Panasonic Lumix ZS80 vs ZS100: A Deep Dive into Two Versatile Travel Compacts

When it comes to compact travel zoom cameras, Panasonic stands out for delivering innovative features packed into pocket-size bodies. But how do two of their popular models - the Panasonic Lumix ZS80 and the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 - compare? I spent considerable time testing both to figure out which camera suits different users best, balancing sensor technology, lens reach, ergonomics, and overall image quality. I’ve broken down my findings through the lens of practical use across multiple photography disciplines and technical benchmarks.

If you’re pondering between these two Panasonics, stick with me. I’ll walk you through everything from sensor size to autofocus, image stabilization to video capabilities. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of which camera aligns with your style and budget.

Getting a Feel for the Cameras: Size, Handling & Controls

Let's start by looking at their physical dimensions and how they fit in the hand.

The ZS80 is the more recent addition (announced in early 2018), and it leans into the classic superzoom compact form factor. It measures 112x69x42 mm and weighs about 327 grams. It’s slightly chunkier due to the extensive 30x zoom lens (equivalent to 24-720mm). The grip is firm but still comfortable for extended shooting, although the body remains pocketable for travel.

The ZS100 (released in early 2016) is marginally smaller at 111x65x44 mm and lighter, tipping the scales at 312 grams. Its more compact zoom range (25-250mm equivalent, 10x) translates into less bulk, and its sleek design feels a touch more refined, though it sacrifices reach for better sensor performance, as we’ll see later.

What about controls? Here’s a peek at their top plates.

Both cameras offer dedicated aperture and shutter dials, customizable function buttons, and accessible mode dials - typical of Panasonic's Venus Engine powered compacts. The ZS80 adds a tilting LCD screen, which is great for high or low-angle shooting, while the ZS100 uses a fixed screen, which may be less flexible but contributes to a slightly sturdier build.

Personally, I found the ZS80’s touchscreen tilting LCD makes framing creative angles easier, especially for vloggers or street shooters capturing candid moments. Meanwhile, the ZS100’s viewfinder gets bonus points for an uncluttered head-up display, though its EVF resolution is less than half that of the ZS80; more on that below.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Arguably the most defining difference is sensor size.

The ZS80 uses a 1/2.3" backside-illuminated CMOS sensor with 20 megapixels, common in many superzoom compacts. Its sensor area is approximately 28 mm², which is relatively small. While this enables the massive 30x zoom (24-720 mm) due to the sensor's crop factor (5.8x), it also limits light capture, impacting image quality especially in low light.

The ZS100 features a larger 1" MOS sensor (about 116 mm²), also at 20 megapixels, which is nearly 4 times the area of the ZS80’s sensor. This bigger sensor captures significantly more light, improving dynamic range, color depth, and noise performance in challenging lighting conditions.

This sensor distinction makes the ZS100 a better choice if image quality is paramount, producing cleaner, more detailed photos with richer color - especially noticeable in shadows and highlights. In contrast, the smaller sensor in the ZS80 results in more noise at higher ISO, despite its useful zoom length.

More technically, DxOMark rates the ZS100’s sensor very well - reflecting its robust performance - with score metrics of 22.8 bits color depth and 12.5 EV dynamic range, although the ZS80 has not been formally tested, smaller sensors of its class usually trail by a significant margin.

Autofocus Performance Across Photography Styles

One of the most practical aspects is autofocus (AF) behavior, since quick, accurate focusing is vital across genres.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus, with Panasonic’s Venus Engine powering AF algorithms. Neither incorporate phase-detection pixels in the sensor, which slightly impacts tracking speed.

The ZS80 has face-detection and touch AF, with continuous AF, and supports focus bracketing, focus stacking, and unique Post Focus modes - a boon for macro or product shooters. It also boasts a 10 fps burst, which is respectable for a compact, allowing for decent action capture.

The ZS100, with its 49 AF points, offers solid precision and faster acquisition due to a more advanced AF engine. Continuous AF and face tracking are effective, although it tops at 9.9 fps burst. Both can perform eye detection via face-detection algorithms, but neither features animal eye AF.

