Olympus TG-860 vs Panasonic FZ80: Which Compact Superzoom Fits Your Photography Needs?

In the vast landscape of compact and bridge cameras, two standout options often come up for enthusiasts seeking versatility without the bulk of interchangeable-lens systems: the rugged Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 and the powerhouse zoom of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. Though both cameras share the small 1/2.3" sensor format common to superzooms, their distinctive approaches to design, optics, and features serve different photographer profiles.

Having spent many hours testing both under diverse shooting conditions, I’m excited to bring you a detailed comparison across all major photography disciplines - from portraiture to wildlife, landscape to video - and analyze their technical underpinnings. This article will help you decide which suits your style better, grounded in hands-on experience and open-eyed assessments.

Compactness and Handling: Rugged Pocketability vs. SLR-Style Grip

First impressions shape how comfortable a camera is for prolonged use, so let’s start with physicality. The Olympus TG-860 is an ultracompact, bombproof pocket camera weighing just 224g and measuring 110 x 64 x 28 mm. It fits easily into a jacket pocket, and its weather-sealed, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof build lets you venture into harsh environments worry-free. Its lightweight is a joy for travel and spontaneous shooting.

In contrast, the Panasonic FZ80 adopts an SLR-like bridge camera form factor - significantly larger and heavier at 616g and 130 x 94 x 119 mm. It demands a deliberate grip and presence but repays you with a comfortable handhold and robust controls that encourage manual shooting. The FZ80 lacks weather sealing, so it’s more at home in controlled environments.

The ergonomics of both reflect their identities: the TG-860 prioritizes durability and portability, while the FZ80 prioritizes control and versatility. Your choice here boils down to whether you value a rugged pocketable camera versus one with heft and a traditional DSLR experience.

External Controls and User Interface: Simplicity vs. Customizability

The TG-860’s control layout is intentionally minimalistic, reflecting its target audience - travelers, casual shooters, and adventurers wanting point-and-shoot convenience with some extras like built-in GPS and wireless connectivity. Its tilting 3” LCD (460k dots) serves as the sole framing tool - there’s no viewfinder - and lacks a touchscreen. Buttons are unlit but straightforward.

Meanwhile, the FZ80 sports a 3” fixed touchscreen panel at 1040k dots resolution and a fully featured electronic viewfinder (EVF) offering 100% coverage at 1166k dots. This dual-display setup offers flexibility - compose by eye, detail, or in sunny conditions - making it a pleasure for more traditional shooters. Its physical controls include dials for aperture and shutter priority modes, manual focus rings, and customizable buttons that encourage a deeper level of interaction.

If you seek quick, casual operation under varied conditions, the TG-860’s simplicity shines. If you crave full manual control, quick settings changes, and a DSLR-like feel, the FZ80 instantly appeals.

Sensor and Image Quality: Barely a Difference, But Zoom Matters

At their core, both cameras share the same sensor format - a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with approximately 28.07 mm² sensor area - but differ in resolution: 16 MP for the TG-860 and 18 MP for the FZ80. The Panasonic’s sensor is the newer BSI-CMOS variant, which theoretically offers improved light-gathering efficiency and less noise.

Neither sensor breaks new ground in image quality relative to APS-C or full-frame cameras, but what distinguishes output quality is how they exploit zoom range and processing. The TG-860’s 5x optical zoom (21–105mm equivalent) is modest but paired with Olympus’ TruePic VII processor, which optimizes sharpness and color fidelity especially at wide angles and macro close-ups (down to 1 cm).

The FZ80’s 60x zoom lens (20–1200mm equivalent) is the real winner for reach, more versatile for wildlife and sports. Its larger aperture range (F2.8–5.9) also lets in slightly more light at the wide end, improving depth of field control and low-light capacity marginally.

I conducted side-by-side resolution and dynamic range tests under standardized lighting. Both deliver decent sharpness in daylight but show softness and noise creeping in at ISO above 800. The FZ80’s improved sensor and Venus Engine processor handle higher ISO better but still stay within the expected limits for small-sensor cameras.

Autofocus Performance: Tracking vs. Snapshots

Autofocus is a key differentiator, especially for active photography. Olympus’ TG-860 uses contrast-detection AF only, with face detection and tracking capabilities, but without manual focus option. It locks onto central subjects reliably in good light but struggles a bit in low-contrast or dim environments and offers no eye or animal tracking.

The Panasonic FZ80, meanwhile, boasts a 49-point contrast-detect AF system integrated with Panasonic’s Depth From Defocus (DFD) technology improving speed. It supports continuous AF, face and eye detection, selective AF areas, and is highly customizable. Manual focus is available, along with features like focus bracketing and stacking for macro work.

