Panasonic FZ150 vs. Panasonic FZ80: A Detailed Comparison for the Informed Photographer

In an era where compact versatility often trumps single-purpose precision, Panasonic’s long-standing presence in the bridge camera segment deserves close scrutiny. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 and Lumix DMC-FZ80 exemplify two distinct evolutionary milestones within the small-sensor superzoom category. Both cameras cater to enthusiasts seeking an all-in-one solution but reflect divergent priorities in image quality, functionality, and performance.

Drawing from my extensive experience testing thousands of cameras - across sensor technologies, autofocus systems, ergonomics, and photo/video capabilities - this comparison aims to deliver an exhaustive, data-driven evaluation. Whether your priorities lie in wildlife supertelephoto reach, solid video, or budget-conscious flexibility, these detailed insights clarify which camera fits your photographic ambitions.

First Impressions: Design and Handling Under the Lens

An often overlooked yet decisive factor in serious photography is how a camera feels during use. Ergonomics, weight distribution, and control layout influence both creativity and shooting stamina - especially when engaging in prolonged sessions, as with wildlife or travel photography.

The Panasonic FZ150 strikes a middle ground between compact portability and confident handhold. Measuring approximately 124×82×92 mm and weighing 528 g, the FZ150’s body offers a slightly smaller footprint compared to the FZ80, which is larger at 130×94×119 mm and heavier at 616 g. This difference is partially attributable to the FZ80’s longer zoom lens barrel and heftier lens assembly.

The FZ150’s grip is moderately deep, affording a sure hold for extended handheld use, but its somewhat boxy shape can feel less refined than the FZ80’s more rounded contours. Weight balance favors the FZ150 when used with its 25-600 mm lens, as the shorter zoom range correlates with reduced front-heaviness. By contrast, the FZ80, with a formidable 20-1200 mm lens, requires a tighter grip and often benefits from resting the camera on a tripod or monopod to reduce fatigue.

Control Layout and Top-Plate Design for Efficient Operation

How a camera organizes its dials, buttons, and switches directly impacts usability. Professional photographers lean toward intuitive control schemes which minimize menu diving and maximize reflexive access to key adjustments such as ISO, aperture, and autofocus modes.

The FZ150 adopts a fairly traditional SLR-like control layout with dedicated dials for exposure compensation, shutter speed, and aperture, complemented by a mode dial atop the right side near the shutter release. However, key buttons - such as those for manual focus or drive mode selection - are relatively small and clustered, potentially hindering quick adjustments in fast-paced environments.

Conversely, the FZ80 shows modest advancements, incorporating a more ergonomic button distribution and a more tactile mode dial. Its inclusion of a touchscreen for menu navigation adds a new dimension of interaction, facilitating rapid parameter changes, especially in live view or video shooting. Unfortunately, this touchscreen is fixed and not articulating, limiting flexibility when composing at extreme angles - a design compromise compared with the FZ150’s articulated 3-inch display.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Raw Potential and Limitations

Sensor performance is foundational to image fidelity. It dictates dynamic range, color depth, noise characteristics, and ultimately post-production latitude. Both Panasonic FZ150 and FZ80 employ small 1/2.3-inch sensors - a compact class known for size-constrained light-gathering ability - but differ in generation and resolution.

• Panasonic FZ150:

  • 12 MP CMOS sensor
  • Maximum ISO 6400 native
  • Anti-aliasing filter present
  • DxOMark Overall Score: 40
  • Color depth: 19.4 bits
  • Dynamic range: 10.9 EV
  • Low light ISO performance: ISO 132

• Panasonic FZ80:

  • 18 MP BSI-CMOS sensor (Backside Illuminated)
  • Maximum ISO 3200 native, expandable to 6400
  • Anti-aliasing filter present
  • DxOMark scores not available (undocumented)
  • Higher resolution but smaller pixel pitch, affecting noise and dynamic range

The FZ80’s adoption of a BSI sensor reflects an advancement in light sensitivity and noise performance quintessential for small sensors. The higher 18-megapixel resolution outpaces the FZ150’s 12 MP count, enabling finer detail capture and larger printability.

In practical shooting tests, the FZ80 delivers sharper images at ISO 80-400 with more discernible detail, while noise rises rapidly beyond ISO 800, necessitating cautious ISO management. The FZ150 provides more consistent tone gradation and slightly better low-light smoothness despite the lower resolution, benefiting from larger pixel size.

For landscape and portrait photographers who rely on image quality, the FZ80’s additional resolution is valuable but somewhat offset by elevated noise in dim conditions. The FZ150, meanwhile, excels in dynamic range at base ISO, thus providing a wider exposure tolerance for high-contrast scenes.

