Panasonic ZS80 vs Panasonic FP3

Lets take a closer look at the Panasonic ZS80 and Panasonic FP3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact and both are built by Panasonic. There exists a big gap among the image resolutions of the ZS80 (20MP) and FP3 (14MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The ZS80 was revealed 8 years later than the FP3 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief overview of how the ZS80 grades versus the FP3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS80 Gallery and Panasonic FP3 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS80 provides outside measurements of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") having a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Panasonic FP3 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS80 and Panasonic FP3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the ZS80 compared to the FP3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS80 and FP3 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizing only by seeing technical specs. The photograph underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS80 and FP3.

As you can tell, the two cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different MP. You should expect the Panasonic ZS80 to produce greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more modern ZS80 provides an edge in sensor technology.