Panasonic FH27 vs Panasonic FZ80

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic FH27 and Panasonic FZ80, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are sold by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FH27 (16MP) and the FZ80 (18MP) is very similar and they feature the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The FH27 was announced 7 years prior to the FZ80 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH27 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the FH27 scores against the FZ80 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FH27 Gallery and Panasonic FZ80 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera, you should think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH27 has exterior dimensions of 99mm x 57mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") along with a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ80 has measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") having a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FH27 and Panasonic FZ80 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have during that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the FH27 and the FZ80.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FH27 and FZ80 is 94 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizing simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual underneath may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the FH27 and FZ80.

As you can see, both of those cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Panasonic FZ80 to offer you more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The older FH27 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.