Nikon P520 vs Panasonic ZS80

Its time to take a deeper look at the Nikon P520 and Panasonic ZS80, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the P520 (18MP) and the ZS80 (20MP) is relatively comparable and both cameras boast the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The P520 was manufactured 6 years prior to the ZS80 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Nikon P520 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the P520 scores vs the ZS80 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix P520 and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The entire galleries are provided at Nikon P520 Gallery and Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon P520 has outside dimensions of 125mm x 84mm x 102mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.0") accompanied by a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS80 has sizing of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") having a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon P520 and Panasonic ZS80 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the P520 against the ZS80.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the P520 and ZS80 is 66 and 86 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizes simply by seeing specifications. The image underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the P520 and ZS80.

Plainly, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You should count on the Panasonic ZS80 to produce extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The more aged P520 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.