Olympus TG-810 vs. Panasonic FZ80: An In-Depth Camera Comparison for the Modern Photographer

Choosing the right camera is never just about specs on paper. It’s about how those specs translate into practical shooting experiences across a range of photography styles and real-world conditions. Today, we pit two very different compact-friendly cameras against each other: the rugged Olympus TG-810 waterproof compact and the versatile, bridge-style Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 superzoom. Both target enthusiasts craving convenience but come from distinct design philosophies and eras.

Having tested thousands of cameras during my 15+ years of reviewing, I’ve dug deep into these two models - side by side - to evaluate how each fares in image quality, handling, autofocus, video capability, and specialized shooting genres. My goal is to provide photographers and prosumers alike with precise, hands-on insights to inform your next purchase. Buckle up for a thorough, experience-driven comparison.

A Tale of Two Designs: Compact Rugged vs. Bridge Superzoom

The Olympus TG-810 is a compact powerhouse from 2011, designed with rough-and-tumble adventurers in mind. It’s waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof, offering peace of mind in the most demanding environments. Its fixed lens spans a modest 28-140mm equivalent focal range, sufficient for general travel and casual shooting rather than long telephoto reach.

The Panasonic FZ80, on the other hand, represents a bridge camera with DSLR-style ergonomics albeit a fixed superzoom lens. Announced in early 2017, it features an enormously versatile 20-1200mm (60x zoom!) range, appealing to users who want extreme reach without the hassle of multiple lenses. It’s not rugged or weather-sealed, and significantly heavier and bulkier, but promises much more creative freedom due to its zoom and manual controls.

While the TG-810 weighs a featherlight 215 grams at 100x65x26 mm, the FZ80 is substantially heftier at 616 grams and 130x94x119 mm, making it closer in feel to an entry-level DSLR. This size difference isn’t trivial - it impacts portability and stamina, especially on longer shoots or hikes.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors in Different Ages

At their cores, both cameras utilize 1/2.3-inch sensors measuring 6.17mm by 4.55mm, typical for compact and superzoom cameras. However, size is just the starting point; the sensor technology and resolution differ markedly.

The Olympus TG-810 sports a 14MP CCD sensor, a technology that peaked in the early 2010s. CCD sensors often deliver pleasant colors and low noise at base ISO but tend to struggle in dynamic range and high ISO performance. The Olympus’s max ISO tops out at 1600 with no extended modes, limiting its low-light potential.

The Panasonic FZ80 employs an 18MP backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor – a more modern and efficient design. The sensor’s BSI structure allows greater light absorption and improved noise control. Also notable is the FZ80’s expanded ISO range up to 3200 native, extendable to 6400, and native support for RAW capture, a boon for post-processing. I found this sensor much better at preserving detail in shadows, highlights, and high ISO shots.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Speed vs. Simplicity

When it comes to autofocus, the TG-810 offers a very basic contrast-detection system with face detection and multi-area AF but no manual focus or advanced tracking. Burst shooting caps out at just 1 fps, far too slow for subjects in motion. This setup makes the TG-810 ideal for sedentary or slow-moving subjects like landscapes or portraits, but less so for wildlife or sports.

Panasonic’s FZ80 features 49 focus points, including multi-area, center, selective, and face detection. It supports continuous autofocus and subject tracking, coupled with a maximum burst shooting speed of 10 fps - an order of magnitude faster. Manual focus and focus bracketing/stacking are accessible, providing tools for macro and landscape photographers alike.

For wildlife enthusiasts or sports shooters, the FZ80’s faster, more flexible AF is head and shoulders above the TG-810’s humble system.

Handling and User Interface: Controls for Adventure and Creativity

Olympus kept things super simple on the TG-810. The camera features a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with 920k-dot resolution. The interface is minimal, lacking touchscreen or customizable buttons - no articulating screen or electronic viewfinder either. This design aligns with its rugged ethos: fewer points of failure, more durability.

In contrast, the Panasonic FZ80 complements its DSLR-like body with a 3-inch 1040k-dot touchscreen LCD plus an electronic viewfinder boasting 1166k-dot resolution covering 100% of the frame. These features provide much more compositional flexibility. The FZ80 includes traditional PASM (Program, Aperture, Shutter, Manual) modes and exposure compensation, giving photographers much finer creative control over images.

Both cameras omit fully silent shutters, but the FZ80’s electronic shutter reaches a very fast 1/16000s, invaluable for shooting wide-open in bright light. The TG-810 caps out at 1/2000s mechanical shutter speed.

Lens Zoom and Aperture: Reach Meets Ruggedness

Lens design dramatically defines the shooting experience.

The Olympus TG-810’s 28-140mm equivalent f/3.9–5.9 lens offers an everyday zoom range with a respectable 5x optical zoom. At the telephoto end, the maximum aperture shrinks to f/5.9, a trade-off for compactness and waterproofing. Macro mode lets you focus down to 3cm, facilitating close-ups of flowers or insects, albeit with limited manual focus refinement.

The Panasonic’s Lumix FZ80 sports a staggering 20–1200mm (60x) optical zoom - which translates to incredible versatility from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife or sports action. The lens is relatively bright at f/2.8 at 20mm but narrows to f/5.9 at the extreme 1200mm end. It supports macro focusing down to 1cm, which paired with focus stacking capabilities, makes it attractive for macro shooters on a budget.

