Panasonic F5 vs Panasonic FZ80

Following is a extended review of the Panasonic F5 and Panasonic FZ80, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are created by Panasonic. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the F5 (14MP) and FZ80 (18MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The F5 was brought out 5 years earlier than the FZ80 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic F5 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the F5 matches up versus the FZ80 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic F5 Gallery and Panasonic FZ80 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic F5 provides outer dimensions of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ80 has measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") with a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic F5 and Panasonic FZ80 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose during that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the F5 vs the FZ80.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the F5 and FZ80 is 96 and 63 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizes purely by reading technical specs. The image here will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the F5 and FZ80.

As you have seen, both the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Panasonic FZ80 to offer you greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more aged F5 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.