Panasonic LX100 II vs Panasonic ZS80: Hands-On Comparison from an Experienced Lensman’s Desk

Choosing the right camera often boils down to understanding subtle but crucial trade-offs that separate models - it’s rarely about chasing specs alone. As a photographer who's personally tested thousands of cameras across genres, I’m here to cut through marketing fluff and zero in on what really matters in everyday shooting situations. Today, we're diving deep into two Panasonic compacts from 2018 with very different design priorities: the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II and the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 (a.k.a. Lumix DC-TZ95). Both are pocketable and capable, but their contrasting sensor sizes, zoom ranges, and ergonomics mean they serve distinct photographic ambitions.

By the end, you’ll have a clear idea which camera fits your style, budget, and shooting requirements - whether you crave image quality, telephoto reach, or versatile travel-friendly convenience.

First Things First: Size, Feel & Handling in the Hand

Before we get to pixels and autofocus, handling matters. You want a camera that invites you to shoot, not one that feels like a complicated puzzle or awkward club for thumbs.

The LX100 II is a large sensor compact designed with a heftier, more DSLR-like grip. It measures 115 x 66 x 64 mm and weighs around 392g. That feels substantial yet manageable, imparting confidence for deliberate shooting. Its magnesium alloy body, inherited from the original LX100, has subtle textured surfaces that encourage a secure grip. Buttons and dials have good travel, providing tactile feedback - ideal for manual adjustments, something I always appreciate during fast-changing light or creative sessions.

On the other hand, the ZS80 is a small sensor superzoom and noticeably smaller at 112 x 69 x 42 mm, tipping the scales lighter at 327g. It’s extremely pocket-friendly - almost “invisible” to carry - and perfect for photographers who want maximum telephoto reach without lugging heavy glass. However, due to the elongated zoom barrel, it offers less robust grip and smaller buttons that some may find fiddly over extended shooting. For casual snaps and travel, though, it’s precisely the sort of compact convenience many crave.

In short: If your priority is ergonomic confidence and more physical controls, the LX100 II wins hands down. But those on the go or chasing distant subjects might prize the ZS80’s slim profile and zoom flexibility.

Design & Control Layout: The Photographer’s Playground

Peering down at the top plates - here’s where Panasonic’s design philosophies really diverge.

The LX100 II is a thoughtful playbook for experienced shooters. It features a prominent aperture ring on the lens barrel, a shutter speed dial on top, dedicated ISO dial, and exposure compensation dial. These “clubs for thumbs” allow rapid, eye-level setting changes without diving into menus - a luxury that speeds up shooting in decisive moments. An on/off switch wrapped around the mode dial rounds out the tactile experience. The electronic viewfinder’s eyepiece sits comfortably, with a generous magnification and crisp resolution (2.76M dots) that makes tracking your subject a true pleasure.

The ZS80, meanwhile, opts for streamlined portability. Instead of multiple dedicated dials, it’s mostly menu- and touchscreen-driven, supplemented by a mode dial and fewer physical buttons. Its tilt-angle touchscreen is useful for selfies or overhead street shots, as well as quick setting tweaks. The EVF is compact with a lower resolution (2.33M dots) and reduced magnification compared to LX100 II, making it functional but not quite as immersive.

If you’re accustomed to controlling exposure parameters without lifting your eye from the viewfinder, LX100 II’s controls feel professional-grade. Casual users or travel shooters migrating from smartphones might appreciate the intuitive touchscreen and compact layout of the ZS80.

Sensor Matter: Size, Resolution & Image Quality

Here’s where the story really widens. The Panasonic LX100 II employs a large Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3mm x 13mm (224.9mm² sensor area) at 17 megapixels - not huge resolution by modern standards but a sweet spot Panasonic hit for better light-gathering than typical compacts. This sizeable sensor size, roughly 4 times larger than the ZS80’s 1/2.3-inch sensor (6.17mm x 4.55mm, 28.07 mm²), yields several tangible perks:

• Improved low-light performance: Bigger pixels mean less noise at high ISOs.
• Greater dynamic range: Recover shadows and highlights better.
• Shallower depth of field (DoF): More subject separation and pleasing bokeh for portraits.
• Higher quality color depth and detail retention:

The ZS80’s smaller sensor packs 20 megapixels, giving higher nominal resolution. However, the tiny pixel pitch limits noise control at higher sensitivity settings, typically requiring ISO limitation at 3200 native (expandable to 6400). The sensor’s smaller size is what enables the staggering 30x optical zoom (24-720mm equivalent), an impossibility on the LX100 II’s format.

Taken together: If you prize rich image quality, especially for portraits, landscapes, or controlled lighting, the LX100 II clearly outperforms. But if you prioritize reach and versatility in a compact, the ZS80’s sensor is the necessary compromise.

Screens & Viewfinders: Composing & Reviewing Shots

Both cameras feature a 3-inch rear screen with touchscreen support, but with distinct styles.