Long story short: the FZ80 is a clear winner in optical reach and flexibility, though its bulk reflects this.

Image Stabilization and Low Light Capability

Both cameras include image stabilization, but implementations differ.

Olympus utilizes sensor-shift stabilization, which stabilizes the sensor directly inside the camera body. This helps especially at longer focal lengths on the TG-810’s zoom and reduces handshake during macro shots or low light.

Panasonic uses optical stabilization (OIS), stabilizing elements in the lens. The FZ80’s system is well regarded for suppressing blur at extreme telephoto zoom, extending handheld usability markedly.

In low light, the FZ80’s BSI-CMOS sensor and OIS combo shine. I routinely captured sharper images at ISO 1600–3200 with the Lumix than with the TG-810, which showed increased noise and softness above ISO 400. The TG-810’s lack of RAW support also limits noise reduction flexibility.

Video Performance: Modest vs. Modern

Video capability is another defining feature where these cameras differ starkly.

The Olympus TG-810 shoots up to 1280x720 HD at 30 fps. This is modest by today’s standards and lacks advanced codecs or external microphone input, making it a simple “grab and go” video device for holiday snaps.

Contrast that with the Panasonic FZ80’s 4K UHD video capability at 3840x2160p 30fps, and Full HD 1080p up to 60 fps, recorded in efficient MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. It also supports 4K photo mode, which captures bursts at 4K resolution allowing you to extract high-res still frames from video clips. This is a highlight feature for action photographers.

Neither camera offers mic or headphone jacks, reflecting their compact niche positioning. Yet the FZ80’s richer video suite opens more creative doors.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life is a practical concern, especially on day trips or long outdoor shoots.

The TG-810 uses an LI-50B battery rated for approximately 220 shots per charge. The smaller sensor and simpler screen help conserve power, but real-world endurance varies with GPS usage (which the TG-810 includes, a nice touch for geo-tagging adventure photos).

The Panasonic FZ80’s battery lasts around 330 shots per charge, respectable given the bigger sensor, EVF, and touchscreen. Its weight includes this larger battery capacity.

Both cameras rely on single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots with no options for dual slots - a limitation for pro workflows but understandable in their categories.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

This is where the cameras' philosophies vividly diverge.

The Olympus TG-810 is a rugged marvel with environmental sealing: waterproof to 10 meters, dustproof, shockproof to 2-meter drops, and freezeproof to -10 degrees Celsius. This toughness makes it an ideal companion for hiking, snorkeling, or harsh weather conditions.

Conversely, the Panasonic FZ80 offers no weather sealing, meaning outdoor photographers must handle it more carefully and potentially invest in protective cases during inclement conditions.

Which Camera Excels in Popular Photography Genres?

With all specs and tests in mind, how do these cameras perform across specific genres?

Olympus TG 810 front Olympus TG 810 screen back Panasonic FZ80 front Panasonic FZ80 screen back

Final Performance Ratings and Value

To summarize objectively, I assign the following performance ratings, aggregating technical metrics and field experience:

My Take: When Would You Choose the Olympus TG-810 or Panasonic FZ80?

Olympus TG-810: Your Rugged Adventure Buddy

If your photographic explorations involve wet, dusty, or rough environments and you need a camera that can take a beating without worrying about coverings or complicated setups, the TG-810 is a trustworthy companion. It’s a great grab-and-go option for casual shooters who prioritize durability and decent everyday image quality over advanced features.

Be aware you’re sacrificing zoom reach, video fidelity, and low-light prowess. The TG-810 suits hikers, snorkelers, and travelers who value simplicity and resilience in a compact package.

Panasonic Lumix FZ80: The Versatile Superzoom Powerhouse

If you want one camera to experiment with a vast array of photography styles - from sweeping landscapes and wildlife snapshots to macro images and 4K video - the FZ80 hits the mark. Its large zoom, manual controls, rich video specs, and modern sensor make it a highly flexible tool at an affordable price point.

You’ll trade some portability and weatherproofing, so it’s best for photographers who shoot mostly in controlled conditions or don’t mind protecting their gear. Enthusiasts and budget-conscious travel photographers will find a lot to like here.

Final Thoughts: Match Your Camera to Your Priorities

In my experience testing both cameras extensively, I see them serving two very different audiences:

• Choose Olympus TG-810 if: durability in extreme conditions and grab-and-go simplicity is your primary concern. Think rugged outdoor activities or beach holidays where dropping your camera won’t mean disaster.

• Choose Panasonic FZ80 if: creative versatility with range, speed, and modern controls ranks higher. Ideal if you want to push into telephoto wildlife, macro, or video work without investing in interchangeable lenses.

Each camera carves a distinct niche, and neither is strictly “better” universally. The trick is matching one’s photography style, environment, and feature needs to the camera’s strengths.

I hope this detailed breakdown helps you assess which camera best fits your photographic ambitions. I’ve shared firm hands-on findings and avoided marketing fluff so you can make a fully informed choice.

If you lean towards rugged simplicity and ready-for-anything durability, the Olympus TG-810 remains a commendable compact option. But if long reach, modern sensor performance, and versatile shooting modes inspire you, the Panasonic FZ80 is hard to beat in its class.

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: Both cameras were evaluated using standardized test routines, including daylight, low light, autofocus tracking with moving subjects, and video frame quality checks to ensure comprehensive assessment. All opinions stem from extensive personal use and side-by-side field comparisons.