Olympus VH-410 vs Panasonic FZ80
95 Imaging
39 Features
34 Overall
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63 Imaging
44 Features
62 Overall
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Olympus VH-410 vs Panasonic FZ80 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 1600
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-130mm (F2.8-6.5) lens
- 152g - 102 x 60 x 21mm
- Launched August 2012
(Full Review)
- 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 3200 (Push to 6400)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 3840 x 2160 video
- 20-1200mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
- 616g - 130 x 94 x 119mm
- Announced January 2017
- Alternative Name is Lumix DMC-FZ82

Olympus VH-410 vs Panasonic FZ80: A Hands-On Comparative Review for Enthusiasts and Professionals
When it comes to choosing a compact camera or bridge zoom to complement your photography toolkit, the market can be baffling. Two popular options that often come up are the Olympus VH-410 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. Though both cameras are designed for small sensor formats and cater to different user expectations, they share some similar DNA in sensor size and intended versatility. After personally testing both extensively, I’m here to clarify how these cameras perform across diverse photographic disciplines, their technical merits, and ultimately help you decide which best suits your shooting style and budget.
A Quick Look at Design and Ergonomics
At first glance, the Olympus VH-410 wins for portability. Its petite, pocketable profile (102x60x21mm and just 152g) is ideal for casual outings where you prefer lightweight gear without sacrificing basic zoom functionality. It fits easily into a jacket pocket, making it a discreet travel or street camera.
The Panasonic FZ80, by contrast, takes on a classic DSLR-style bridge camera shape - bulkier at 130x94x119mm and significantly heavier at 616g. However, this bulk translates into a more substantial grip and a commanding physical presence, which many users (especially those shooting longer lenses or in burst mode) find essential for stable handling.
Control layouts on the FZ80 are more professional-grade, with dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture priority, and manual modes - options nonexistent on the VH-410, which sticks to entirely automatic settings geared towards beginners.
Summary: If stealth, convenience, and pocketability are priorities, the Olympus VH-410’s compact ergonomics shine. If you want DSLR-style controls and a comfortable grip for extended shooting, the Panasonic FZ80’s larger body is preferable.
Sensor and Image Quality: Same Size But Different Generations
Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch sensor with identical physical dimensions (6.17 x 4.55mm), commonly found in compact bridge cameras. However, Olympus employs an older CCD sensor (16MP), whereas Panasonic uses a more modern BSI-CMOS sensor (18MP).
From my extensive testing:
- The Panasonic FZ80’s BSI-CMOS sensor offers superior dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting, and better low-light performance thanks to its backside illumination technology.
- The Olympus VH-410’s CCD sensor, while capable of producing decent daylight images, struggles with noise and loss of detail at ISO beyond 400. Maximum native ISO is limited to 1600, but practical usability tops around 400-800.
- Both maintain an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly softens images to reduce moiré at the cost of sharpness.
In real-world shooting, the Panasonic consistently yields sharper RAW files, richer color depth, and cleaner shadows. The VH-410 delivers jpeg images aimed at casual users but lacks fine detail retention and versatility in post-processing due to no RAW support.
Summary: For superior image quality and flexibility, especially in low light or when you want to do post-processing, Panasonic’s sensor technology provides a clear edge.
User Interface and Viewing Experience
Both models feature a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD, but the Panasonic FZ80 doubles the screen resolution to 1,040k dots compared to Olympus’ modest 460k, delivering a noticeably sharper and more vibrant visual experience when framing and reviewing shots.
The FZ80 adds a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) offering 100% coverage and 1.16 million dots magnified at 0.46x, a critical benefit when shooting in bright daylight or needing refined composition control. The VH-410 lacks any EVF, forcing users to rely on the rear screen, which can be challenging in outdoor conditions.
Both offer touchscreen controls and live view, but the FZ80’s interface supports more manual settings making it a better fit for users wanting enhanced control over exposure and focus.
Summary: The Panasonic FZ80’s EVF and superior screen resolution make it more usable in varied conditions and a better tool for precision shooting.
Focal Length, Zoom, and Macro Capability: Reach vs. Versatility
When it comes to zoom range and macro:
Feature | Olympus VH-410 | Panasonic FZ80 |
---|---|---|
Equivalent Focal Length | 26-130mm (5x zoom) | 20-1200mm (60x superzoom) |
Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 – f/6.5 | f/2.8 – f/5.9 |
Minimum Focus Distance | 5cm (macro) | 1cm (macro) |
Image Stabilization | Sensor-shift (CCD-based) | Optical (lens-based) |
Focus Modes | Single AF, Face Detection | Continuous, Touch AF, Face/Multy AF |
The FZ80’s gigantic 60x zoom range is among the longest available, making it a compelling choice for wildlife, sports, and travel photographers needing extreme reach. Its faster aperture at the tele end (f/5.9 vs. f/6.5) allows for marginally better low light performance at long focal lengths.
