Olympus E-M5 II vs Panasonic ZS80: A Real-World Camera Showdown for Enthusiast Photographers

When shopping for a camera, it’s easy to get lost amid specs and marketing jargon. I’ve spent over 15 years testing gear from all corners of the photography world, and today I want to break down two wildly different offerings - the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II and the Panasonic Lumix ZS80 - to help you decide which is right for you.

One’s a seasoned Micro Four Thirds mirrorless system camera aimed at enthusiasts and semi-pros, the other a compact superzoom designed for grab-and-go travel and casual shooting. Both have strengths, weaknesses, and unique personalities in the field.

Having rattled them both through extensive hands-on use, I’ll cover everything from image quality to autofocus, from build to video, and importantly - I’ll give you clear recommendations based on your style and budget. So buckle up for a deep dive!

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

If you’re a photographer who geeks out about how a camera feels, ergonomics always matter. Picking up the Olympus E-M5 II vs. Panasonic ZS80 instantly highlights the physical and design distinctions.

• Olympus E-M5 II (469g) is a nice solid chunk of metal and plastic, with a classic SLR-style grip and a weather-sealed magnesium body. It feels rugged enough for outdoor adventures and serious shooting.
• Panasonic ZS80 (327g), by contrast, is compact and pocketable, sporting a streamlined, minimalist shell designed for convenience. No weather sealing here - this guy is more about portability.

When you look at the top view control layout of the two, you can quickly tell who’s targeting whom.

Olympus has clubs for thumbs - a rear dial, front dial, a mode dial, multiple customizable buttons - geared towards tactile control and quick settings changes. Panasonic’s ZS80 pares that down to keep it simple for point-and-shooters, favoring touchscreen controls and fewer physical buttons.

In real shooting: The E-M5 II’s grip lets you hold steady for telephoto or macro, while the ZS80 is easily slipped into a pocket for street or travel. If you want a camera you can work fast on without diving into menus, the Olympus delivers. For casual or travel snaps where bulk is a no-go, the Panasonic wins.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Image quality boils down to sensor tech and processing. The two cameras here couldn’t be more different under the hood.

• Olympus E-M5 II: Uses a Four Thirds 17.3x13mm MOS sensor with 16MP resolution. The sensor area is about 225 mm² (not huge, but respectable). It features a TruePic VII processor and 5-axis in-body stabilization.
• Panasonic ZS80: Sports a tiny 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor at 20MP, which is only around 28 mm² in area. This is a small-sensor superzoom design, trading low-light ability for reach and compactness.

Image Quality in Practice

Because sensor size matters for light gathering and noise performance, the Olympus E-M5 II produces cleaner images with better dynamic range - especially at higher ISOs. Olympus scores a strong 73 on DxOMark with 12.4 EV dynamic range and ISO low-light performance pushing nearly 900 equivalent ISO. Panasonic’s small sensor simply can’t match that despite the higher pixel count.

This difference shows up dramatically in:

• Portraits & Skin Tones: Olympus can produce more natural skin rendering with less noise and smoother tonal gradation.
• Low Light / Night: The Olympus can shoot usable images at ISO 1600-3200. The ZS80 gets noisy and loses detail past ISO 800.
• Landscape detail: Although Panasonic’s sensor packs 20MP, the tiny sensor limits detail and dynamic range vs. the E-M5 II’s larger, cleaner chip.

Having tested against real-world scenes, it’s the difference between a professional-grade file you can push in Lightroom and a quick JPEG snapshot you’ll want to keep small and share fast.

Viewing and Interface: LCDs and EVFs That Matter

Both cameras feature a 3-inch articulating touchscreen LCD, but Olympus offers the more sophisticated articulating mechanism (fully articulated vs. Panasonic’s tilting).

• Olympus’s screen has a decent resolution (~1.04 million dots) with great viewing angles, touch exposure point selection, and touch AF. The Panasonic matches in screen specs but is limited in articulation.
• Electronic viewfinders (EVF) are close in resolution (~2.3M dots), but Olympus’s EVF has a larger magnification (0.74x vs 0.53x), providing a more immersive and accurate preview.

If you rely on shooting in bright sunlight or precise manual focusing, Olympus offers a more robust experience here. Panasonic’s EVF is good for its class, but the smaller sensor and overall compact design limit its usefulness for critical composition.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: How Fast and Accurate?

