Panasonic ZS80 vs Sony HX99

Below is a in-depth review of the Panasonic ZS80 versus Sony HX99, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the ZS80 (20MP) and the HX99 (18MP) is relatively similar but the ZS80 (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS80 was introduced 6 months before the HX99 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summary of how the ZS80 grades versus the HX99 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS80 Gallery & Sony HX99 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS80 comes with exterior 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 Sony HX99 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS80 versus Sony HX99 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the ZS80 vs the HX99.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS80 and HX99 is 86 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements purely by going over technical specs. The graphic below will give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS80 and HX99.

As you can tell, both the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZS80 with its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS80 will deliver more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs way more aggressively.