Olympus SH-50 vs Panasonic ZS80

Following is a thorough review of the Olympus SH-50 versus Panasonic ZS80, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SH-50 (16MP) and the ZS80 (20MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras posses the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SH-50 was brought out 6 years before the ZS80 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summation of how the SH-50 matches up against the ZS80 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SH-50 and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SH-50 Gallery and Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-50 has got outside measurements of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS80 has measurements of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") and a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-50 versus Panasonic ZS80 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the SH-50 compared to the ZS80.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SH-50 and ZS80 is 88 and 86 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading through specs. The pic below may give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-50 and ZS80.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same resolution. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS80 to give you extra detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged SH-50 is going to be behind in sensor technology.