Autofocus systems are mission-critical for most photographers, and here is another clear divergence.

• Olympus E-M5 II: has a 81-point contrast detect AF system with face detection, center, multi-area, and continuous tracking modes. No phase detection, but the contrast AF is fast and reliable for stills.
• Panasonic ZS80: also relies on contrast detect AF but incorporates Panasonic’s advanced Venus Engine for speedy autofocus and face detection, along with post-focus capability (focus stacking after the shot).

Both cameras achieve 10fps burst shooting, which is surprisingly quick given their sensor sizes and price brackets.

In real-world testing:

• Olympus tracks subjects better in general, especially with moving subjects like pets or kids. Its AF was snappy in daylight but less confident in low light.
• Panasonic ZS80’s AF struggled a bit with very fast motion but offered a versatile superzoom with a 30x reach, ideal for wildlife from a distance if speed isn’t mission-critical.

If fast, reliable tracking autofocus is important (e.g., sports, wildlife), Olympus is the better bet, but Panasonic wins hands down if zoom reach and convenient superzoom versatility matter most.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

The Olympus E-M5 II uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, which unlocks a vast world of over 100 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party makers.

This means you can start with a general zoom kit and later add:

• Fast primes for portraits
• Macro lenses for closeups
• Super telephoto lenses for wildlife
• Ultra-wide for landscapes

Versatility is its biggest asset.

The Panasonic ZS80, meanwhile, comes with a fixed 24-720mm (30x) zoom lens - which is a marvel of engineering but limits you to whatever that range offers on a relatively slow aperture (f/3.3-6.4).

If you want to experiment creatively or upgrade lenses later, Olympus is head and shoulders above.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Olympus markets the E-M5 II as a rugged, weather-sealed camera, handling dust and light rain quite well.

The Panasonic ZS80 does not offer any weather sealing, designed for good looks and easy portability over toughness.

For outdoor and adventure shooters who may face adverse conditions, Olympus’s metal body and sealing are invaluable.

Battery Life and Storage

Panasonic ZS80 squeezes out about 380 shots per charge (CIPA rating), somewhat better than Olympus E-M5 II’s rated 310 shots.

Storage wise, both cameras use one SD card slot, compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC. ZS80 supports UHS-I speeds which help with video and faster write times.

Video Capabilities: Who Shoots Better Movies?

The ZS80 notably upgrades into 4K video (3840 × 2160 at 30p) and supports 4K Photo mode - a great feature suite for casual shooters and vloggers.

Olympus E-M5 II maxes out at 1080p/60fps and lacks 4K. However, it boasts in-body 5-axis stabilization which gives smoother handheld shots versus Panasonic’s optical stabilization.

Microphone inputs favor Olympus (has mic port), making E-M5 II a better choice for solid video workflows requiring external audio.

Real-World Photography Use Cases: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let’s break down the strengths of each camera across popular genres I’ve tested in real-world conditions:

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-M5 II: Better skin tones, natural bokeh from interchangeable lenses, accurate eye detection AF. Fine for professionals or serious enthusiasts.
• Panasonic ZS80: Decent face detection, but background blur is limited by small sensor and lens speed.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus: Superior dynamic range, weather sealing, and interchangeable lenses make this the go-to. 16MP resolution with raw support makes for stunning prints.
• Panasonic: Compact and easy but limited by sensor size and zoom lens quality for landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus: Good AF tracking and compatibility with super-telephoto lenses but sensor size limits image quality. Burst mode at 10fps is helpful.
• Panasonic: 30x zoom excels at distant subjects but slower AF hinders action capture.

Sports Photography

• Olympus: Faster, more reliable AF with continuous tracking and decent burst shooting under good light.
• Panasonic: Struggles with rapid subject movement, better suited for casual sports snaps.

Street Photography

• Olympus: Bulkier but discreet with quiet shutter and excellent controls; great for quick manual adjustments.
• Panasonic: Compact, lightweight, and very pocketable - ideal for candid moments and travel.

Macro Photography

• Olympus: Excellent precision with compatible macro lenses and focus bracketing features.
• Panasonic: Focus down to 3cm macro mode is handy but image quality and bokeh limited.

Night / Astrophotography

• Olympus: Higher ISO capabilities and sensor size deliver better low light performance.
• Panasonic: Not ideal for low light photography.

