Panasonic FS12 vs Sony HX80

In this article, we will be comparing the Panasonic FS12 and Sony HX80, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a big gap among the image resolutions of the FS12 (12MP) and HX80 (18MP) but they come with the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The FS12 was introduced 7 years before the HX80 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX80 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the FS12 scores vs the HX80 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FS12 Gallery and Sony HX80 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic FS12 provides outside dimensions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Sony HX80 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FS12 and Sony HX80 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the FS12 and the HX80.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FS12 and HX80 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements purely by checking out specs. The photograph here will help offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS12 and HX80.

All in all, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Sony HX80 to provide extra detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older FS12 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.