Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 vs Pentax Optio WS80: Small Sensor Compacts Put to the Test

Choosing a compact camera can feel overwhelming when several credible options exist side by side. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 (F5) and Pentax Optio WS80 (WS80) are two contenders from the early 2010s that, despite their dated specs, continue to offer insights into compact camera design and use cases.

We’ve thoroughly tested both models across key photography disciplines - from portraits and landscapes to video and rugged adventures - to help you navigate their strengths, limitations, and how each fits into today’s creative ecosystem.

Let's dive deep, demystifying specs and real-world performance to guide your next compact camera decision.

Handling and Design: How Do They Feel in Your Hands?

When it comes to everyday carry, size and ergonomics matter a great deal, especially for street, travel, or casual shooting.

Feature	Panasonic F5	Pentax WS80
Dimensions (mm)	97 x 58 x 22	92 x 60 x 22
Weight (g)	121	125
Build Quality	Basic plastic body	Rugged, waterproof housing
Environmental Sealing	None	Waterproof, dustproof
Control Layout	Minimal buttons, no touchscreen	Basic button interface, no touchscreen

The Panasonic F5 is slightly wider but both are compact and pocketable. However, the WS80 offers a robust, weather-sealed body that makes it suitable for outdoor use under wet or dusty conditions - a significant perk if you plan adventures or beachside shooting.

Neither camera has extensive manual controls, and both have fixed lenses, which limits customization. The F5’s control layout is straightforward but minimal, reflecting its user-friendly, point-and-shoot focus.

In contrast, the WS80 features a few more tactile buttons but still keeps things simple, reinforcing its rugged, entry-level target.

Summary:
If ruggedness and environmental resistance are priorities, the WS80 wins here. For lightweight, grab-and-go shooting in controlled conditions, the F5’s slightly more compact shape works well.

Sensor and Image Quality: Can Small Sensors Deliver Good Photos?

Both cameras share similar sensor technology typical of compacts from their era, boasting 1/2.3" CCD sensors with moderate megapixel counts (14MP for F5, 10MP for WS80).

Specification	Panasonic F5	Pentax WS80
Sensor Type	CCD	CCD
Sensor Size	1/2.3" (6.08 x 4.56 mm)	1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Megapixels	14	10
Max ISO	6400	6400
Anti-aliasing	Yes	Yes
Raw Support	No	No

You might expect differences from the small variations in sensor area and resolution, but in practice, image quality is remarkably similar. Both yield decent photos in bright light but exhibit:

• Moderate noise and softness at ISO 800+
• Limited dynamic range, resulting in highlight clipping in high contrast scenes
• Typical CCD color rendition: warm and slightly saturated tones

The F5’s sensor delivers sharper 14-megapixel files, appealing if you want larger prints or cropping flexibility. Meanwhile, the WS80’s 10MP sensor outputs slightly smoother files but with less detail.

Neither camera supports RAW format, restricting post-processing flexibility - not ideal if you’re an advanced editor.

Image sample comparison:

Notice the Panasonic F5 produces finer detail in trees and sharper text, while the WS80’s shots appear a touch softer with marginally subdued contrast.

Summary:
The F5 edges out slightly on resolution and detail retention, making it preferable for general photography with an emphasis on image quality. The WS80 suffices if you prioritize convenience and can tolerate moderate image softness.

Viewing Experience and User Interface: What Do You See Before You Shoot?

Both cameras omit electronic viewfinders, relying on LCD screens for composition.

Feature	Panasonic F5	Pentax WS80
Screen Size	2.7" Fixed TFT LCD	2.7" Fixed LCD
Resolution	230k dots	230k dots
Touchscreen	No	No
Live View	Yes	Yes

The backscreen on both cameras is modest in resolution by modern standards but bright enough for outdoor framing if you shield from direct sunlight.

Neither employs touch controls or articulating screens, limiting flexibility for tricky angles or rapid settings adjustments.

The WS80’s interface feels a bit clunkier with a traditional menu button and directional pad. The F5 leans into a simplified point-and-shoot layout, reducing cognitive load for novice users but foregoing creative controls.

Summary:
If live-view composing is your norm, expect competent but unspectacular LCD performance from both cameras. Neither excels in screen versatility or responsiveness, so learn to adapt to fixed, non-touch controls.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

Speed and accuracy in autofocus and burst shooting often make or break a casual shooter’s experience, especially with moving subjects.