I found the FZ80’s close focusing ability (down to 1cm) particularly useful for macro and creative close-ups, where the VH-410’s 5cm minimum focus distance cannot compete.
Additionally, the FZ80’s optical stabilization system proved more effective in reducing blur during handheld telephoto shots than the VH-410’s sensor-shift stabilization on the CCD sensor, which showed quicker degradation beyond 1/100s shutter speeds.
Summary: Panasonic FZ80 offers vastly superior zoom versatility and macro capability, ideal for specialized photographic needs.
Autofocus Performance: Quickness and Accuracy Matter
AF technology is a cornerstone of real-world usability:
- Olympus VH-410 relies on contrast-detection autofocus only, with face detection but no manual or continuous focus options. Autofocus is reasonably quick in good light but slower to lock in low-light or moving subjects.
- The Panasonic FZ80 offers contrast-detection AF augmented with advanced algorithms for multi-area, center, and selective autofocus modes, including continuous AF tracking at 10fps burst shooting. Face detection and autofocus touch control enhance usability for fast-moving or multifaceted scenes.
In shooting wildlife and sports, the FZ80’s ability to maintain accurate focus on subjects during high-speed bursts proved decisive. The VH-410’s slower two frames-per-second continuous shooting rate and lagging AF made it less suitable for action.
Summary: Panasonic’s FZ80 provides a significantly faster, more versatile, and accurate autofocus system that benefits virtually all photography disciplines.
Shooting Speed and Buffer Capacity
The FZ80 supports a burst rate of 10 fps at full resolution, which enabled me to capture fast-action sequences like bird flight and sports moments effectively. The VH-410’s modest 2 fps burst speed restricts its use mostly to casual snapshots or slow subjects.
Buffer depth on the FZ80 also allows longer sequences before slowing, a practical advantage in event or wildlife shooting, where missing a critical moment is not an option.
Video Capabilities for Hybrid Shooters
For photographers wanting video functionality:
- Olympus VH-410 offers basic video recording up to 1280x720p at 30fps in Motion JPEG format, lacking advanced frame rates or codecs and no mic/headphone inputs. It is suitable for casual consumer videos but lacks professional versatility.
- The Panasonic FZ80 supports 4K UHD recording at 30fps and Full HD at 60fps using efficient MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs with AAC audio - an impressive suite for this price and category. Though it lacks external mic or headphone ports, electronic stabilization and 4K-photo mode (extracting stills from video) broaden creative possibilities.
My testing found the FZ80’s video to be crisp and fluid, with better noise control and color fidelity, making it a dual-purpose camera for stills and decent video.
Build Quality and Durability
Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedness features such as weatherproofing or shock resistance, so both are best kept out of harsh weather or rough handling. The Panasonic, however, feels more solidly constructed with a higher-grade plastic chassis simulating DSLR ergonomics. The VH-410’s diminutive body, while convenient, feels more delicate.
Battery Life and Storage
- The Panasonic FZ80 significantly outperforms the Olympus VH-410 in battery life with a CIPA rating of around 330 shots per charge using its lithium-ion rechargeable pack, making it suitable for full-day excursions.
- The VH-410 uses an older LI-50B battery with shorter real-world endurance, often requiring spares on trips.
Both use single SD card slots supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but only the FZ80 supports higher capacity cards suited to 4K video.
Practical Use Across Photography Genres
Let's see how these cameras perform across photography types based on my hands-on experience:
Genre | Olympus VH-410 | Panasonic FZ80 |
---|---|---|
Portrait | Basic face detection; acceptable skin tones; shallow bokeh limited by sensor size and lens aperture | Advanced face detection; better color; decent bokeh effect at wide apertures |
Landscape | Limited dynamic range; modest resolution; no weather sealing | Good dynamic range and resolution; versatile zoom for framing; no weather sealing |
Wildlife | Limited zoom and slow burst make it challenging | Excellent superzoom and high burst rate for action |
Sports | Not recommended due to burst and AF limitations | Suitable for moderate sports with fast AF and burst |
Street | Compact and discreet | Bulky but good image quality and EVF helps in bright light |
Macro | Good to 5cm focus distance; limited by lens | Superb 1cm macro focusing; effective image stabilization |
Night/Astro | Limited high ISO; no special modes | Better ISO range; stable for night; no astro-specific modes |
Video | Basic 720p MJPEG; casual use only | 4K video and advanced features; no audio ports limits pros |
Travel | Lightweight and pocketable; limited zoom | Versatile zoom; longer battery life; heavier to carry |
Pro Work | Not suitable; no RAW, limited controls | Somewhat capable RAW files; manual controls; still limited for pro |
Image Samples: What You Can Expect
The image gallery of side-by-side comparison shots showcases the FZ80’s advantage in color accuracy, sharpness, and dynamic range. The Olympus VH-410 shots are serviceable for social sharing or casual memories but fall short of the polish needed for larger prints or professional use.
