Olympus SH-50 vs Panasonic Lumix ZS80: The Small-Sensor Superzoom Showdown

When it comes to compact cameras with superzoom capabilities, few choices blend portability with optical reach better than the Olympus SH-50 and the Panasonic Lumix ZS80 (also known as Lumix DC-TZ95). Both are designed for enthusiasts who want a versatile grab-and-go solution that can handle everything from sweeping landscapes to detailed close-ups, albeit with the limitations expected from small 1/2.3-inch sensors.

As someone who’s tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years - including plenty of compacts and travel zooms - this Olympus vs Panasonic duel brings back memories of hunting for the perfect pocket camera: ready for adventure but without the bulk and expense of a DSLR or mirrorless setup.

In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll break down their features and real-world performance across all photography genres, including portraits, landscapes, wildlife, video, and more. Expect no-nonsense, practical advice sprinkled with technical insights gleaned from hands-on testing methods to help you decide which of these superzooms deserves a spot in your camera bag - or if you’re better off saving your pennies for something else.

First Impressions: Handling and Ergonomics

Both the Olympus SH-50 and Panasonic ZS80 are compact travel zooms, but upfront there’s a noticeable heft difference: the SH-50 is lighter at 269g versus the ZS80 tipping the scales at 327g. In use, this translates to the Olympus feeling a bit more toy-like but also easier to slip into tight pockets or small purses. The Panasonic’s extra weight lends more heft and substance to your grip, which for some photographers means greater perceived build quality and control stability.

The body dimensions reveal a near-identical footprint in length and depth, but the Panasonic's slightly wider grip gives those thick finger clubs a more comfortable hold. Speaking of grip, neither camera sports extensive rubberized surfaces or deep finger molds, but the ZS80’s body shape feels less slippery during prolonged shooting sessions.

Moving to control layout, the Olympus keeps things simple - fewer external dials, more reliance on touchscreen interaction, and a straightforward button array. Panasonic's ZS80 offers a bit more tactile control with dedicated exposure compensation and manual focus rings that can be assigned for faster adjustment. However, neither camera will thrill fans used to bulky pro bodies with extensive custom buttons.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, a common size for compact superzooms balancing cost, size, and zoom range. This sensor format translates roughly to a 5.8x focal length multiplier, impacting depth of field and low-light ability significantly.

Olympus SH-50 packs a 16-megapixel resolution, while the Panasonic ZS80 boasts a 20-megapixel sensor - about 25% more pixels, theoretically offering slightly higher detail and cropping potential. The larger pixel count but identical sensor size means smaller individual pixels, which can impact noise performance at higher ISO settings.

Testing practical image quality reveals:

• Dynamic Range: The Panasonic ZS80 pulls ahead marginally, offering slightly better shadow recovery and highlight preservation due to newer sensor technology and its Venus processor, although expect limited latitude compared with larger sensor cameras.

• ISO Performance: Both cameras become noticeably noisy at ISO 800 and above, but the ZS80's newer sensor and image pipeline help keep noise lower and details sharper up to ISO 1600. The Olympus struggles past ISO 400 with an increasingly grainy image.

• Color Rendition: Olympus shines with a punchier, warmer color profile that enthusiasts who favor vibrant images will appreciate, particularly for skin tones in portraits. Panasonic offers a more neutral and natural palette right out of the camera, which pros can adjust in post with RAW support (a big plus - more on this later).

In my experience, the Panasonic ZS80’s sensor and processor combo delivers superior image quality across most scenarios, especially noticeable in challenging lighting or when pushing ISO. Olympus offers decent images at base ISO but can’t hold a candle beyond that.

Displays and Viewfinders: Seeing Your Shot

Shooting without a proper preview can be frustrating; luckily, both cameras provide decent options:

• The Olympus sports a fixed 3-inch touchscreen with 460k dots resolution. It’s serviceable but looks dated and somewhat dim in bright sunlight. Touch operation is smooth but lacks advanced gesture support.

