Panasonic ZS80 vs Samsung NX3000

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Panasonic ZS80 vs Samsung NX3000, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the ZS80 (20MP) and the NX3000 (20MP) is very comparable but the ZS80 (1/2.3") and NX3000 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

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The ZS80 was introduced 3 years after the NX3000 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX3000 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the ZS80 grades versus the NX3000 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 and Samsung NX3000. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS80 Gallery and Samsung NX3000 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS80 provides external dimensions of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") with a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Samsung NX3000 has specifications of 117mm x 66mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS80 vs Samsung NX3000 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the ZS80 and the NX3000.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS80 and NX3000 is 86 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions only by going through technical specs. The image here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS80 and NX3000.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact MP but different sensor dimensions. The ZS80 has the smaller sensor which will make getting shallow DOF tougher. The younger ZS80 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.