Panasonic ZS80 vs Sony A700: An Expert Hands-On Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Choosing between two very different cameras like the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 is like comparing apples to watermelons. Both have distinct heritage, targeted users, and technological cores, yet each remains relevant in its own right. With over 15 years testing hundreds of cameras across genres and brands, I’ve put these two through their paces to provide you not only with specs, but practical, down-to-earth insights that reflect how these cameras perform in real-life shooting scenarios.

By the end of this deep dive, you’ll better understand which camera fits your photographic ambitions, stylistic preferences, and budget. Let’s get going!

Getting Hands-On: Size, Ergonomics & Control Layout

First impressions count, and with cameras, that often starts with how they feel in your hands and how intuitive the controls are during fast shooting.

The Panasonic ZS80 is a compact superzoom, a camera designed for portability above all. Its body measures a trim 112x69x42mm and weighs a mere 327g. This fits perfectly in your coat pocket or a small purse - ideal for travel or everyday carry. The ergonomics are decent given the small size, but if you have big hands, expect to fish a bit for buttons and grips. Its clamshell 3” tilting touchscreen helps when shooting at low or high angles, and the touchscreen responsiveness is surprisingly snappy for this price point.

By contrast, the Sony A700 is a mid-size DSLR with classic SLR bulk - larger and heavier at 142x105x80mm, tipping the scales at 768g. It sits confidently in the hand with a deep grip that DSLR fans appreciate for long shoots. The top control layout features multiple dials and buttons, suited for menu navigators who value quick access over touchscreen convenience.

For those who hate hunting menus or who shoot professionally with clubs for thumbs, the Sony offers far better direct control. Meanwhile, if you prefer a pocketable travel companion with touchscreen modernity, Panasonic’s design wins. Ergonomics here depend on your shooting style and portability needs.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: Big Sensor vs Small Sensor Tradeoffs

At the core of any camera’s image quality is its sensor, so this is where these two diverge sharply.

The Sony A700 inherits a large APS-C format CMOS sensor measuring 23.5x15.6mm, bigger by a huge margin than the Panasonic’s smaller 1/2.3-inch 6.17x4.55mm BSI-CMOS sensor. This difference is reflected in sensor area: 366.6 mm² versus 28.07 mm² - a difference that affects image detail, dynamic range, noise performance, and overall photographic flexibility.

Sony’s APS-C sensor sports 12MP resolution, favoring pixel quality and dynamic range over sheer pixel count. With DxOMark scores showing a solid 66 overall and excellent color depth (22.3 bits) and dynamic range (11.9 EV), it pulls in vivid, detailed shots ideal for large prints and heavy post-processing.

The Panasonic ZS80 ups the pixel density to 20MP on its small sensor. That’s impressive on specs but it inherently limits noise control and dynamic range - low-light shooting and recovering shadows will be tougher here due to limited sensor real estate. Yet, it shines in offering 30x optical zoom versatility, which the Sony can’t match without heavy telephoto glass.

In everyday shooting, expect the Sony A700’s images to have richer color gradations, less noise at higher ISOs, and better highlight and shadow retention. Panasonic’s strength is flexibility and reach, great for casual or travel shooters where carrying multiple lenses isn’t an option.

Display and Viewfinder: Modern Touchscreen vs Traditional Optical

Eyepieces and rear LCDs greatly influence your overall shooting experience.

The Panasonic ZS80’s 3” tilting touchscreen with 1040k dots is a joy for composing in tricky angles and selecting AF points swiftly. It also facilitates focus stacking and post-focus features where you can select focus points after shooting - a neat trick for macro or intricate scenes.

Sony’s A700 sticks to a fixed 3” LCD with 920k dots, non-touchscreen. While somewhat dated, the screen is bright and clear for reviewing shots but lacks modern conveniences.

Looking through the viewfinder, Panasonic incorporates a 2330-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and 0.53x magnification. It offers direct live exposure previews and focus peaking, but with minor lag compared to an optical through-the-lens (TTL) view.

The Sony A700 relies on a traditional pentaprism optical viewfinder with 95% coverage and 0.6x magnification. This is a classic DSLR experience - no lag, clear optics, though with slightly cropped framing awareness. For quick shooting and manual focusing, many pros still swear by optical finders.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy & Reliability in the Field

Focusing speed and reliability can make or break your photography session, especially in action and wildlife genres.

• Panasonic ZS80 uses contrast-detection AF with face and eye detection, plus touch-AF and continuous AF tracking. There's no phase-detection or hybrid AF here, limiting speed especially in low light or fast-moving subjects. However, it can do 10fps bursts, helping capture fleeting moments.

• Sony A700 features 11 phase-detection AF points, a tracker-free but reliable system from the DSLR era. It doesn’t have face or eye detection autofocus, but physical focus points help when composing carefully. Maximum continuous shooting is 5fps.

In wildlife or sports, the Sony’s phase-detection system is more dependable at locking focus quickly on subjects, though modern mirrorless models would outperform both. The Panasonic’s faster burst mode is mostly useful in good light and static or slow subjects because its contrast AF can hunt.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Fixed Zoom vs Interchangeable Glass

A key difference lies in lens options:

• Panasonic ZS80: Fixed 24-720mm (equivalent) f/3.3-6.4 zoom lens with macro down to 3cm. It packs incredible optical reach into a compact package, breaking ground for travel and casual superzoom users.

• Sony A700: Compatible with Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lenses - over 140 lenses available, from exotic tilt-shift optics to professional primes and super telephotos. This versatility is unmatched.

If you want ultimate creative lens options, professional-quality primes, or specialized optics for portraits, macro, or wildlife, Sony wins hands down. Panasonic’s convenience is unmatched for one-lens travel, but sacrifices maximum optical quality and depth of field control.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing & Durability

The Sony A700’s metal alloy chassis and environmental sealing make it a reliable rugged choice for outdoors, travel, and tough studios. It can better withstand dust and drizzles.