• LX100 II: Fixed 1240k dot display, sharp and color-accurate, yet not articulated or touch-tilting - a minor inconvenience for awkward angles but manageable for thoughtful composition.
• ZS80: Tilting touchscreen, slightly lower resolution at 1040k dots, excellent for vlogging, street candids, or selfies. It supports touch AF and menu navigation, easing usability for novices or content creators.

Electronic viewfinders differ as well:

• LX100 II's EVF has 0.7x magnification and 2760k dot resolution, enveloping the scene beautifully with 100% coverage - truly pleasing to shoot through, especially under bright sunlight.
• ZS80's EVF is smaller, 0.53x magnified, and 2330k dots with 100% coverage - adequate but feels less immersive and sharp.

I personally favor the LX100 II’s viewfinder for critical framing situations, while the ZS80’s tilting screen is a notable advantage when shooting at unconventional angles or recording casual videos.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Speed, and Accuracy

Both cameras depend on contrast-detection autofocus since neither uses phase-detection points, which is expected given their compact design heritage.

The LX100 II boasts 49 focus points and multiple AF modes (single, continuous, tracking, face detection, touch AF). Its fast, accurate AF performance impressed me in daylight and controlled low-light conditions. Continuous AF tracking is stable for everyday moving subjects like people or pets but falls short on fast wildlife or sports.

Conversely, the ZS80, with an undisclosed number of AF points but similar AF modes, excels for quick framing thanks to its superzoom’s extensive reach. It’s surprisingly quick locking even at 720mm equivalent, though contrast AF means hunting occurs under poor light or low-contrast scenes. Tracking subjects at high speed remains challenging for both cameras.

Neither supports advanced animal eye AF, a bummer for wildlife shooters. In practice:

• For portraits and landscapes with moderate motion, both autofocus systems are competent.
• For fast wildlife or competitive sports, neither camera really fits the bill due to limited AF sophistication and buffer constraints.

Burst Shooting & Shutter Speeds: Catching the Action

Speed matters when you chase fleeting moments or action.

• LX100 II: Offers up to 11 fps continuous shooting with mechanical shutter speeds ranging from 1/1800s to 1/4000s, extended electronically to 1/16000s silent shutter.
• ZS80: Slightly lower burst rate at 10 fps, slower mechanical shutter ceiling at 1/2000s but matching electronic shutter speed at 1/16000s.

While respectable, neither camera is designed as a high-speed sports machine. The LX100 II’s slight lead in shutter max speed and buffer size means it will perform better for short bursts, especially in daylight.

Lens Versatility & Macro Capabilities

Comparing fixed lenses:

• LX100 II: A fast 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 zoom with a 3.1x range, ideal for portraits, street, and landscape. The bright lens lets in more light - crucial for shallow depth of field and low light. Minimum focus distance is 3cm, allowing decent macro shots.
• ZS80: A 24-720mm f/3.3-6.4 superzoom, covering ultra-wide to super-telephoto. Macro focus at 3cm as well but typically at the wide end. The slow aperture means less control over background blur and lower light challenges.

For macro enthusiasts, neither camera offers dedicated macro lenses, but both give close focusing options. Stabilization (optical on both) helps handholding at close distances.

Image Stabilization & Low Light Performance

Both have in-body optical stabilization:

• LX100 II’s stabilization combined with a fast lens aids handheld low-light shooting and video.
• ZS80’s stabilization counters the challenge of extreme telephoto reach.

Regarding ISO:

• LX100 II: Native ISO 200-25600, expandable down to 100. The larger sensor enables usable noise levels at ISO 3200 and sometimes beyond.
• ZS80: ISO 80-3200 native, expandable to 6400, but noise rises sharply above 1600 in my tests.

If night or astrophotography is your interest, the LX100 II’s superior noise profile gives a distinct advantage, as does its ability to bracket exposures.

Video Capabilities for Content Creators

Both support 4K UHD at 30p, with additional 1080p and 720p modes:

• LX100 II: 4K internal UHD at 30 fps, using H.264 codec at 100 Mbps. No external mic or headphone ports - a limitation for serious videographers. No joystick or dedicated video wheels but 4K photo mode for extracting images from video frames.
• ZS80: Slightly lower bitrate for 4K, similar codec. Includes a built-in flash useful for casual video lighting but also lacks audio I/O ports. The tilting screen makes vlogging in selfie mode easier.

Neither offers advanced video features like log profiles or high frame rates for slow-motion. Stabilization is effective but cannot match dedicated gimbals.

Battery Life & Storage Considerations

• ZS80 edges out with approximately 380 shots per charge vs. the LX100 II’s 340 shots (CIPA standard). That difference can be meaningful on long trips.
• Both take a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card.
• USB charging available on the LX100 II is handy for travel.

Building the Complete Picture: Performance Ratings and Images

Let’s pause for a quick look at a side-by-side visual summary of their overall performance and real-world image output.