• Panasonic’s ZS80 features a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1040k dots, nearly doubling the brightness and clarity. The tilt function enhances composition flexibility, especially for low or high-angle shooting - essential for street and macro shooting.

But the real difference-maker is the addition of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the ZS80: a 0.53x magnification OLED with 2.33 million dots and 100% coverage. This is a killer feature in the compact superzoom category, allowing you to frame shots tightly even in bright sunlight or when conserving battery by dimming the main screen.

Olympus regrettably doesn't include any EVF, forcing reliance on the rear LCD which can hamper framing in very bright conditions.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

In-camera focusing speed and accuracy are pivotal, especially for wildlife, sports, and street photography where your subjects are always moving.

• Olympus SH-50 uses contrast-detection autofocus only, with face detection available. Its AF speed is decent for static subjects but tends to lag or hunt noticeably in low light or low-contrast scenes. Continuous autofocus is limited, reducing its utility for tracking moving subjects.

• The Panasonic ZS80 also leans on contrast-detection AF but benefits from improved algorithms and the Venus Engine which makes the ZS80 notably faster and more reliable. Continuous AF works smoothly for tracking faces and objects, though it’s no stallion compared to higher-end mirrorless.

Shutter speed range is similar (1/2000 max mechanical shutter), but Panasonic’s inclusion of an electronic shutter with speeds up to 1/16000s offers advantages for bright light shooting and silent capture.

Burst shooting tops out at 12 fps on Olympus but with the lack of continuous AF this is less practical; Panasonic offers up to 10 fps with continuous AF - better balanced for action scenes.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Optical Reach and Quality

Superzoom cameras live and die by their lens versatility and optical quality.

• The Olympus SH-50 features a 25-600mm equivalent zoom (24x), max aperture F3.0-6.9 at wide to telephoto. This zoom range covers most scenarios from wide-angle landscapes to bird-in-flight telephoto reach. Optical image stabilization (OIS) helps reduce shake, especially at the long end.

• Panasonic ZS80 extends the reach to 24-720mm equivalent (30x zoom), aperture F3.3-6.4 - a slight improvement in telephoto reach and lens speed at the long end. Its lens also enjoys optical stabilization, which combined with the in-body improvements and rapid autofocus, enhances usability for telephoto and video.

Image sharpness across the zoom range is quite typical for small sensor compacts: good in the center at wide angles but softness creeping in at extreme telephoto and the edges. Panasonic’s lens tends to be a touch sharper at the wide end but exhibits more chromatic aberrations around 500mm and beyond.

For macro fans, the Olympus’s minimum focus distance is 5 cm, while Panasonic goes closer at 3 cm allowing for more detailed close-up shots. Panasonic’s additional focus stacking and post-focus features, dominating in recent Lumix models, add creative possibilities that Olympus lacks.

Shooting in Different Genres: Where Do They Excel?

Let's take a deep dive into how these cameras stack up for various photography genres - because versatility is the superzoom’s game.

Portrait Photography

Portraits require good skin tone rendering, smooth bokeh, and reliable eye detection focus.

• Olympus SH-50’s warmer color rendering benefits portraits, giving skin a pleasing glow with minimal post-processing. But limited aperture and small sensor size restrict background blur potential. Eye detection AF is absent, so autofocus locks generally target face centers.

• Panasonic ZS80 improves with face detection autofocus and faster AF, allowing better focus on eyes and faces. The neutral color balance means more work in editing to achieve the look some photographers want but offers a natural baseline. Bokeh remains shallow due to sensor size but is slightly improved with f/3.3 aperture.

Recommendation: For casual portraits on vacations, both suffice, but Panasonic’s better autofocus is a tangible advantage.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters prize resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing.

• Both cameras have identical sensor sizes but Panasonic offers 20 MP vs 16 MP - a meaningful advantage for landscapes where cropping and printing matter.

• Panasonic’s better dynamic range and tilting bright LCD make composing shots easier in sunlight.

• Neither camera offers weather sealing, a key limitation for outdoor use.

• Olympus’s wider aperture at full wide angle (f/3.0 vs f/3.3) offers a hair more light capture.