Video Production

• Olympus: Full HD with professional interface and audio input.
• Panasonic: 4K video and 4K photo mode, but lacks mic input.

Travel Photography

• Olympus: Versatile but larger and heavier.
• Panasonic: Lightweight, small, with enormous zoom range - perfect travel buddy.

Professional Work

• Olympus: Supports raw files, sturdy build, extensive lens options.
• Panasonic: Limited to compact, casual workflows.

Overall Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

Here’s a quick visual recap of how these two cameras stack up across categories, based on hands-on tests and DxOMark data.

Olympus E M5 II front Olympus E M5 II screen back Panasonic ZS80 front Panasonic ZS80 screen back

You’ll notice Olympus dominates in image quality and professional usability, while Panasonic appeals with zoom, size, and video features.

Connectivity and Extra Features

Both have built-in Wi-Fi for easy image transfer, though Panasonic features Bluetooth for remote control and pairing convenience. Neither offers GPS, but both have HDMI and USB ports (USB 2.0 speeds).

Post-focus and focus stacking on Panasonic is a neat trick relevant to macro or artistic shallow-depth shots.

Olympus’s in-camera focus bracketing is a pro-caliber aid for landscape and macro shooters.

Price and Value

As of writing:

• Olympus E-M5 II body goes for about $699, representing excellent value for a rugged, modular system camera.
• Panasonic ZS80 retails near $448, offering a full-featured superzoom compact for less than two-thirds the price.

If budget is tight and you want all-in-one convenience, Panasonic is compelling. For image quality and creative growth, Olympus reigns widely.

Pros and Cons Summary

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II

Pros:

• Excellent image quality and dynamic range
• Weather-sealed, robust build
• Rich lens ecosystem (Micro Four Thirds)
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization
• Large, bright EVF and articulated touchscreen
• Solid autofocus performance for photos
• External mic input for video
• Supports focus bracketing and high-res files

Cons:

• Bulkier and heavier than compact cameras
• No 4K video capability
• Slightly shorter battery life
• Complex controls may intimidate beginners

Panasonic Lumix ZS80

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight, pocketable design
• Massive 30x zoom range (24-720mm eq.)
• 4K video recording and 4K photo modes
• Post-focus and focus stacking features
• Tilting touchscreen with good resolution
• Better battery life than Olympus
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Cons:

• Small sensor limits image quality and low-light performance
• No weather sealing
• Limited manual control and fewer physical buttons
• No external microphone port
• Fixed lens limits creative expansion

When Should You Choose Which Camera?

If you’re a travel or street shooter wanting to pack light and capture everything from wide views to distant subjects without changing lenses, the Panasonic ZS80 is your go-to. Its advanced zoom and 4K video make it a versatile compact. Great for beginners and enthusiasts on a budget who want convenience on the go.

If you’re a serious enthusiast or semi-pro who values image quality, durability, and flexibility to grow your system, Olympus E-M5 II remains a fantastic choice. Its richer control set, weather sealing, and superior sensor quality deliver results suitable for prints, client work, and creative exploration across genres.

Final Verdict: Two Cameras, Two Lifestyles

Having spent months with both cameras in backpacks, studios, and wild parks, I can confidently say:

• The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II is still a powerhouse mirrorless contender that punches above its age. It’s your all-round workhorse with pro features in a relatively affordable package.
• The Panasonic Lumix ZS80 is a smart, capable travel compact with a massive zoom. It’s simplicity and size make it a perfect companion for everyday, casual, and travel shooters uninterested in lens-changing fuss.

If you’re gearing up for an upgrade or deciding your first serious interchangeable lens system, the Olympus E-M5 II offers greater creative freedom and higher image quality.

If you want something simple that covers a huge zoom range with decent quality - and excellent 4K video - in an ultra-portable package, Panasonic’s ZS80 is worth a hard look.

Additional Considerations for Your Next Step

• For video-focused creators wanting 4K and portability, Panasonic has an edge.
• For those venturing into macro or focused manual photography, Olympus’s options and IBIS system are worth the weight.
• Consider buying used Olympus gear to extend your budget and expand your lens options affordably.

I hope you found this detailed comparison helpful and that it points you confidently toward the camera that fits your photography goals best. From my years of testing, there’s no perfect camera - only the perfect one for you. Happy shooting!