The Panasonic ZS80 lacks weather sealing and uses lighter materials to keep weight down.

If your work or adventures demand weather-resistant gear, the Sony again pulls ahead.

Specialized Use Cases Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down both cameras’ suitability across different photography genres based on features and performance.

Portrait Photography

• Sony A700: Larger sensor and superior color depth deliver excellent skin tone rendition and creamy bokeh when paired with wide-aperture primes. 11 AF points can allow spot focus on eyes but lack eye detection.

• Panasonic ZS80: Offers face and eye detection autofocus, which shave seconds off focusing portraits. However, small sensor and slower lens limit shallow depth of field and natural bokeh softness.

Landscape Photography

Large sensor dynamic range and resolution matter here, plus weather sealing:

• Sony A700: APS-C sensor with rich colors and wide DR; weather-sealed body; adaptability for tripods and filters make it strong.

• Panasonic ZS80: Good for casual landscapes with its zoom, but limited DR and small sensor reduce image quality in demanding conditions.

Wildlife Photography

Speed and telephoto reach key factors:

• Panasonic ZS80: Massive 720mm zoom in pocket - huge for casual wildlife but slower AF hampers action shots.

• Sony A700: Faster AF, great lens ecosystem including super telephotos - better for serious wildlife shooters despite shorter max reach without heavy glass.

Sports Photography

• Sony A700: 5fps burst, phase-detection AF, robust build. A bit old-hat today but still usable for low-budget sports.

• Panasonic ZS80: Faster 10fps but AF less reliable on quick action; smaller sensor struggles in indoor lighting.

Street Photography

Portability and discretion are crucial:

• Panasonic ZS80: Compact, quiet electronic shutter, and touchscreen for quick shooting.

• Sony A700: Bulkier, louder shutter, less discreet but superior image quality.

Macro Photography

Magnification and focusing precision:

• Panasonic ZS80: Focuses as close as 3 cm, with focus bracketing and stacking features - excellent macro entry point.

• Sony A700: No native macro modes; relies on dedicated lenses. Good for professionals with needs for dedicated optics.

Night & Astrophotography

High ISO and long exposures critical:

• Sony A700: Larger sensor delivers cleaner high ISO shots; shutter range to 30s; weather sealing helps in outdoor shoots.

• Panasonic ZS80: Limited ISO (max 6400 boosted); shorter max shutter speed (2s normal, electronic silent shutter up to 1/16000s); less suited for long exposures.

Video Capabilities

• Panasonic ZS80: 4K UHD video at 30p, 1080p at 60fps, 4K photo modes, built-in stabilization. Great for casual 4K shooting.

• Sony A700: No video recording capabilities; DSLR focused on stills only.

Travel Photography

• Panasonic ZS80: Compact, superzoom, lightweight, and versatile touchscreen with WiFi/Bluetooth. Best for travel convenience.

• Sony A700: Larger and heavier with more lenses to lug but offers superior image quality and build.

Professional Workflow Integration

• Sony A700: RAW support, dual card slots (CF and Memory Stick), solid USB connectivity. Compatible with professional editing pipelines.

• Panasonic ZS80: RAW support, single SD slot, USB connectivity but simpler workflows more suited to hobbyists.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

• Panasonic ZS80: Rated at around 380 shots per charge - adequate for casual use but not marathon shooting. Single SD card slot supports UHS-I.

• Sony A700: Actual battery life figures stretch into hundreds of shots per charge with battery NP-FM500H, but older standard than newer mirrorless; dual slots for backup or overflow.

Connectivity and Extras

• Panasonic incorporates WiFi and Bluetooth for easy image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps - a real plus in 2024 standards.

• Sony A700 lacks wireless connectivity but offers HDMI and USB 2.0 ports.

Price-to-Performance and Value Assessment

In today’s market, the Panasonic offers a versatile travel-friendly package with modern video and connectivity at a reasonable price. The Sony, now discontinued, is a bargain on the used market for an APS-C DSLR with solid image quality and pro controls if you don’t want mirrorless or are a cheapskate aiming for raw files and bigger glass.

Summarizing Strengths & Weaknesses

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Buy?

If you want a compact, travel-ready, all-in-one camera that shoots reasonable images, offers 4K video, and fits in your pocket, the Panasonic Lumix ZS80 is a clear winner. It's a breeze for casual shooters, vloggers, and travelers prioritizing convenience and zoom reach over pixel peeping.

If your priority is image quality, creative control, and a vast lens ecosystem - and you're comfortable carrying a bulkier body with superior optics and phase-detection autofocus - then the Sony A700 is the better choice. It remains relevant for enthusiasts on a budget who want to capture rich, natural-looking photos with extensive post-processing flexibility.

For professionals or advanced enthusiasts, I’d recommend investing in newer models with modern autofocus and sensors, but understanding these cameras’ strengths helps identify niches where they still excel.

Panasonic ZS80 front Panasonic ZS80 screen back Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back

Closing Thoughts from Experience

Having shot weddings, landscapes, wildlife, and street photography extensively with cameras like these, I’ve learned that no camera is perfect - we just choose the one that best fits our needs and style. The Panasonic ZS80 punches well above its weight for zoom reach and video, benefiting budget-conscious travelers and casual photographers. The Sony A700, though older, is an accessible gateway into serious DSLR photography with its big sensor and better optics platform.

If you’re debating between these two, think about your typical use case, how much gear you want to carry, and how much you prioritize portability vs optical performance. There’s value for everyone here if you know what you truly need.

Happy shooting!

• Your hands-on expert, with a camera always at the ready