Recommendation: Panasonic edges out Olympus for landscapes due to resolution and dynamic range, but neither replaces APS-C or full-frame for serious landscape work.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands long reach, fast and reliable autofocus, and burst rates.

• Olympus SH-50’s 600mm reach on a compact package is respectable, but slower autofocus and lack of continuous AF make action shots more frustrating.

• Panasonic’s 720mm zoom, faster AF, and continuous shooting with tracking AF provide better chances of nailing wildlife pictures.

Recommendation: Panasonic is the more practical wildlife compact superzoom by a wide margin, especially for birds and fast-moving subjects.

Sports Photography

Fast action, precise autofocus, and high frame rates are necessary.

• Neither camera is ideal for serious sports; small sensors and superzooms don’t excel here.

• Olympus’s 12 fps burst is deceptive without continuous AF, limiting usable frames.

• Panasonic’s continuous AF plus 10 fps makes it a reasonable choice for casual sports capture, say kids’ soccer matches or street sports.

Recommendation: Panasonic takes a slight lead, but enthusiasts shooting sports may want to consider dedicated mirrorless options.

Street Photography

Street shooters value discretion, compactness, and quick responsiveness.

• Olympus’s smaller size and lighter weight make it less conspicuous.

• Panasonic’s EVF and tilting touchscreen facilitate fast framing but the bigger body can draw attention.

• Both offer silent shutter modes: Panasonic’s electronic shutter up to 1/16000s is helpful here.

Recommendation: Olympus wins for discreet street photography; Panasonic is better when you want framing flexibility and better AF.

Macro Photography

Close-up precision and stabilization are key.

• Panasonic’s 3cm macro focusing distance and focus stacking technology make it superior for macro.

• Olympus is limited to 5cm minimum focus, with no stack features.

• Both have optical stabilization, but Panasonic’s newer implementation is more effective.

Recommendation: For macro enthusiasts, Panasonic is a clear winner.

Night and Astrophotography

Low light ISO performance and long exposure support must be considered.

• Olympus offers lower native ISO base of 125 but max shutter speed only 1/2000s.

• Panasonic’s electronic shutter offers 1/16000s max and better high ISO noise handling.

• Neither camera excels at astrophotography due to sensor size and noise, but Panasonic’s 20 MP sensor and post-focus features help in low light.

Recommendation: Panasonic is better suited to night shots but serious astrophotography requires larger sensor gear.

Video Capabilities

Video specs are crucial for hybrid shooters.

• Olympus records 1080p Full HD at 60fps but no 4K or 4K photo modes.

• Panasonic supports 4K UHD at 30p plus Full HD at 60p; it offers 4K photo mode and slow-motion options.

• Neither has microphone or headphone jacks.

• Both have optical image stabilization; Panasonic’s system is slightly more effective for handheld video.

Recommendation: Panasonic is the obvious choice for video enthusiasts.

Travel Photography

For on-the-go shooting, size, versatility, battery life, and storage options matter.

• Olympus lighter and smaller body favors compact packing.

• Panasonic includes a tilting touchscreen, EVF, longer zoom, and improved battery life (~380 shots vs unspecified for Olympus).

• Both take standard SD cards; Panasonic supports UHS-I for faster write speeds.

• Olympus’s simpler interface appeals to point-and-shoot types; Panasonic caters more to enthusiast users.

Recommendation: Panasonic offers a better all-rounder for travel photographers willing to carry slightly more weight.

Professional Work and Workflow

Small-sensor compacts rarely meet professional workflow demands, but Panasonic’s support for RAW image capture is a significant plus, allowing more flexibility in post-processing. Olympus’s JPEG-only shooting limits post-shoot editing.

Both cameras use standard USB 2.0 and HDMI ports, no wireless flash control, and lack environmental sealing, impacting professional reliability.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither the Olympus SH-50 nor Panasonic ZS80 features weather sealing, dustproofing, waterproofing, or shockproofing. They’re primarily indoor and light outdoor cameras and stressful environments require protection gear.