For wildlife and sports, the ZS100’s slightly faster, more reliable autofocus and better sensor noise control give it an edge. The ZS80’s longer reach helps with distant subjects, but autofocus is more prone to hunting in low contrast.

Let’s Talk Photography Genres: Real-World Application

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portraits benefit immensely from sensor size, aperture, and autofocus accuracy.

• ZS100’s 1" sensor can render smoother skin tones with nuanced tonal gradation. The lens reaches f/2.8 at the widest end, allowing for somewhat shallower depth of field and better subject separation. The 10x zoom limits background compression compared to the ZS80 but still handles portraits nicely. The EVF and tilting LCD might frustrate those who want a front-facing screen for selfies since the ZS100 lacks selfie-friendly flip.

• ZS80 offers a deeper zoom but at a smaller aperture (f/3.3 at widest), so bokeh is less creamy. Skin tones can appear less refined due to sensor limits. That said, its head-high EVF is very sharp and the tilting touchscreen helps compose portraits with ease.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

Landscape shooters prioritize detail retention and broad dynamic range.

• Thanks to its large sensor and sensor design, the ZS100 shines here, with less noise and better highlight preservation. The 25-250mm lens at f/2.8-f/5.9 gives good focal lengths, and the camera supports RAW, enabling extensive post-processing. The fixed 3" LCD with 1040k dots is bright enough for outdoor work, though no weather sealing limits rugged outdoor use.

• The ZS80, though offering more reach, trades quality for magnification. Its small sensor leads to lower dynamic range and visible noise in shadows. The electronic viewfinder with 2.3M dots is impressive though. With a 30x zoom and tilt screen, you can easily set up shots, but be mindful of compromises on sensor quality.

Wildlife Photography: Zoom and Autofocus

A big selling point for many is zoom length for wildlife.

• The ZS80 is practically a wildlife camera on steroids with its 720mm equivalent telephoto, allowing you to capture distant animals without lugging telephoto lenses. Autofocus is decent but contrast detection is slower, especially under dim light or fast action.

• The ZS100 offers a shorter 250mm max focal length. While autofocus is slightly faster, you’ll want to get physically closer to subjects. The larger sensor compensates by providing better detail and less noise at high ISO. For casual wildlife or birding, the ZS80 wins on sheer zoom reach.

Sports and Action Photography: Tracking and Burst Rate

Capturing action demands speedy AF, fast shutter, and quick burst modes.

• Both cameras peak around 10 fps in bursts, sufficient for amateur sports. The ZS100 offers slightly better AF tracking, thanks to more focus points and faster processing.

• The ZS80 increases speed to 1/16,000s with an electronic shutter, great for freezing fast motion in bright conditions, but rolling shutter artifacts can appear.

• Neither camera features extensive environmental sealing, so shooting in harsh weather is not recommended.

Street Photography and Daily Use: Discreet, Fast, and Light

Street shooters want portability, inconspicuousness, and responsive operation.

• The ZS80’s substantial zoom makes it less concealable, but the tilting touchscreen is a plus for shooting from the hip or unusual angles.

• The ZS100 is more compact, quieter, and arguably the better low-light performer thanks to the sensor. It can raise ISO to 12800 natively and even 25600 boosted with manageable noise, so street night shooters will appreciate it.

• Both cameras feature built-in electronic viewfinders and touch-to-focus, allowing quick reframing.

Macro and Close-up Work: Precision and Magnification

Macro shooting is a niche but rewarding genre for compacts.

• The ZS80 can focus down to 3 cm, giving very close shots with significant magnification. It supports focus stacking and bracketing - a boon for extended DOF.

• The ZS100 starts focusing at 5cm, which is respectable but slightly less intimate. Focus bracketing and stacking are not supported.

The ZS80's longer zoom and macro capabilities give it an edge for flower and product photographers.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Exposure Control

Low-light photographers and astrophotographers demand clean high ISO and long shutter capabilities.

• The ZS100’s 1" sensor delivers superior ISO performance (DxO low-light ISO 559) and extended shutter speeds up to 60 seconds, making it suitable for star trails or low-light cityscapes.