In real-world shooting, the FZ80 shows snappier autofocus response, especially when tracking moving subjects such as birds or children. The TG-860’s contrast system feels sufficient for casual shots but less capable in action scenes.

Portraits and Bokeh: Shallower Depth vs. Portable Measures

For portraiture, the critical factors are color rendition, skin tone accuracy, autofocus precision on eyes, and control over background separation.

The TG-860 offers face detection and tracking, but its relatively slow lens (F3.5–5.7) and small sensor limit bokeh potential. Background blur is minimal, which isn’t surprising for an ultracompact waterproof camera. Colors, however, are pleasantly warm with Olympus' natural skin tone rendition - something I noticed in many portraits during outdoor tests.

Conversely, the FZ80’s wider aperture at short focal lengths and higher resolution sensor allows for a bit more subject isolation, though depth of field remains quite deep due to sensor size. It supports eye detection AF which helps nail focus on portraits with more confidence.

If portrait glamour and smooth backgrounds are your priority, neither camera rivals interchangeable-lens systems, but the FZ80 nudges ahead thanks to sharper focus precision and slightly better DOF control.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Toughness

Landscape photographers prize resolution, dynamic range, and reliability in challenging conditions.

Both cameras’ sensors lack the raw dynamic range expected from larger formats, so highlights and shadows often require cautious exposure and sometimes HDR bracketing (supported by the FZ80). The Panasonic provides RAW format shooting, allowing greater post-processing latitude. The TG-860, lacking RAW support, relies on in-camera JPEG processing.

On build, the TG-860’s environmental seals - dustproof, waterproof to 15 m, shockproof from 2.1 m drops, freezeproof down to -10°C, and crushproof - make it the perfect partner for rugged outdoor exploration. The FZ80 is not weather sealed, limiting its use in wet, dusty, or cold outdoor conditions.

So if you’re scaling mountains or shooting coastal vistas in rough weather, the Olympus is your rugged companion. For casual landscapes on sunny days focusing on detail and resolution, the Panasonic offers better image quality tools.

Wildlife and Sports: Zoom Reach and Burst Speed Battle

When tracking wildlife or sports action, zoom reach and frame rate are essential.

The FZ80’s massive 60x zoom (20–1200mm equivalent) lets you get close to distant subjects without bulky telephotos. It shoots up to 10 fps continuous burst with AF tracking - surprisingly competitive for a bridge camera. Autofocus remains fast and fairly accurate, though not as rock-solid as higher-end mirrorless systems.

The TG-860’s 5x zoom is insufficient for serious wildlife work, plus 7 fps burst though with a more basic AF system means it suits closer activities, such as kids playing or pets indoors.

Overall, the Panasonic is the unquestionable choice for telephoto-heavy wildlife and sports shooting on a budget - considering its long reach and speedy shooting.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Versatility

Street photography demands compactness and quiet operation; travel photography adds battery life and connectivity into the mix.

Here, the tiny TG-860 truly shines with its pocketable size, silent operation (no mechanical clunkiness), and robust design. Its built-in GPS helps geotag location - a boon for travel bloggers and explorers. Battery life of around 300 shots is decent, with USB charging options.

The FZ80, larger and louder, feels more conspicuous in crowds but offers a wider focal range to frame a variety of scenes rapidly without lens changes. Battery life is comparable but double the weight and bulk do weigh heavily on urban walks.

If your style is spontaneous travel and street candid shots demanding robustness and ease, Olympus wins hands down. For planned trips where zoom versatility and manual control reign, Panasonic fits better.

Macro Photography: Close-up Capabilities and Focus Precision

Both cameras offer macro focus down to 1 cm, but how they execute macro varies:

The TG-860 allows close focusing with optical image stabilization (very effective), making handheld macro shots crisp and sharp. Postprocessing is limited due to JPEG-only output.

The FZ80 offers focus bracketing, stacking, and post-focus features that enable sophisticated macro techniques and enhanced sharpness. Manual focus, along with higher-resolution sensor, allows for precise focus control.

For beginners after simple macro snaps, Olympus suffices. For enthusiasts and nature photographers wanting detailed close-ups, Panasonic’s technology-rich approach is better.

Low Light and Night Photography: Noise and Exposure Control

Small sensor cameras generally struggle in low light, but nuances exist:

The TG-860 maxes out at ISO 6400 but image quality degrades quickly beyond 800 ISO, and lack of RAW control limits noise reduction options.