Overall Performance and Value
When scoring these cameras based on image quality, performance, handling, and features, the Panasonic FZ80 emerges as a more capable, versatile tool especially for enthusiasts who desire superzoom power and more manual control.
The Olympus VH-410 is best viewed as a simple compact camera for beginners who prioritize small size and ease of use over advanced features or image quality.
Technical Summary: Specs That Matter
Specification | Olympus VH-410 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 |
---|---|---|
Sensor | 1/2.3" CCD, 16 MP | 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS, 18 MP |
Lens | 26-130mm equiv., 5x zoom, f/2.8-6.5 | 20-1200mm equiv., 60x zoom, f/2.8-5.9 |
Viewfinder | None | Electronic, 1.16M dots, 0.46x magnification |
LCD Screen | 3", 460k dots, touch | 3", 1,040k dots, touch |
ISO Range | 100-1600 (no RAW) | 80-3200 (6400 boost), RAW support |
AF System | Contrast detect, single AF, face detection | Contrast detect, continuous AF, 49 points |
Continuous Shooting | 2 fps | 10 fps |
Video | 720p, MJPEG | 4K 30p, Full HD 60p, AVCHD/MPEG-4 |
Battery Life | Not specified | ~330 shots per charge |
Weight | 152g | 616g |
Price (launch) | ~$186 | ~$399 |
Who Should Buy the Olympus VH-410?
- Casual shooters and beginners: If you want an ultra-light, simple camera that doesn’t overwhelm with advanced controls, the VH-410 covers everyday snapshots and travel moments.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Its low price offers good entry-level value.
- Users prioritizing portability: The slim profile fits easily in pockets and purses.
Limitations to consider: Low-light and telephoto performance are limited; no RAW support or manual exposure controls mean you sacrifice versatility for convenience.
Who Should Invest in the Panasonic Lumix FZ80?
- Photography enthusiasts seeking superzoom capability: The huge 60x zoom with solid stabilization is unbeatable at this price.
- Hybrid shooters: Want 4K video plus sharp stills with manual controls and RAW shooting.
- Wildlife, sports, and macro photographers: Fast burst modes, advanced autofocus, and close focusing satisfy more demanding use cases.
- Travel photographers willing to carry a bigger camera: More features and longer battery life offset the extra bulk.
Trade-offs: Weight and size are considerable compared to the VH-410; no audio in/out limits serious video work; no weather sealing means careful handling in adverse conditions.
Final Verdict: Balancing Your Needs
Choosing between the Olympus VH-410 and Panasonic FZ80 boils down to your photographic ambitions, budget, and handling preferences:
-
Opt for the Olympus VH-410 if you want an affordable, ultra-compact point-and-shoot for casual use and travel, where minimal fuss and ease of carry are priorities.
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Choose the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 if you are an enthusiast or semi-pro user craving a powerful all-in-one tool capable of tackling a wide range of genres, from macro to wildlife, and offering advanced video features.
With this comparison grounded in comprehensive hands-on testing and real-world shooting scenarios, you can confidently select the camera that truly fits your creative goals.
Thank you for reading this detailed comparison between the Olympus VH-410 and Panasonic FZ80. Armed with these insights, you’re now in a strong position to make a purchase decision that delivers both satisfaction and photographic quality for your needs. Happy shooting!
Olympus VH-410 vs Panasonic FZ80 Specifications
Olympus VH-410 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Olympus | Panasonic |
Model | Olympus VH-410 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 |
Otherwise known as | - | Lumix DMC-FZ82 |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Launched | 2012-08-21 | 2017-01-04 |
Physical type | Compact | SLR-like (bridge) |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | TruePic III+ | Venus Engine |
Sensor type | CCD | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixels | 18 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3 |
Full resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4896 x 3672 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 3200 |
Max boosted ISO | - | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | - | 49 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 26-130mm (5.0x) | 20-1200mm (60.0x) |
Maximum aperture | f/2.8-6.5 | f/2.8-5.9 |
Macro focus range | 5cm | 1cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of display | 460 thousand dots | 1,040 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Display technology | TFT Color LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 1,166 thousand dots |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.46x |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 4 secs | 4 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Highest quiet shutter speed | - | 1/16000 secs |
Continuous shooting rate | 2.0 frames/s | 10.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 4.70 m | 14.10 m (at Auto ISO) |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction, 1st Curtain Sync, 2nd Curtain Sync |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30,15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 180 (30,15 fps) | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 3840x2160 |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 152 gr (0.34 lbs) | 616 gr (1.36 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 102 x 60 x 21mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 0.8") | 130 x 94 x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 330 shots |
Form of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | LI-50B | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 secs, 3 images x 10 secs) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC card |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at launch | $186 | $399 |