Fujifilm SL240 vs. Panasonic FZ80: The Definitive Bridge Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

In today’s fast-evolving digital photography landscape, bridge cameras continue to offer intriguing versatility for photographers who crave a blend of superzoom reach, user-friendly operation, and relatively compact form. Two popular contenders that frequently surface in enthusiast and hobbyist conversations are the Fujifilm FinePix SL240 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 (also known as the FZ82 in some markets). Each represents a different era of bridge-camera technology and targets overlapping user groups. Here, we bring our combined 15+ years of hands-on testing and rigorous evaluation methodology to bear for a comprehensive side-by-side comparison. By the end of this detailed review, you will have actionable insights into which camera serves your specific photography needs best - from casual travel snaps to more demanding landscape or wildlife work.

Physical size and ergonomics of the Fujifilm SL240 (left) and Panasonic FZ80 (right) side-by-side

First Impressions: Handling, Design & Ergonomics

A camera’s physical design directly impacts your shooting experience, especially if you rely on it for long sessions or fast-action photography.

• Fujifilm SL240: The SL240 has a classic SLR-style bridge design with a slightly more compact footprint (122 x 93 x 100 mm), and a lighter weight of around 510g. Its handgrip feels modestly sized, which fits well for smaller hands, but larger shooters might find grip comfort a bit limited during extended use. Controls are straightforward but more basic - reflecting its 2012 release date - without touchscreen input or extensive customization options.

• Panasonic FZ80: At 130 x 94 x 119 mm and 616g, the FZ80 is notably bulkier and heavier. However, this extra size translates into a beefier handgrip and a robust feel that inspires confidence when handling its 60x zoom lens. Panasonic’s inclusion of touchscreen controls makes menu navigation and focusing quicker, especially in live view. The FZ80’s modern design leverages better internal engineering with a more refined balance between weight and stability.

Bottom line: If ergonomic comfort for longer shoots and intuitive control access are priorities, the Panasonic FZ80 edges out the SL240 by a clear margin.

Sensor and Image Quality: Technical Specs with Real-World Impact

When evaluating image quality, sensor technology and resolution form the backbone. Both cameras use the conventional 1/2.3" sensor size, common in bridge cameras, but their sensor types, resolutions, and image processing differ considerably.

Both cameras share the same sensor dimensions, but the FZ80’s BSI-CMOS sensor represents a generational leap in light sensitivity and noise control. You’ll notice cleaner images at high ISO settings and improved dynamic range, which directly benefit portraits, landscapes, and low-light scenes.

The SL240’s CCD sensor offers pleasing colors but tends to struggle beyond ISO 800 with visible noise and detail loss. Lacking RAW support restricts your post-processing latitude - an important consideration if you want professional-grade editing control.

The FZ80, meanwhile, outputs sharper details and supports RAW, enabling deeper editing flexibility and sophisticated workflows.

Sensor specifications comparison between Fujifilm SL240 and Panasonic FZ80

Real World Image Assessment

In testing scenarios spanning daylight portraits to dim interiors:

• Portraits: Panasonic's extra megapixels and sensor tech provide more detailed skin texture without harsh noise. Skin tones render warmer and more natural. Fujifilm’s SL240 gives decent colors but with less detail retention when zoomed in.

• Landscapes: Panasonic’s dynamic range advantage yields better highlight and shadow recovery in backlit scenes. SL240’s JPG images can clip highlights more easily.

• Low Light: The FZ80’s higher native ISO and advanced sensor design allow usable shots at ISO 3200 with manageable noise. SL240 becomes grainy past ISO 800.

Zoom Reach & Lens Performance: The Superzoom Battle

Superzoom capability is often the cornerstone of bridge cameras. It enables great versatility across genres, particularly wildlife, sports, and travel imagery.

The SL240 sports a 24x zoom covering a practical 24-576 mm equivalent, ample for casual telephoto framing but limited for distant wildlife or sports shoots.

Conversely, the FZ80’s absurdly long 60x zoom (20-1200 mm equivalent) is a game changer. With such reach, you can capture subjects far beyond the capabilities of many bridge cameras. The tradeoff often involves image softness at extreme telephoto ends due to lens physics, but Panasonic mitigates this with a fast f/2.8 aperture at wide angle to improve low-light usability and faster shutter speeds.

Stabilization method is another key difference. SL240 employs sensor-shift stabilization, useful but generally less effective than Panasonic’s lens-based optical image stabilization in the FZ80, which shines especially during telephoto handholding.

Autofocus Systems: Precision, Speed, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) performance is crucial for catching fast-moving subjects and ensuring sharp focus in varied situations.

The SL240 delivers basic autofocus with face detection but lacks precision AF point customization and live view AF. Its single continuous shooting frame rate of 1 fps limits rapid capture scenarios.

The FZ80 provides a sophisticated system with 49 AF points, touch-selectable focus areas, and continuous AF during video recording. Autofocus is fast and reliable, even under challenging light conditions. Continuous shooting reaches up to 10 fps with AF tracking, a significant advantage for wildlife or sports photography.

Top view highlighting control layouts - Panasonic FZ80’s modern button placement and touchscreen stand out

Controls & User Interface: How Intuitive Is the Experience?

Both cameras have a traditional bridge camera control layout, but the user interface quality and customization differ profoundly.

• Fujifilm SL240: Features physical dials and buttons with limited user customization. No touchscreen, so navigation can be clunky, especially when shifting settings on-the-fly.

• Panasonic FZ80: Incorporates a touchscreen LCD with tap-to-focus and operation, improving usability substantially. Menus are well-organized and offer options such as focus bracketing and post-focus functions - very handy for macro and precision-focused shooting.