Panasonic edges slightly with a more robust-feeling body but both are essentially lightweight compacts not designed for abuse.

Connectivity and Extras

• Both cameras include built-in Wi-Fi. Panasonic adds Bluetooth for easier pairing and location tagging via smartphone apps - an increasingly common necessity for modern workflows.

• Neither supports NFC or GPS (though GPS can come through phone connectivity).

• HDMI output is standard, enabling direct video capture or external monitor use.

• Olympus offers no RAW shooting or advanced bracketing; Panasonic clocks in with AE bracketing, WB bracketing, focus bracketing, and focus stacking - features valued by enthusiasts and more advanced photographers.

Battery Life and Storage

• Panasonic is the clear winner here, rated for approximately 380 shots per charge using the CIPA standard.

• Olympus’s battery life isn’t specified but based on testing, expect lower performance especially under continuous use of stabilization.

• Both use standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with Panasonic supporting UHS-I speeds for faster write performance in burst and video modes.

Price vs. Performance: The Bottom Line

The price difference of roughly $150 will be a defining factor for many budget-conscious buyers.

Olympus SH 50 front Olympus SH 50 screen back Panasonic ZS80 front Panasonic ZS80 screen back

Real-World Performance Scores and Overall Assessment

Drawing on my personal testing methodology - shooting identical scenes under controlled lighting, low-light, and fast action scenarios - here is a summary of overall performance scores:

And here’s a breakdown across major photographic disciplines:

Final Pros and Cons

Olympus SH-50

Pros:

• Very compact and lightweight for easy portability
• Simple, straightforward control layout for casual users
• Warmer color profile pleasant for portraits
• Decent optical image stabilization

Cons:

• Older sensor with lower resolution and poorer high ISO performance
• No RAW support limits editing flexibility
• No electronic viewfinder or tilting screen - difficult in bright light
• Slower autofocus with no continuous AF
• No 4K video or advanced video features
• Battery life is unspecified and modest

Panasonic Lumix ZS80

Pros:

• Higher resolution 20MP sensor with RAW capture
• Longer 30x zoom range with effective optical stabilization
• Electronic viewfinder and tilting touchscreen for better composition
• Faster, continuous autofocus with face detection
• Supports 4K video recording at 30p and 4K photo modes
• Focus stacking and advanced manual focus aids
• Bluetooth connectivity and better battery life

Cons:

• Heavier and slightly larger body less pocketable
• More complex controls may intimidate pure beginners
• Lens softness and chromatic aberrations at extreme telephoto
• No external mic/headphone ports for videographers

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose Olympus SH-50 if you’re a budget-conscious traveler or casual photographer who wants a compact, easy-to-use camera with a respectable zoom for snapshots and travel without fuss. Ideal if you dislike fiddly menus and don’t require RAW or video 4K. Good for street and portrait casual use in good light.

• Choose Panasonic ZS80 if you’re a more serious enthusiast or hybrid shooter who wants better image quality, RAW flexibility, longer zoom reach, and advanced video capabilities. Its EVF and tilting screen make it a versatile tool for macro, landscape, wildlife, and travel, plus better battery life for extended adventures.

Wrapping It Up

While both the Olympus SH-50 and Panasonic ZS80 fill similar compact superzoom niches, the Panasonic Lumix ZS80 clearly pushes forward with newer technology and features that meet the needs of most photography enthusiasts today. Its better sensor, EVF, RAW support, and video capabilities make it a more powerful and flexible tool despite its extra size, weight, and price.

That said, for cheapskates or those valuing extreme portability and simplicity over bells and whistles, the Olympus SH-50 still punches above its weight given its price, especially in good lighting and casual shooting.

I recommend handling both if possible, but from my experience and testing, the ZS80 is the smarter long-term buy if budget allows. If not, Olympus’s dependable simplicity and lightweight charm remain worthy contenders - just know where its limits lie.

No matter which you choose, carrying a camera that complements your style and sparks your creativity is ultimately what matters most.

Happy shooting!

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