Olympus TG-810 vs Panasonic ZS80

Olympus TG-810 vs. Panasonic Lumix ZS80: A Deep Dive into Compact Camera Choices

When it comes to choosing a compact camera that fits your lifestyle - whether rugged outdoor adventures or versatile travel shooting - the Olympus TG-810 and Panasonic Lumix ZS80 stand out from very different eras and design philosophies. On one hand, the Olympus TG-810 (launched in 2011) is a rugged, waterproof tough camera built for extreme conditions. On the other, the Panasonic ZS80 (introduced in 2018) is a feature-packed small-sensor superzoom aimed at versatility and image quality, catering to travelers and enthusiasts craving zoom reach and 4K video.

I’ve spent countless hours testing cameras of all stripes, including hands-on time with both these models, so let me unpack how they compare across key domains - image quality, autofocus, usability, build, and real-world performance - to help you make the right decision for your photography goals.

First Impressions: Ergonomics and Design Essentials

Before diving into specs and performance, feel the cameras in your hand - it’s critical. The Olympus TG-810 is a compact but rugged beast, designed to withstand water, dust, shocks, and cold - dimensions of 100 x 65 x 26mm and a featherweight 215g make it pocket-friendly but very robust. In contrast, the Panasonic ZS80 is bulkier at 112 x 69 x 42mm and 327g, reflecting its bigger zoom lens and more complex features.

See how the TG-810's slimmer profile may appeal if packability and durability top your list; meanwhile, the ZS80’s somewhat larger frame provides more control real estate and a more substantial grip.

Looking from above, the Panasonic offers a more traditional compact camera layout with dedicated dials and a mode selector, while the Olympus keeps it simple, emphasizing waterproof sealing over direct tactile refinement.

Personally, I lean toward Panasonic for longer shooting sessions - the control layout is intuitive with a touchscreen and an electronic viewfinder that you’ll appreciate under bright light. The TG-810, however, is brilliant when conditions get messy or risky - rain, pools, mountain hikes - where ruggedness matters most.

Sensor and Image Quality: What’s Under the Hood?

Both cameras use a small 1/2.3” sensor measuring about 6.17 x 4.55 mm, typical for compact zoom cameras, but with a significant difference in resolution and sensor tech.

The Olympus TG-810’s 14-megapixel CCD sensor is tried and tested but aging, known for generally good color but limited high ISO performance and dynamic range. CCD technology tends to struggle more in low light, with noise creeping in and a narrower dynamic range compared to modern CMOS.

The Lumix ZS80 boasts a 20-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, which stands out due to better noise handling and dynamic range, thanks to back-illuminated tech. This means crisper detail retention in shadows and highlights, and cleaner images at higher ISOs up to 3200 native and boostable to 6400.

On resolution alone, the ZS80’s sensor spat out 5184 x 3888 JPEG and RAW files (yes, RAW support here), letting you flexibly edit in post - a big plus for anyone serious about image control. The TG-810 sticks to JPEG, no RAW capability, which certainly limits raw editing potential.

Image samples from both cameras reveal the ZS80’s edge in overall sharpness, texture reproduction, and dynamic range, particularly in well-lit scenes but markedly so in tricky lighting.

Olympus TG 810 front Olympus TG 810 screen back Panasonic ZS80 front Panasonic ZS80 screen back

If your priority is top-notch image quality in a tiny pocket superzoom, ZS80 wins. Yet, for quick snapshots in tough environments, TG-810's sensor remains serviceable.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Keeping Your Subject Sharp

Autofocus systems can make or break a shooting experience. The Olympus TG-810 uses a contrast-detection AF with face detection, but lacking phase detection or detailed AF point info, autofocus is relatively slow and best for static subjects. Continuous AF and burst shooting max at a snail pace of 1 fps - hardly sports or wildlife level.

The Panasonic ZS80 steps up with contrast-detection autofocus complemented by advanced face and eye detection, selectable AF areas, and manual focus options. Importantly, it delivers 10 fps continuous shooting, useful for capturing action sequences or fleeting street moments.

In practical use, during wildlife shoots or kids on the move, the TG-810 requires patience and good timing. The ZS80, with its faster acquisition and tracking, holds focus quicker, making it more reliable for dynamic scenes.

Display and Viewfinder: How You See Your Shots Matters

The Olympus TG-810 offers a fixed 3.0-inch TFT Hypercrystal LCD with a 920k-dot resolution but no touchscreen or articulating mechanism. It's bright and fairly visible in daylight but not exceptional in flexibility or interactivity.

Panasonic’s ZS80 embraces a 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen with 1040k-dot resolution, plus a sharp electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.33 million dots, a 0.53x magnification, and full coverage. The EVF is especially valuable for bright outdoor use where LCD glare is a problem.

For spontaneously composing in bright sun or low light, the ZS80’s EVF and touchscreen provide great compositional versatility and focus control. The TG-810’s lack of these means you might struggle aiming precisely in some conditions.

Toughness and Build: Ready for Adventure or Everyday Shooting?

Where the Olympus TG-810 truly shines is its rugged specs. Waterproof down to 10m, dustproof, shockproof from 2m drops, freezeproof to -10°C - this camera was made for real adventure. It even includes built-in GPS and sensor-shift image stabilization to help steady handheld shots in rough conditions.

Conversely, the Panasonic ZS80 has no official environmental sealing - it’s a delicate instrument better suited to fair weather or careful use. It compensates with impressive optical image stabilization and focus features, but you’ll want to think twice about exposing it to sand, water, or rough terrain.