The 3" LCD resolution also favors the FZ80, which boasts 1040k dots vs. SL240’s 460k. This higher resolution screen makes reviewing fine details in harsh lighting easier.

Rear LCD comparison clearly shows Panasonic FZ80’s higher resolution touchscreen vs Fujifilm SL240's basic fixed LCD

Video Capabilities: What Can You Record?

Video functionality can be decisive for users blending stills and movies.

Here the Panasonic FZ80 is the clear winner, offering 4K recording, high frame rate HD, and video stabilization. Users benefit from smooth video capture with easy focus shifts using the touchscreen. The SL240, limited to 720p, is more for casual video users.

Durability, Battery Life & Connectivity

Neither camera offers advanced weather sealing. Both rely on single SD card slots and proprietary batteries.

• Battery Life: FZ80 slightly better at 330 shots vs SL240’s 300 shots per charge.
• Connectivity: The SL240 lacks wireless options, while the FZ80 includes built-in Wi-Fi for photo sharing and remote control - useful for travel and social media enthusiasts.
• Ports: Both support HDMI output; neither offers microphone or headphone jacks for pro video work.

Use-Case Focus: Which Camera Excels Where?

Now that we have the technical specs and real-world impressions on the table, let's break down practical applications:

Portrait Photography

• FZ80: Offers face detection, eye-detection AF via touch (limited animal eye AF), and greater resolution for cropping. More natural skin tones and shallow depth of field achievable at f/2.8 wide angle.
• SL240: Limited ISO range and lower sensor output limit detail and editing freedom.

Recommendation: For portraits with crisp detail and ease, FZ80 is better.

Landscape Photography

• FZ80: Better dynamic range and higher resolution. Fixed lens with wider zoom covers wider fields and distant subjects.
• SL240: Decent colors but clipped highlights in harsh scenes.

Recommendation: FZ80’s sensor strengths make it preferable.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• FZ80: Massive 60x zoom and fast 10 fps burst mode with AF tracking suit this genre well.
• SL240: 24x zoom and 1 fps burst falls short for action shots.

Recommendation: Panasonic FZ80 for wildlife and sports.

Street Photography

• SL240: Slightly smaller and lighter - but no touchscreen, slower AF, and limited ISO flexibility.
• FZ80: Bulkier but faster and more versatile low-light options.

Recommendation: SL240 if discretion and lighter gear are priorities; else FZ80 for better performance.

Macro Photography

• FZ80: Closer minimum focus distance (1 cm), focus bracketing, and post-focus functionality for fine-tuned macro shots.
• SL240: Macro focus at 2 cm, no focus bracketing.

Recommendation: Panasonic FZ80 for serious macro work.

Night & Astro Photography

• FZ80: Higher ISO, CMOS sensor benefits, manual exposure modes.
• SL240: Limited ISO range and noisier outputs.

Recommendation: FZ80 is more suited to night shooters.

Video & Vlogging

• FZ80: 4K video, stabilization, touch AF.
• SL240: 720p video, basic stabilization.

Recommendation: FZ80 for modern video needs.

Travel Photography

• SL240: Lighter, easier for casual travel use.
• FZ80: More versatile but larger weight.

Recommendation: SL240 for casual travel; FZ80 for versatile destination shooters.

Professional Workflows

• FZ80: RAW support adds professional workflow flexibility.
• SL240: No RAW, limiting file quality for professionals.

Recommendation: FZ80 better prepared for professional use.

Fujifilm SL240 front Fujifilm SL240 screen back Panasonic FZ80 front Panasonic FZ80 screen back

Price-to-Performance & Value Assessment

For the price difference of roughly $100, the Panasonic FZ80 delivers a significant leap in technical capability and feature set, justifying the investment, especially for enthusiasts wanting more creative control.

The Final Verdict: Which Bridge Camera Should You Choose?

Both the Fujifilm SL240 and Panasonic Lumix FZ80 are respectable superzoom bridge cameras. However, the Panasonic FZ80 stands out decisively in almost every meaningful metric that serious hobbyists and burgeoning pros value today:

• Superior sensor and image quality with RAW support for full control
• Much greater zoom versatility (60x vs. 24x), opening creative horizons
• Faster autofocus and continuous shooting for dynamic subjects
• 4K video capabilities for multimedia creators
• Modern user interface with touchscreen and Wi-Fi for convenience
• Focus stacking and post-focus features enhancing macro and precision work

That said, if your budget is limited, or if you prioritize a lighter, simpler camera for casual travel and basic everyday photography, the Fujifilm SL240 remains a solid entry with decent image stabilization and respectable image quality for its class.

Recommendations For Different Users

• Beginners and casual users on a budget: Fujifilm SL240 offers straightforward operation and a clean shooting experience with a manageable zoom range.

• Enthusiasts seeking flexible all-in-one camera: Panasonic FZ80 strikes the right balance with advanced features, massive zoom, and improved image quality.

• Wildlife, travel, and sports shooters: Panasonic FZ80’s tracking AF and fast burst capture make it an excellent portable alternative to DSLRs.

• Content creators and vloggers: Panasonic’s 4K recording and stabilized video lend themselves well to modern multimedia projects.

Where To Go Next

If either camera interests you, I highly recommend heading to a local camera store or photographic dealer to get hands-on experience. Feel their ergonomics, try shooting with their zoom, and review sample images. Don’t forget to explore compatible accessories for each model, like extra batteries, filters, and bags to enhance your creative journey further.

Bridge cameras continue to occupy a valuable niche in photography - empowering you to carry one versatile tool everywhere without swapping lenses, while capturing a wide range of subjects. Whether you choose the Fuji SL240’s simplicity or the Panasonic FZ80’s powerhouse status, both can be trusted companions to elevate your photographic adventures.

Keep experimenting, stay curious, and happy shooting!