The Panasonic’s sensor tops at ISO 3200 native with expanded ISO 6400, but with RAW support and better processing, it marginally outperforms Olympus in noisier situations. Electronic shutter up to 1/16000s and longer exposure modes aid night shooting and astrophotography, though noise preservation remains challenging.

Neither is ideal for long-exposure astrophotography, but the FZ80’s exposure bracketing and manual exposure modes provide more creative flexibility for nightscape shooting.

Video Features: 4K and Stabilization Showdowns

Video capabilities have become critical, so here’s how these cameras stack up:

• TG-860 records Full HD 1080p at 60 fps in H.264 format with optical image stabilization. No microphone or headphone ports limit audio enhancement. This camera focuses on snapshot quality video with bright daylight usability and simple time lapse recording.

• FZ80 steps up with 4K UHD video at 30p, 100 Mbps bitrate, plus 1080p at 60 fps. It features 4K photo modes (extracting stills from footage), electronic image stabilization, and manual exposure controls - crucial for videographers wanting higher-quality, flexible footage. However, like Olympus, it lacks external mic inputs.

If video is a key interest, the Panasonic FZ80 clearly excels with 4K capture and manual video control.

Professional Considerations: File Formats and Workflow

Pros and advanced enthusiasts demand file format versatility and workflow integration:

The TG-860 lacks RAW shooting entirely, delivering only JPEGs, which restricts post-processing potential. Its fixed lens and simplified exposure modes further limit pro-level control.

The FZ80 supports RAW (RW2) files, exposure compensation, shutter/aperture priority, and full manual modes. It offers better file flexibility and integration with professional workflows - albeit still limited by the small sensor.

Neither camera is targeted at working professionals needing full-frame quality or high ISO flexibility, but Panasonic offers a more capable platform for serious enthusiasts.

Olympus TG 860 front Olympus TG 860 screen back Panasonic FZ80 front Panasonic FZ80 screen back

Real-World Image Gallery: Visualizing the Differences

A side-by-side gallery reveals the practical variance:

• Olympus TG-860 images show vibrant color balance, decent sharpness at moderate zoom, and impressive macro close-ups.
• Panasonic FZ80 images display superior detail at long zoom, slightly cleaner high ISO noise, and better dynamic range retention.

Each has distinctive image character - natural warmth from Olympus and crispness with extended reach from Panasonic.

Performance Scores Summary: Where They Rank Overall

When benchmarked on responsiveness, image quality, versatility, and durability, the Panasonic FZ80 earns higher marks for sheer photographic functionality, manual controls, and zoom power. The Olympus TG-860 shines in robustness, ease of use, and travel-focused ruggedness.

Tailored Recommendations: Matching Cameras to Photography Genres

• Portraits: Panasonic FZ80 for sharper eyes and more control.
• Landscape: Olympus TG-860 for tough environments; FZ80 for better image details.
• Wildlife: Panasonic FZ80’s telephoto and AF wins.
• Sports: Panasonic FZ80’s burst rate and tracking excel.
• Street: Olympus TG-860’s compactness favors candid shots.
• Macro: Panasonic for focus bracketing; Olympus for casual macros.
• Night/Astro: Panasonic’s exposure options offer more flexibility.
• Video: Panasonic FZ80 demands the nod with 4K.
• Travel: Olympus TG-860 excels with durability and size.
• Professional: Panasonic wins with RAW and manual modes, but neither is pro-grade.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 is a fascinating package targeting adventurers, hikers, travelers, and casual photographers who need a durable camera that fits in a pocket and delivers solid JPEGs with reliable autofocus and optical IS. Its rugged features stand apart in this price range and appeal to those who prioritize toughness over ultimate image fidelity or zoom reach.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 is better positioned for photography enthusiasts who want a comprehensive zoom range, manual exposure control, robust autofocus, and 4K video - all wrapped in a more traditional bridge camera form. It lacks weather-sealing but compensates with features that broaden photographic creativity.

Buying Tip: On similar street prices ($280 Olympus TG-860 vs $400 Panasonic FZ80), consider your priorities: ruggedness and pocketability versus reach, manual control, and video. For serious zoom needs and creative freedom, the Panasonic is hard to beat. For spontaneous travel with demanding physical durability, Olympus’s TG-860 is a unique contender.

Spec Snapshot for Quick Reference

In closing, these cameras illustrate how varied the compact and small-sensor superzoom world is - tradeoffs abound between ruggedness, zoom range, image control, and portability. Spending hours with each, I appreciate both for their own merits depending on your use case. The key is matching features honestly with your shooting style to get the maximum enjoyment and image quality.

Happy shooting - may your next camera feel like it was made just for you!