Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic FZ80

Here, we are analyzing the Olympus E-M1 versus Panasonic FZ80, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the FZ80 (18MP) is very close but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and FZ80 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor size.

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The E-M1 was manufactured 4 years prior to the FZ80 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting right into a full comparison, here is a short highlight of how the E-M1 scores vs the FZ80 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Panasonic FZ80 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 has outside measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") along with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) and 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).

Take a look at the Olympus E-M1 versus Panasonic FZ80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the E-M1 versus the FZ80.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1 and FZ80 is 71 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements purely by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1 and FZ80.

As you can see, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-M1 because of its larger sensor will make shooting bokeh easier and the Panasonic FZ80 will provide you with more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older E-M1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.