Nikon P500 vs Panasonic FZ80

Let's look more in depth at the Nikon P500 vs Panasonic FZ80, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the P500 (12MP) and FZ80 (18MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The P500 was manufactured 6 years prior to the FZ80 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before going straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the P500 scores vs the FZ80 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix P500 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon P500 Gallery & Panasonic FZ80 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Nikon P500 offers physical dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 103mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 4.1") accompanied by a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ80 has proportions of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") with a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs).

Compare the Nikon P500 vs Panasonic FZ80 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the P500 and the FZ80.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the P500 and FZ80 is 67 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements only by researching specs. The graphic below may give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the P500 and FZ80.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same resolution. You can expect to see the Panasonic FZ80 to provide you with greater detail due to its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a bit more aggressively. The older P500 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.