Panasonic ZS80 vs Sony RX100 IV

On this page, we will be evaluating the Panasonic ZS80 vs Sony RX100 IV, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZS80 (20MP) and the RX100 IV (20MP) is relatively well matched but the ZS80 (1/2.3") and RX100 IV (1") offer different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS80 was released 2 years later than the RX100 IV and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 IV being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a short highlight of how the ZS80 matches up vs the RX100 IV when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS80 Gallery & Sony RX100 IV Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS80 has outer dimensions of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") and a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Sony RX100 IV has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") along with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS80 vs Sony RX100 IV in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the ZS80 against the RX100 IV.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS80 and RX100 IV is 86 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing merely by looking at technical specs. The graphic underneath should give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS80 and RX100 IV.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have the same megapixels albeit different sensor sizing. The ZS80 comes with the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier. The fresher ZS80 provides a benefit in sensor innovation.