Olympus FE-3010 vs Panasonic ZS80

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus FE-3010 and Panasonic ZS80, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the FE-3010 (12MP) and ZS80 (20MP) but they use the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The FE-3010 was introduced 10 years before the ZS80 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus FE-3010 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the FE-3010 scores against the ZS80 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus FE-3010 and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus FE-3010 Gallery and Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus FE-3010 has outer dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 18mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 108 grams (0.24 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS80 has specifications of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") with a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus FE-3010 and Panasonic ZS80 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at the time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the FE-3010 against the ZS80.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the FE-3010 and ZS80 is 97 and 86 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to envision the contrast between sensor measurements just by reviewing technical specs. The visual below should give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the FE-3010 and ZS80.

As you can tell, both the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS80 to offer greater detail using its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The older FE-3010 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.