Panasonic FZ80 vs Panasonic GF5

Here, we are matching up the Panasonic FZ80 and Panasonic GF5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are offered by Panasonic. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the FZ80 (18MP) and GF5 (12MP) and the FZ80 (1/2.3") and GF5 (Four Thirds) boast totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FZ80 was launched 4 years later than the GF5 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the FZ80 grades vs the GF5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FZ80 Gallery and Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ80 offers physical dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") with a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs) while the Panasonic GF5 has specifications of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FZ80 and Panasonic GF5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that moment. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the FZ80 versus the GF5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the FZ80 and GF5 is 63 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to see the gap between sensor measurements only by checking specs. The graphic below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ80 and GF5.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FZ80 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FZ80 will give you extra detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The more recent FZ80 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.