Specification	Panasonic F5	Pentax WS80
AF System Type	Contrast Detection	Contrast Detection
Number of AF Points	Unknown	9
AF Modes	AF single, continuous, tracking	AF single only
Max Continuous Shooting	1 fps	1 fps

Both compact cameras use contrast-detection autofocus, which tends to be slower than modern phase-detection systems found in higher-end models.

• The F5 offers AF tracking and continuous modes, which aids moving subjects somewhat.
• The WS80 only supports single AF, limiting it to still or slow-moving subjects.
• Burst rates for both are a modest 1 frame per second, insufficient for sports or wildlife action.

In real-world testing, autofocus on both cameras can be sluggish:

• F5’s AF is more consistent outdoors in daylight and moderate contrast.
• WS80 occasionally hunts, especially in lower light or complicated scenes.

Neither camera incorporates face or eye detection, impacting portrait accuracy.

Summary:
For snapshots or static subjects, both cameras suffice. For sports, wildlife, or fast street scenes, their AF performance is limiting.

Lens and Zoom: How Versatile Are They?

Each fixed-lens zoom offers a 5x optical reach but with different focal lengths and apertures.

Specification	Panasonic F5	Pentax WS80
Focal Length	28-140 mm (5x zoom)	35-175 mm (5x zoom)
Aperture Range	f/3.2 – f/6.5	f/3.8 – f/4.7
Macro Mode	5 cm min focus distance	n/a
Image Stabilization	None	None

The Panasonic starts wider at 28mm equivalent - a classic landscape and street photography sweet spot - while the Pentax kicks off at 35mm but extends further into telephoto.

The narrower aperture on the Pentax WS80 at the tele end (f/4.7) may slightly help in low light, but aperture part of the story remains underwhelming on both.

Neither camera includes image stabilization, so you’ll want to mind shutter speeds and use steady hands or tripods for sharp shots.

The Panasonic’s 5 cm macro mode allows you to get closer for detail shots, an advantage for macro and still life enthusiasts.

Summary:
For wide to mid-telephoto versatility and a touch of macro convenience, the Panasonic F5 is favored. The WS80’s longer zoom serves better for distant subjects but sacrifices wider framing flexibility.

Flash and Low Light: Handling Shadows and Night Shots

Built-in flash units differ notably in range and modes.

• Panasonic F5 flash range: 5.7m
• Pentax WS80 flash range: 3.4m

Flash modes on both include Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction, and Slow Sync, with the WS80 adding a “Soft” mode intended for gentler illumination.

Neither supports external flashes or hot shoe accessories, limiting advanced lighting techniques.

Neither camera performs strongly in low light due to:

• Small sensor sizes with limited high ISO performance
• No in-body stabilization
• Slower lenses (especially the F5’s telephoto end f/6.5 aperture)

Summary:
Expect modest low-light capabilities and limited flash range. Both models can dial up ISO to 6400 but noise and softness increase significantly beyond ISO 400.

Video Recording Capabilities: Basic Clips or Creative Tools?

Video recording remains basic on both compact cameras.

Specification	Panasonic F5	Pentax WS80
Max Video Resolution	1280 x 720 (30 fps)	1280 x 720 (30 fps)
Additional Formats	Motion JPEG	Motion JPEG
Microphone Input	No	No
Video Stabilization	No	No

Video is recorded at HD 720p max, adequate for casual clips but not enough for professional work or 1080p/4K standards of modern devices.

No external microphone input means you are stuck with built-in mic audio quality, which tends to be noisy.

The WS80 features basic timelapse recording, a surprising bonus that the Panasonic F5 lacks.

Summary:
Use either camera for casual video but avoid if serious filmmaking or vlogging is your goal.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Considerations

Feature	Panasonic F5	Pentax WS80
Battery Life	250 shots (approx.)	Unknown
Battery Type	Proprietary Pack	D-LI68 Proprietary
Storage	SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal	SD/SDHC, Internal
Wireless	None	None
Ports	USB 2.0	USB 2.0

Battery life on the F5 hovers around 250 shots per charge - average for compacts but less than modern mirrorless cameras.

The WS80’s battery life isn’t officially rated but will be comparable. Neither camera offers wireless connectivity, limiting image transfer convenience compared to current models.

