Panasonic FZ100 vs Pentax W80

Here, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FZ100 and Pentax W80, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FZ100 (14MP) and the W80 (12MP) is relatively similar and both cameras have the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The FZ100 was launched 14 months later than the W80 which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax W80 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the FZ100 matches up vs the W80 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 and Pentax Optio W80. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ100 Gallery and Pentax W80 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ100 comes with outside measurements of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") and a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) while the Pentax W80 has measurements of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FZ100 and Pentax W80 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 select at the time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the FZ100 vs the W80.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ100 and W80 is 67 and 94 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading technical specs. The graphic underneath should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ100 and W80.

As you have seen, both of these cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Panasonic FZ100 to offer you extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The newer FZ100 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.