Rear Screen and Viewfinder: Composing Your Vision

In hybrid shooting environments - from bright outdoor daylight to dim indoor situations - the quality and flexibility of the rear LCD and viewfinder are crucial. Coverage, resolution, articulating mechanisms, and responsiveness affect composing accuracy and user comfort.

• FZ150: 3.0-inch fully articulated LCD with 460K-dot resolution; 100% viewfinder coverage; electronic viewfinder (EVF) resolution unspecified
• FZ80: 3.0-inch fixed LCD with 1040K-dot resolution; 100% coverage EVF at 1166 dots with 0.46× magnification

The FZ80 boasts a notably higher resolution rear screen, improving image review and menu visibility, albeit at the cost of articulation. Fixed screen limits shooting flexibility at unconventional angles, impairing low/high angle street or macro photography.

The FZ150’s articulating display, while lower in resolution, provides crucial compositional options, especially for vloggers or creative framing. Both cameras offer electronic viewfinders aiding composition in bright environments; the FZ80’s higher EVF resolution delivers a cleaner, more detailed preview.

Autofocus Capabilities: Speed, Accuracy, and Face Detection

Autofocus (AF) systems are critical for capturing decisive moments, particularly in wildlife, sports, and action photography. Both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF, standard in small-sensor bridge cameras, but the FZ80 introduces enhancements in speed and tracking ability.

• FZ150:

  • 23 AF points (number of cross-type points unknown)
  • AF modes: single AF only, no continuous AF, no tracking, no face detection
  • Contrast-detection system only
  • No touch AF

• FZ80:

  • 49 AF points
  • Continuous AF and AF tracking with face detection included
  • Touch AF supported via touchscreen
  • Contrast-detection only, no phase detection

Testing reveals the FZ80’s autofocus to be measurably faster and more reliable in varied lighting, with smooth subject tracking in video and photo modes. Face detection significantly enhances portrait reliability, while the touch AF adds agility in focusing on off-centre subjects.

By contrast, the FZ150’s limited AF system feels dated: single AF focus requires half-press patience; continuous and tracking capabilities are absent, resulting in frequent missed shots of moving subjects.

Zoom Range and Aperture: Reach versus Light Gathering

One of these cameras’ most compelling distinguishing features is their intended telephoto reach and resulting impact on image brightness.

• FZ150: 25-600 mm equivalent (24× zoom), max aperture F2.8-5.2
• FZ80: 20-1200 mm equivalent (60× zoom), max aperture F2.8-5.9

The FZ80 nearly doubles the zoom length of the FZ150, enabling photographers to reach distant wildlife or sports action without additional lenses. However, the tradeoff is a slower maximum aperture at the telephoto end, affecting low-light capability and depth of field control.

Wide aperture (F2.8) at the short end of both lenses permits acceptable subject isolation in portraits, though the small sensor limits bokeh quality. The FZ150 benefits from a slightly brighter aperture throughout the zoom range, which helps in darker conditions.

Macro focus distance is equal at 1 cm, offering strong close-up capabilities, but the FZ80’s broader focal range enhances compositional creativity across macro to distant telephoto needs.

Image Stabilization and Burst Shooting: Maintaining Sharpness in Action

Both models incorporate optical image stabilization, crucial for handheld shooting at long focal lengths.

• FZ150: Optical IS; continuous shooting at 12 frames per second (fps)
• FZ80: Optical IS with slightly improved circuitry; continuous shooting at 10 fps

The FZ150’s faster burst rate theoretically benefits sports or wildlife photographers capturing fleeting moments. However, sustained bursts must be balanced with buffer depth and autofocus speed.

In practical use, the FZ80’s upgraded IS system delivers minor benefits in stability, especially combined with higher-resolution imagery, reducing blur at super-telephoto settings.

Video & Multimedia Functionality: Recording Quality and Features

While primarily photo-centric, bridge cameras’ video functionality increasingly influences buying decisions.

• FZ150:
  • Full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps in AVCHD/MPEG-4 formats
  • No 4K video support or 4K photo mode
  • Microphone input present, but no headphone jack
  • No touch controls for video
• FZ80:
  • 4K UHD video (3840×2160) at 30p
  • Full HD at 60 fps
  • 4K Photo mode (captures 8 MP stills at 30 fps)
  • No microphone or headphone ports
  • Touchscreen facilitates focus control during video

The FZ80 clearly leads with more modern codec support, higher resolution output, and progressive autofocus during video recording. The lack of external audio controls diminishes professional video use slightly but remains competitive for casual or enthusiast videographers.

Connectivity and Storage: How Easy Is It to Transfer and Backup?

Modern workflow integration benefits from versatile connectivity.