• The ZS80 maxes at 1/4s minimum shutter (mechanical shutter), limiting astro options though it offers electronic shutter up to 1/16,000s.

• Both support manual exposure modes, exposure bracketing, and timelapse recording.

Video Capabilities: 4K and Stabilization

Both cameras record crisp 4K UHD video at 30fps, with electronic and optical image stabilization (OIS).

• The ZS80 uses MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs, while the ZS100 additionally supports AVCHD, offering broader editing flexibility.

• Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks, which I find disappointing at this price point - seriously, Panasonic, please listen!

• Both have built-in Wi-Fi; ZS80 includes Bluetooth, handy for quick transfers.

4K Photo mode on both allows pulling high-res stills from video - perfect for fleeting moments.

Travel Photography: Battery Life, Weight, and Versatility

Travel shooters weigh size, battery, and flexibility heavily.

• The ZS80, with 380 shots per charge, slightly outperforms the ZS100’s 300 shots by CIPA standards. That extra battery juice is helpful on long trips.

• The bigger zoom range on ZS80 shines for travel versatility - being able to go from sweeping landscapes to distant city landmarks without extra lenses.

• But if image quality and low-light shooting count more, the ZS100 remains the better overall package.

Professional Work: Reliability and Workflow Considerations

Are these cameras good enough for serious work?

Both support RAW files for color grading and professional post-processing.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged durability needed for punishing environments.

File handling is smooth on both, but the ZS100’s superior sensor yields better source material for professional output.

Connectivity via USB 2.0 and HDMI (micro) allows tethered shooting and external monitoring with limitations.

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

Panasonic ZS80 front Panasonic ZS80 screen back Panasonic ZS100 front Panasonic ZS100 screen back

Here you can see side-by-side samples: the ZS100’s clearly truer colors and reduced noise stand out, while the ZS80 captures distant details owing to its zoom.

Who Should Go for the Panasonic ZS80?

• You prioritize extreme zoom versatility (30x reach) for wildlife, travel landmarks, or surveillance-like shooting.
• You want a tilting screen for more flexible compositions.
• Battery life is important - 380 shots per charge beats the ZS100.
• Budget-conscious buyers appreciate its lower price tag.
• You’re comfortable accepting some noise and reduced low-light performance.

Who Shoots Better with the Panasonic ZS100?

• You want uncompromised image quality with low noise and excellent dynamic range.
• Low-light and night shooting are frequent, requiring ISO up to 12,800+
• You’re willing to trade zoom reach for a brighter lens and larger sensor.
• Video is important and you want AVCHD support alongside 4K.
• You don’t mind the fixed LCD and slightly shorter battery life.
• You want a more refined, compact body with better AF precision.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Overall and Genre-Specific Scores

To wrap it up, I’ve summarized the cameras’ performance in objective ratings based on hands-on tests:

(Here we see the ZS100 outperforming on image quality and autofocus, with the ZS80 leading in zoom and battery life.)

I’ve also broken it down by photography type:

This breakdown shows each camera’s strengths per genre, helping you decide based on your needs.

Final Words: Making Your Choice with Confidence

Both Panasonic cameras fill unique niches in the compact zoom space.

• If you want reach, flexibility, and convenience in one affordable package, the ZS80 is your travel buddy.
• But if image quality, low-light prowess, and balanced zoom top your list, the ZS100 remains a reliable, higher-quality option worth its extra cost.

What do I shoot with personally? My lean is toward the ZS100 for its superior sensor and image quality, especially for portraits and landscape work. Yet, the ZS80’s long zoom and tilting screen make it an excellent casual grab-and-go camera capable of handling a variety of subjects without fuss.

Choose based on your priorities - and remember, both cameras offer RAW and 4K photo modes, giving you creative options beyond what you expect from compact cameras.

Happy shooting!

Thank you for reading my detailed comparison of the Panasonic Lumix ZS80 and ZS100. Expect more hands-on reviews and deep dives like this to help you make smart photographic investments.