Those shooting in unpredictable climates, trail hiking, or poolside will appreciate the TG-810’s protective armor. For urban travelers or vacationers with care, the Panasonic offers more advanced features but demands gentler handling.

Lens Flexibility: Zoom Ranges and Aperture Realities

A key distinction lies in zoom range and aperture - the TG-810 offers a 28-140mm equivalent (5x) f/3.9-5.9 zoom lens, whereas the Panasonic ZS80 boasts a commanding 24-720mm (30x) f/3.3-6.4 lens.

For landscapes or portraits, the TG-810’s modest zoom suffices but is outclassed when pixel-peeping or requiring telephoto reach. The ZS80 excels at wildlife or distant subjects, putting you closer without a hefty telephoto lens.

Macro capabilities are nearly identical in minimum focus distance at 3 cm, but the ZS80 includes focus stacking and bracketing - advanced focus management tools not possible on the TG-810.

Video Shooting: From Casual Clips to 4K Footage

Video is an area where the Panasonic ZS80 leaps ahead. It supports 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 30 fps, along with Full HD 60p video - crisp, smooth, and versatile for vlogging or travel films. The camera also offers 4K photo mode, letting you extract high-resolution stills from video footage.

The Olympus TG-810, dating back to 2011, maxes out at 720p HD video at 30 fps - serviceable for casual clips, but not competitive in today’s video landscape. No microphone input or headphone jack on either, but the Panasonic's higher video specs and touchscreen controls make it the preferable choice if video matters.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

The TG-810 uses an Olympus LI-50B battery delivering about 220 shots per charge, quite limited by today’s standards. The Panasonic ZS80, with a larger battery pack, shoots approximately 380 shots per charge - a significant improvement for all-day use.

Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, but only the ZS80 supports faster UHS-I cards for quicker write speeds - helpful when shooting 4K video or rapid bursts.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless and GPS

Olympus built GPS directly into the TG-810, ideal for geotagging outdoor adventures without extra devices. Wireless connectivity is limited to Eye-Fi card compatibility (which is now largely legacy tech).

ZS80 features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling seamless image transfer and remote control on smartphones - invaluable for social sharing and quick backups.

Putting It All Together: Performance Ratings and Genre Suitability

Assessing all factors, the overall performance naturally aligns with intended user priorities.

For ruggedness, travel versatility, image quality, and autofocus speed, the Panasonic ZS80 rates higher, especially in video, zoom reach, and usability.

The Olympus TG-810 rates best in durability, weather resistance, shockproof credentials, and ease of use under adverse conditions.

Here’s a breakdown by photography type, capturing where each camera shines:

• Portraits: ZS80’s higher resolution, face and eye detection, and RAW support produce superior skin tone rendering and bokeh control.
• Landscape: Both cameras do well; ZS80’s higher resolution and dynamic range offer an edge; however, TG-810’s ruggedness lets you shoot where others can't.
• Wildlife & Sports: ZS80’s 30x zoom and 10 fps burst outclass TG-810’s limited 5x zoom and slow 1 fps.
• Street: ZS80’s compact size and quick AF are preferable, but the TG-810’s discreet design is decent.
• Macro: ZS80’s focus stacking is a unique advantage, though both handle close-focus similarly.
• Night/Astro: ZS80’s higher ISO and manual exposure modes give it an advantage.
• Video: ZS80 clearly superior with 4K, 60p, and 4K photo modes.
• Travel: ZS80’s zoom, touchscreen, Wi-Fi, and battery life better suited for varied shooting.
• Professional Use: ZS80 edges ahead with RAW capture and advanced controls, but neither matches interchangeable-lens systems.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Olympus TG-810 if:

• You need a tough, waterproof camera for adventure, underwater, or extreme conditions.
• You prioritize durability and survivability over image quality and features.
• You want a simple point-and-shoot without fuss or manual controls.
• You value GPS for geotagging hikes and outdoor trips.
• Your budget aligns with purchasing a rugged camera slightly cheaper and older.

Pick the Panasonic Lumix ZS80 if:

• You want a versatile, compact travel camera with excellent zoom reach.
• Image quality, RAW support, and tailored autofocus are important to you.
• You're interested in vlogging or capturing high-quality 4K video.
• You prioritize a flexible user interface with touchscreen and EVF.
• You’re comfortable with handling a camera that demands a bit more care, away from harsh environments.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Cameras for Distinct Users

Both Olympus TG-810 and Panasonic ZS80 excel in their respective niches but cater to very different photography demands and shooting environments.

The TG-810 stands as a testament to ruggedness from an earlier generation of compacts - perfect for adrenaline-fueled explorers wanting reliable images from harsh terrain, waterproof pools, or freezing mountain tops. Its limitations in speed, IQ, and video rendering reflect its design focus.

The ZS80 embodies compact zoom versatility with an emphasis on image quality, feature richness, and usability - an ideal companion for travel photographers, street shooters, and casual video enthusiasts. Its relatively fragile nature and absence of weather sealing require mindful handling.

For me, as a seasoned camera tester, choosing between these two boils down to: What’s your priority - survival or sophistication? The old rugged Olympus will never let you down in a downpour; the Panasonic opens more creative doors, but you pay for that in fragility.

If you want to explore further, check detailed real-world shooting comparisons and hands-on testing notes in my video review series linked above - seeing these cameras in action truly brings out their strengths and quirks.

Choosing your camera is about matching tool to task - and I hope this detailed comparison steers you true. Happy shooting!