Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS80

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic ZS80, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and ZS80 (20MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SP-590 UZ was introduced 10 years prior to the ZS80 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a complete comparison, below is a short introduction of how the SP-590 UZ scores vs the ZS80 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-590 UZ & Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery & Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-590 UZ has exterior measurements of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") and a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS80 has measurements of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic ZS80 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the SP-590 UZ vs the ZS80.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-590 UZ and ZS80 is 72 and 86 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to envision the gap between sensor dimensions just by reading through technical specs. The picture below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-590 UZ and ZS80.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Panasonic ZS80 to resolve more detail using its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged SP-590 UZ is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.