Panasonic ZS80 vs Panasonic GF1

Here, we are contrasting the Panasonic ZS80 and Panasonic GF1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are manufactured by Panasonic. There is a crucial difference among the resolutions of the ZS80 (20MP) and GF1 (12MP) and the ZS80 (1/2.3") and GF1 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS80 was manufactured 8 years later than the GF1 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple view of how the ZS80 grades against the GF1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS80 Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS80 has physical measurements of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") and a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Panasonic GF1 has proportions of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS80 and Panasonic GF1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at the time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the ZS80 and the GF1.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS80 and GF1 is 86 and 85 respectively.

Generally, its tough to envision the gap in sensor measurements just by checking out a spec sheet. The visual underneath should offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS80 and GF1.

Clearly, the two cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZS80 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Panasonic ZS80 will provide greater detail due to its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The newer ZS80 will have an edge in sensor tech.