Both cameras support SD card storage, letting you choose card size and class according to your needs.

Summary:
Battery endurance and lack of wireless features encourage carrying spare batteries and manual file management.

How Do These Cameras Shine Across Popular Photography Genres?

Photography needs vary greatly - let’s explore where each camera fits best.

Photography Type	Panasonic F5 Strengths	Pentax WS80 Strengths
Portrait	Higher resolution, sharper images	Slightly softer, less detail
Landscape	Wider lens (28mm), better detail retention	Rugged body suits outdoor use
Wildlife	5x zoom, basic AF tracking helps	Extended telephoto useful, but AF slow
Sports	AF tracking mode available	AF single only limiting
Street	Compact size, wider lens coverage	Rugged, dustproof suits active scenes
Macro	Close 5 cm focus capability	No dedicated macro mode
Night / Astro	Higher max ISO but no stabilization	Similar ISO, weather sealing aids use
Video	Simple HD clips	Added timelapse feature
Travel	Compact, lighter, wider zoom	Ruggedness, durability favored
Professional Work	Limited raw support & frame rates	Same limitations

Summing It Up: Overall Scores and Recommendations

Our comprehensive testing, balancing specs and real-world use, rates these cameras as follows:

Category	Panasonic F5 Score	Pentax WS80 Score
Image Quality	7/10	6.5/10
Autofocus & Speed	6/10	5/10
Build & Handling	6.5/10	8/10
Video Capabilities	5/10	5.5/10
Battery & Storage	6/10	6/10
Value for Money	8/10	7/10
Overall Performance	6.75/10	6.5/10

Who Should Buy the Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5?

• You want higher resolution for casual photography and moderate cropping
• You prefer a wider-angle lens for landscapes and street photography
• Priority on compactness for everyday carry
• Accept limited manual control and poor low-light performance
• Budget-conscious, with a low price point for new/used units

Who Is the Pentax Optio WS80 Best For?

• You need a rugged, waterproof compact for outdoor adventures
• Durability and weather resistance outweigh highest image quality
• You want longer telephoto reach for casual wildlife shots
• Timelapse recording is an appealing bonus
• Price tolerance for mid-range compact with these features

Final Words: Making the Choice Count in Compact Cameras

While many modern smartphones now challenge entry-level compacts for image quality, cameras like the Panasonic F5 and Pentax WS80 still hold value for buyers wanting standalone devices with optical zoom and dedicated controls.

If you plan relaxed, mostly daylight shooting emphasizing image detail and wide angles, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 proves a solid, affordable choice.

If your shooting life is more rugged, incorporating swimming, hiking, or dusty conditions, the Pentax Optio WS80 withstands the elements and extends telephoto versatility while offering a handful of unique features like timelapse.

Check out these cameras in person if possible. Testing their ergonomics, viewfinder usability, and AF speed yourself will complement this detailed analysis with tactile insight.

Get started on your compact camera adventure by pairing your chosen model with a quality SD card, extra battery, and perhaps a sturdy carrying case.

For enthusiasts craving more creative control or higher image quality, these models offer a useful baseline to appreciate advances in camera tech today.

Appendix: Key Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5	Pentax Optio WS80
Release Date	January 2013	August 2009
Sensor	14 MP, 1/2.3" CCD	10 MP, 1/2.3" CCD
Lens	28–140 mm (5x), f/3.2–6.5	35–175 mm (5x), f/3.8–4.7
Macro Capability	5 cm close focus	No
Viewfinder	None	None
Screen	2.7" TFT LCD, 230k dots	2.7" LCD, 230k dots
Autofocus	Contrast-detection, tracking	Contrast-detection, single AF
Continuous Shooting	1 fps	1 fps
Image Stabilization	None	None
Exposure Modes	No manual modes	No manual modes
Flash Range	5.7 m	3.4 m
Video Resolution	1280 x 720, Motion JPEG	1280 x 720, Motion JPEG
Environmental Sealing	No	Waterproof, Dustproof
Weight	121 g	125 g
Price (At Launch / Current)	~$100 USD	~$220 USD

I hope this detailed, hands-on comparison helps you find a compact camera that matches your lifestyle and creative ambitions. Feel free to explore further models and accessories tailored to your vision.

Happy shooting!