Panasonic FH3 vs Panasonic FZ80

The following is a in depth comparison of the Panasonic FH3 versus Panasonic FZ80, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap among the sensor resolutions of the FH3 (14MP) and FZ80 (18MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The FH3 was released 8 years earlier than the FZ80 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the FH3 matches up vs the FZ80 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FH3 Gallery & Panasonic FZ80 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH3 enjoys physical dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ80 has dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") with a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH3 versus Panasonic FZ80 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you select at that time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the FH3 and the FZ80.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH3 and FZ80 is 94 and 63 respectively.

Normally, its hard to see the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by researching technical specs. The picture below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH3 and FZ80.

As you can tell, both cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You can anticipate the Panasonic FZ80 to render more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images a bit more aggressively. The more aged FH3 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.