Nikon S32 vs Panasonic ZS80

Below is a in depth review of the Nikon S32 vs Panasonic ZS80, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Nikon and Panasonic. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the S32 (13MP) and ZS80 (20MP) and the S32 (1/3") and ZS80 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The S32 was brought out 5 years before the ZS80 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a complete comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the S32 matches up versus the ZS80 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S32 and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon S32 Gallery and Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera often, you should think about its weight and measurements. The Nikon S32 provides outside measurements of 108mm x 66mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.6") having a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS80 has proportions of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") having a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

See the Nikon S32 vs Panasonic ZS80 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at that moment. The following is a front view size comparison of the S32 and the ZS80.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the S32 and ZS80 is 90 and 86 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to envision the difference between sensor measurements just by looking at specifications. The photograph below will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the S32 and ZS80.

Plainly, both the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The S32 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic ZS80 will give you extra detail having its extra 7 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older S32 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.