Panasonic ZS80 vs Panasonic GF2

Following is a comprehensive review of the Panasonic ZS80 and Panasonic GF2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both created by Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the ZS80 (20MP) and GF2 (12MP) and the ZS80 (1/2.3") and GF2 (Four Thirds) use different sensor measurements.

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The ZS80 was unveiled 7 years after the GF2 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a short overview of how the ZS80 scores versus the GF2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS80 Gallery and Panasonic GF2 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS80 comes with external dimensions of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") and a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Panasonic GF2 has measurements of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") and a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS80 and Panasonic GF2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the ZS80 versus the GF2.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS80 and GF2 is 86 and 88 respectively.

Typically, its tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes purely by seeing a spec sheet. The pic here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS80 and GF2.

Clearly, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZS80 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Panasonic ZS80 will produce more detail having an extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more modern ZS80 provides a benefit in sensor technology.