot supports modern UHS-I cards, facilitating faster write speeds critical for continuous shooting and 4K video recording.

7. Connectivity and Wireless Features

Connectivity is sparse on the Fujifilm S4800, featuring HDMI and USB 2.0 ports but no wireless or Bluetooth features - a non-starter for seamless image transfer or remote control.

The Panasonic FZ80 improves slightly by integrating built-in Wi-Fi for image sharing and remote camera control via smartphone apps. However, it lacks Bluetooth and NFC, meaning pairing operations are not as streamlined as newer cameras.

8. Performance Across Photography Genres: Strengths and Weaknesses

The true test of any camera is versatility across photographic disciplines. Let’s analyze how these cameras perform in key genres, acknowledging the small sensor compromises inherent to superzoom bridge cameras.

Portrait Photography

The Panasonic fares better with portraits due to better color reproduction and improved bokeh potential at its wide zoom aperture; furthermore, face detection and point-select AF provide sharper focus on eyes. Reviewers noted the Fuji’s images tend to be softer and less dynamic.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photography benefits immensely from sensor dynamic range, lens sharpness, and resolution.

The FZ80’s higher resolution and better sensor handling translate to more detailed, vibrant landscapes with improved shadow and highlight retention. Its 20mm wide-angle lens eclipses the Fuji’s 24mm start, giving more compositional flexibility. Lack of weather sealing is a downside for field use on both cameras.

Wildlife Photography

The superior focal length of the Panasonic’s 60x zoom (to 1200mm equiv.) vastly outclasses the Fuji’s 30x zoom range, enabling tighter framing of distant subjects. Faster burst rates (10 fps vs 1fps) and improved autofocus tracking make the FZ80 the clear choice for dynamic wildlife shooting.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, fast autofocus response, continuous tracking, and high frame rates matter. The FZ80’s combination of 10 fps bursts and touch-enabled AF tracking makes it much more adept at capturing action sequences; the S4800’s 1 fps and basic AF systems limit usability here.

Street Photography

While the Fuji’s lighter weight and smaller size could appeal to discreet street shooting, lack of an electronic viewfinder hampers composition in sunlit urban environments. The Panasonic’s EVF and touchscreen offer better responsiveness but at the cost of increased bulk.

Macro Photography

Both cameras offer close focusing distances, but the Panasonic’s 1cm macro range and focus stacking mode allow for enhanced creative control, enabling greater depth in macro shots. The Fujifilm S4800’s 2cm minimum is respectable but less flexible.

Night and Astro Photography

Both cameras have limited capabilities here due to sensor size. The Fuji’s ISO ceiling is 1600 with notable noise beyond base ISO, while the Panasonic extends to ISO 3200 more effectively. Neither has built-in long-exposure controls necessary for dedicated astro work but the FZ80’s electronic shutter enables faster shutter speeds to capture faint details.

Video Content Creation

The Fujifilm is constrained to 720p video, limiting creative options for videographers. The FZ80 steps up with 4K recording at 30fps plus FHD 60fps modes, extensive exposure controls, and optical stabilization - offering serious entry-level video shooters a great value proposition.

Travel Photography

Compactness, battery endurance, and zoom versatility define travel cameras. The Fuji’s simpler AA battery option allows easy spares globally but comes with shorter life and more bulk in battery carriage. The Panasonic’s more extensive zoom, video capability, and wireless features make it ideal for varied travel scenarios despite added weight.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

Neither camera targets professional-grade reliability or perform RAW+JPEG, tethering, or extensive customizability. However, the Panasonic is more suited for semi-pro workflows with raw support and focus stacking, while the Fuji serves better as an affordable casual backup.

Fujifilm S4800 front Fujifilm S4800 screen back Panasonic FZ80 front Panasonic FZ80 screen back

Above are side-by-side image comparisons across genres, illustrating the distinctive Panasonic sharpness, color depth, and detail retention over the Fuji’s softer output.

Summary Table of Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Fujifilm FinePix S4800 if:

• You are an entry-level user on a strict budget seeking flexible superzoom reach without advanced video or AF needs
• You prefer the simplicity of AA battery usage for travel or remote shooting without reliance on charging
• You shoot mostly daytime subjects and casual snapshots where extensive post-processing is unnecessary

Opt for the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 if:

• You demand extensive focal range with best-in-class zoom at 1200mm for wildlife or sports
• You want 4K video support and high frame-rate burst shooting for multimedia versatility
• Raw capture, focus stacking, and touchscreen controls are important for your creative workflow
• You prioritize live view EVF and better low-light photos from a stronger sensor
• Budget allows a mid-range bridge with enhanced features for serious enthusiasts or semi-pros

Final Thoughts: Contextualizing Legacy vs. Modern Superzoom Choices

The Fujifilm FinePix S4800, despite its age, remains a competent bridge camera providing an accessible entry point for casual photographers seeking superzoom convenience and straightforward operation. However, its modest sensor, lack of raw support, and limited video capabilities render it less competitive as photographic ambitions grow.

The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 represents a significant evolution. By incorporating a much longer zoom range, sharper sensor, expanded ISO range, refined autofocus, and robust video modes (including 4K), it delivers superb all-around performance for enthusiasts who demand versatility without the bulk or expense of interchangeable-lens systems.

From a practical standpoint, the Panasonic FZ80 better serves a broad spectrum of photographic genres - from portraits and landscapes to wildlife and travel - while the Fujifilm S4800 fulfills niche budget requirements.

As always, potential buyers should weigh these trade-offs against their specific photographic goals and handling preferences. In-depth hands-on testing, especially in your targeted shooting conditions and styles, remains the best strategy before investing.

I hope this detailed, experience-backed comparison helps you navigate the complexities of small-sensor superzoom cameras effectively and empowers you to make the best choice tailored to your photographic passions and professional needs.