Olympus SZ-10 vs Panasonic ZS80

In this article, we will be looking at the Olympus SZ-10 and Panasonic ZS80, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the SZ-10 (14MP) and ZS80 (20MP) but they come with the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-10 was unveiled 8 years earlier than the ZS80 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summation of how the SZ-10 scores versus the ZS80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-10 & Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-10 Gallery & Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-10 has got physical dimensions of 106mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs) while 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).

Examine the Olympus SZ-10 and Panasonic ZS80 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-10 and the ZS80.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-10 and ZS80 is 90 and 86 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizes just by researching technical specs. The pic below may offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-10 and ZS80.

As you have seen, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You can count on the Panasonic ZS80 to result in greater detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged SZ-10 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.