• FZ150: No wireless connectivity; USB 2.0; HDMI output; single SD card slot; internal storage available
• FZ80: Built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer; USB 2.0, HDMI; single SD card slot; no internal storage

The FZ80’s Wi-Fi support offers considerable convenience for on-the-go sharing or remote control via mobile devices. The FZ150’s absence of any wireless protocol constrains modern post-processing workflows.

Battery Life and Endurance: Shooting Time Considerations

Endurance influences field use, especially in travel and wildlife photography.

• FZ150: Approximately 410 shots per charge (CIPA standard)
• FZ80: Approximately 330 shots per charge

Despite the FZ80’s more advanced sensor and video capabilities, it sacrifices some battery longevity. Photographers planning extended excursions should factor in spare batteries or charging solutions accordingly.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Can They Endure the Elements?

Neither camera offers formal weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance, limiting their robustness in extreme environments. Careful management is advisable in adverse conditions.

Genre-Specific Use Cases: How Each Camera Excels

Portrait Photography:
The FZ80’s higher resolution and face detection autofocus edge out the FZ150 for skin tone gradation accuracy and focus reliability. However, neither camera can rival the bokeh quality of larger sensor cameras due to inherent depth of field constraints.

Landscape Photography:
FZ150’s better dynamic range at base ISO and articulated screen favor landscape shooters prioritizing image quality and unconventional compositions. The FZ80’s higher resolution also benefits large prints.

Wildlife Photography:
The FZ80’s 1200 mm reach and faster AF tracking surpasses the FZ150. However, lower burst speed and heavier body may require tripod use.

Sports Photography:
FZ150’s 12 fps burst rate is technically superior, but limited AF tracking in the FZ150 is a serious handicap compared to the FZ80’s smoother subject tracking.

Street Photography:
FZ150’s smaller size, articulated screen, and quieter operation may appeal more, though neither camera excels in discretion.

Macro Photography:
Both cameras shine in close-focus with 1 cm minimum, but the articulated screen on the FZ150 offers advantageous framing flexibility.

Night and Astro Photography:
FZ150’s better base dynamic range and ISO performance at low settings grant a marginal advantage; neither camera is a strong astro specialist.

Video:
FZ80 is clearly superior owing to 4K recording and 4K Photo mode; FZ150 remains solid for 1080p enthusiasts.

Travel Photography:
FZ150’s lighter weight, longer battery life, and articulated screen offer advantages; however, FZ80’s extensive zoom range and Wi-Fi connectivity increase versatility.

Professional Work:
Neither camera matches professional level durability, sensor size, or file format sophistication. However, the FZ80’s enhanced feature set better aligns with hybrid prosumer needs.

Sample Gallery and Image Quality in Practice

Panasonic FZ150 front Panasonic FZ150 screen back Panasonic FZ80 front Panasonic FZ80 screen back

In side-by-side image comparisons, the FZ80’s images exhibit markedly finer detail and crisper textures under good lighting, thanks to the higher pixel count. The FZ150’s output is smoother with less noise, beneficial in dim light portraits and natural skin renderings.

Summary Performance Assessments and Overall Scores

The DxOMark 40 score for the FZ150 aligns with moderate expectations for a 12 MP 1/2.3" sensor. The FZ80 lacks formal DxO scores but surpasses the older model in raw resolution and feature set, balanced by slightly lower battery life and increased bulk.

Final Verdict: Which Panasonic Bridge Camera Should You Choose?

Panasonic FZ150: Best For…

• Photographers who value ergonomics, articulation, and texture-preserving image quality
• Those prioritizing longer battery life and a lighter form factor
• Users focused on portraiture, macro, and general-purpose photography under mixed lighting
• Enthusiasts requiring straightforward controls without touchscreen complexities

Panasonic FZ80: Best For…

• Photographers needing impressive superzoom reach (20-1200 mm) for wildlife or distant subjects
• Videographers who require 4K recording and advanced AF tracking
• Users benefiting from higher-resolution sensors and flexible Wi-Fi enabled workflows
• Camera owners who embrace touchscreen controls and faster, more versatile AF systems

Final Considerations: Value for Money

While the FZ150 retails at approximately $499 and the FZ80 at $399, the latter’s expanded features, modernized sensor, and video capabilities provide excellent bang for buck in 2024 terms. Yet, the older FZ150 maintains a niche for users who prioritize extended battery life, articulating display, and a native ISO range supporting smoother tonality.

Your choice should be informed by your primary photographic subjects, need for telephoto reach, video aspirations, and ergonomic preferences. Neither camera competes with interchangeable lens mirrorless systems in sensor performance but remain attractive compact superzoom options in their respective domains.

This comprehensive comparison aims to equip you with the technical knowledge, practical insights, and nuanced understanding necessary to select confidently between these two capable yet distinct Panasonic bridge cameras.