Olympus TG-860 vs Panasonic FZ80

Here is a complete analysis of the Olympus TG-860 vs Panasonic FZ80, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the TG-860 (16MP) and the FZ80 (18MP) is pretty close and they possess the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The TG-860 was brought out 23 months earlier than the FZ80 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-860 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise overview of how the TG-860 grades against the FZ80 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. The entire galleries are available at Olympus TG-860 Gallery and Panasonic FZ80 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus TG-860 has got outside dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 224 grams (0.49 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ80 has specifications of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") along with a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs).

Compare the Olympus TG-860 vs Panasonic FZ80 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the TG-860 vs the FZ80.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-860 and FZ80 is 91 and 63 respectively.

Typically, its tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizing only by viewing specs. The photograph below will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-860 and FZ80.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You should expect the Panasonic FZ80 to provide you with greater detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The older TG-860 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.