Panasonic ZS80 vs Sony NEX-C3

Below is a comprehensive analysis of the Panasonic ZS80 and Sony NEX-C3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the ZS80 (20MP) and NEX-C3 (16MP) and the ZS80 (1/2.3") and NEX-C3 (APS-C) offer different sensor measurements.

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The ZS80 was announced 6 years later than the NEX-C3 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-C3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise view of how the ZS80 matches up versus the NEX-C3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 and Sony Alpha NEX-C3. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS80 Gallery and Sony NEX-C3 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS80 provides outer dimensions of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") along with a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Sony NEX-C3 has proportions of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS80 and Sony NEX-C3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at the time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the ZS80 versus the NEX-C3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS80 and NEX-C3 is 86 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements only by researching specifications. The photograph below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS80 and NEX-C3.

To sum up, both the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZS80 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh tougher and the Panasonic ZS80 will render extra detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The fresher ZS80 provides an advantage in sensor innovation.