Panasonic LX100 II front Panasonic LX100 II screen back Panasonic ZS80 front Panasonic ZS80 screen back

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

Portraits: Skin Tones & Bokeh

The LX100 II’s large sensor and fast lens generate smooth skin tones and creamy bokeh, rendering flattering subject separation. Eye-detection autofocus is accurate, though it lacks animal eye AF.

The ZS80 struggles here - smaller sensor noise and slower lens maximum aperture make bokeh creamy blur a challenge. However, it’s handy for quick casual portraits in daylight.

Landscapes & Travel

LX100 II’s dynamic range and resolution are excellent for landscape captures, although it’s not weather sealed (neither is ZS80). The ZS80’s extended zoom covers everything from wide vistas to distant landmarks - a real travel asset. Battery life also favors the ZS80 here.

Wildlife & Sports

The ZS80’s 30x superzoom makes it practical for distant wildlife shooters and amateur bird watchers. AF speed is adequate but can lag in tricky lighting or fast action.

LX100 II has faster lens optics and better AF precision but limited focal length restrains wildlife reach. Neither is ideal for professional sports action photography.

Street & Macro

LX100 II is excellent for street photography with rich image quality and manual controls facilitating quick creativity. The ZS80’s pocket ease and selfie-ready screen aid urban exploration but image quality is more average.

For macro, both cameras offer good close-focus distances with optical stabilization but neither meets the standards of dedicated macro lenses.

Night & Astro

LX100 II’s ISO flexibility and larger sensor make it better for night shooters capturing stars or cityscapes. ZS80 can struggle with noise at higher ISO settings.

Video

Both can shoot 4K video with decent stabilization, but neither has professional audio features or advanced video modes. The ZS80’s tilting screen is an advantage for vloggers.

Price & Value: What Do You Get for Your Dollar?

At the time of writing, the LX100 II runs about $998, reflecting its large sensor and high-end features.

The ZS80 is priced around $448 - less than half, placing it squarely in budget-friendly superzoom compact territory.

You’re paying nearly double for the LX100 II’s image quality, build, and controls. If your priority is image quality or creative flexibility, this price premium feels justified.

If travel versatility and reach matter more, the ZS80 delivers excellent bang for your buck.

Strengths & Weaknesses Summed Up

Panasonic LX100 II

Pros:

• Large Four Thirds sensor with superior image quality
• Fast f/1.7-2.8 lens for low light and bokeh impact
• Robust manual controls and premium build
• Sharp, bright EVF for critical shooting
• Good burst speeds and shutter range
• Solid 4K video quality

Cons:

• Fixed rear screen limits flexible viewing angles
• No weather sealing
• Limited zoom range (24-75mm)
• Pricier than many compacts
• No mic/headphone input for video

Panasonic ZS80

Pros:

• Massive 30x zoom (24-720mm) covers huge range
• Compact, lightweight, easy to carry everywhere
• Tilting touchscreen ideal for selfies and vlogging
• Built-in flash for fill lighting
• Longer battery life
• Excellent value for travel zoom enthusiasts

Cons:

• Small 1/2.3” sensor limits image quality, low light, and bokeh
• Slower maximum apertures (f3.3-6.4)
• Less tactile controls, smaller EVF
• Limited burst performance for fast action
• No weather sealing or audio inputs

My Personal Take: Which Panasonic Compact Fits Your Budget and Style?

Having lived behind both cameras’ viewfinders, here’s how I’d advise:

• If you’re a serious enthusiast, portrait artist, or landscape photographer who values image quality, control, and lens speed - the Panasonic LX100 II is a no-brainer. It behaves more like a pocketable enthusiast camera than a travel zoom shooter. Yes, the price is steeper, but you’re investing in creative potential and superior output.

• For someone who’s a globetrotter, casual snapshooter, or budget-conscious traveler needing a versatile all-in-one solution, the Panasonic ZS80 offers tremendous telephoto reach without the bulk or fuss. Image quality is adequate for social media and travel docs, and the tilting screen plus longer battery make it a practical companion on the road.

Final Thoughts

Both cameras reflect Panasonic’s commitment to marrying portability with specialized capabilities - the LX100 II leans into large sensor excellence in a compact shell, while the ZS80 embodies the superzoom ethos for wanderers and everyday shoot-anything convenience.

Your choice ultimately hinges on your photographic pursuits, budget, and preferred handling style. For me, as someone who loves to craft images with intentionality and technique, the LX100 II earns top marks. But for those who crave a simple, pocket-ready camera capable of framing everything from landscapes to wildlife at a distance, the ZS80 deserves a serious look.

Whichever you choose, you’ll find a capable partner ready to inspire new visual stories.

Happy shooting!

Want to see more detailed sample images, technical charts, or have questions about shooting tips with either model? Drop me a line - I’m here to help you make the most informed decision.