Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic ZS80

Following is a extensive assessment of the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic ZS80, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and ZS80 (20MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and ZS80 (1/2.3") offer different sensor measurements.

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The XZ-1 was launched 8 years before the ZS80 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise overview of how the XZ-1 grades versus the ZS80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-1 features exterior dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS80 has sizing of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") having a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

See the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic ZS80 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the XZ-1 and the ZS80.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and ZS80 is 88 and 86 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizes purely by looking through technical specs. The picture underneath may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-1 and ZS80.

As you have seen, both of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The XZ-1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic ZS80 will result in extra detail utilizing its extra 10MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more aged XZ-1 will be behind in sensor tech.