Face-Off: Panasonic Lumix FZ80 vs. LX5 - The Small-Sensor Cameras That Pack Personality

When Panasonic announces a new compact camera or bridge shooter, it often signals an approachable entry point into versatile photography, marrying convenience with feature-rich designs. Today, I'm diving deep into two distinct members of Panasonic’s small sensor lineup: the Lumix FZ80 (aka FZ82), a superzoom powerhouse introduced in 2017, and the more compact, premium-feeling Lumix LX5, which debuted back in 2011. Although neither is recent by camera market standards, both remain relevant to enthusiasts curious about intelligent budget options with distinct photographic philosophies.

In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll explore how these two cameras stack up across a range of professional and enthusiast use cases, sensor tech, ergonomics, autofocus, and more. Pull up a chair as we work through image quality measures, real-world shooting, and value propositions to help you decide where to place your bets.

Getting a Feel: Size and Ergonomics Matter

Sometimes, the tactile experience of a camera can make or break the joy of shooting on the go. The Panasonic LX5 is a classic compact - with a pocket-friendly footprint and sleek, understated design. It favors portability and discretion, best for photographers who want to travel light or blend into street scenes. In contrast, the FZ80 is a bridge camera through and through - big, chunky, and screaming “ready for adventure.” Its flared handgrip signals a camera you might take hiking or wildlife spotting rather than slipping discreetly in a jacket pocket.

Looking side by side, the FZ80 measures roughly 130 x 94 x 119mm and tips the scales at 616 grams. The LX5 is about half that weight at 271 grams, with compact dimensions of 110 x 65 x 43mm. If you prize ergonomics and physical controls, the FZ80’s SLR-style body with its deeper grip and more pronounced dials naturally appeals. The LX5’s compact shell is minimalist but less physically assertive - appealing to street photographers or casual shooters.

Design & Interface: A Closer Look at Controls

Panasonic’s design language differs markedly between these two. The LX5 features a clean top plate with minimal buttons, clearly targeting a straightforward, no-fuss experience. It relies heavily on a simple mode dial and control ring around the lens - all designed to be operated quickly but without the expansive control you find on DSLRs or bridge bodies.

The FZ80, on the other hand, is built to feel like a traditional DSLR hybrid, with a dense array of controls and an LCD top display panel replacing a rear screen top readout. The layout invites photographers who want to dive deep into manual exposure and rapid toggling between options without fumbling through menus.

During field tests, I found the FZ80’s physical dials and customizable buttons significantly improved my workflow in dynamic shooting environments like wildlife and sports. The LX5, while friendly for beginners or quick snapshots, can feel limiting under those conditions.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: Size Isn't Everything

Both cameras employ smaller sensors typical of their classes, but the differences here are critical for image quality potential.

• FZ80: 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor, 18MP resolution, with a sensor area of just 28.07mm².
• LX5: 1/1.63" CCD sensor, 10MP resolution, with a substantially larger sensor area of 44.87mm².

From a technical standpoint, the LX5’s sensor is physically larger by a good margin, promising better noise control and higher dynamic range under the hood. Its CCD technology, while older, was a staple in quality compacts for its color rendition and sharpness, albeit with longer readout times and inferior video capabilities.

In contrast, the FZ80’s newer BSI-CMOS sensor enables faster readouts, allowing for 4K video and higher burst shooting speeds, but its smaller size and higher pixel density mean it faces challenges with noise and dynamic range in low light.

In controlled tests, the LX5 delivers cleaner images at base ISO with more subtle gradations and color fidelity in portraits and landscapes. The FZ80, however, shines when cropped or using its flagship 60x zoom lens - making spectacular reach shots possible where the LX5 simply can't compete.

The Fine Art of Focus: Autofocus Systems Compared

The FZ80 sports Panasonic’s contrast-detection AF with 49 focus points, face detection, continuous AF, tracking, and even focus bracketing/stacking. Its hybrid system is designed to keep fast-moving subjects in check, especially useful in wildlife and sports.

The LX5 uses a simpler 23-point contrast detection system, no continuous AF, and lacks face or eye detection. Precision AF is available but more suited to slower, deliberate shooting.

In real-world use, the FZ80 exhibits far superior autofocus tracking performance and burst shooting capability (up to 10 fps), well suited for dynamic subjects. The LX5, while competent, is better for static scenes or slower subjects, emphasizing manual focus precision instead.

Versatility in Lens and Zoom Reach

You won't be swapping lenses on either camera - they both have fixed lenses - but their focal ranges highlight different photographic priorities.

• FZ80: Superzoom 20-1200mm equivalent (60x optical zoom), f/2.8-5.9 aperture.
• LX5: Moderate zoom 24-90mm equivalent (3.8x optical zoom), f/2.0-3.3 aperture.

The FZ80 is built for photographers who crave reach - birdwatchers, travel explorers, and wildlife shooters who need to close massive distances effortlessly. The LX5 is designed for high-quality walk-around versatility, landscapes, and street photography where a wide aperture and moderately wide-to-tele focal length suffice.

Shooting Experience - Busting the Genres

Let's examine how each performs across key photography genres.

Portrait Photography

Portraiture demands skin tone fidelity, pleasing bokeh, and robust face/eye detection.

• The LX5’s larger sensor and wider aperture (f/2.0 at wide) confer natural subject separation and creamy background blur. The color rendition is warm and flattering.
• The FZ80’s small sensor and slow aperture in telephoto range limit shallow depth of field capabilities. However, its 4K photo mode allows extracting moment nuances useful for expressions.

Verdict: LX5 edges out for portraits due to better bokeh and tonal rendering.

Landscape Photography

Here, dynamic range, resolution, and ruggedness take precedence.

• The LX5 delivers cleaner files with improved dynamic range at ISO 80-200, capturing texture and detail in shadows and highlights.
• The FZ80’s 18MP makes for higher-resolution files, but its sensor lacks bit depth to match LX5’s tonal gradations. No weather sealing in either restricts abusive conditions.

Verdict: LX5 for rich, nuanced landscapes; FZ80 for high-res distant vistas.

Wildlife and Sports

Speed, zoom, and continuous operation dominate.

• FZ80’s 60x zoom, 10 fps burst, and continuous AF make it a solid budget wildlife camera.
• LX5’s zoom and burst capabilities pale by comparison, best for casual fast shots.

Verdict: FZ80 is your go-to for action and long distances.

Street Photography

Discrete operation and compactness count.

• LX5’s compact size and quiet operation make it ideal.
• FZ80’s bulk and zoom clatter make it less stealthy.

Macro Photography

• Both support close focusing (1cm), but LX5’s sharper optics at wide apertures aid detail capture.
• FZ80 has focus stacking and postfocus features enhancing macro creativity.

Night and Astro Photography

• LX5’s larger sensor generates cleaner high ISO photos (up to ISO 1600 effective).
• FZ80’s small sensor produces graininess above ISO 800 but benefits from longer shutter speeds and 4K photo mode for star trails.

Video Capabilities

• FZ80 shoots 4K UHD (3840x2160) at 30 fps with 100 Mbps bitrate - a major advantage.
• LX5 limits recording to 720p HD with basic AVCHD Lite format.
• Neither supports microphone/headphone ports or advanced stabilization.

Travel and General Use

• FZ80 is a travel-friendly superzoom companion - one camera for everything.
• LX5 is an elegant, lighter choice for street travel where discretion matters.

Professional Usage

• Both offer RAW capture; the FZ80 store files larger and with finer zoom detail.
• Neither supports weather sealing or professional-grade connections.
• FZ80’s 4K video suits multimedia content creators.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

Neither model offers real weather sealing or ruggedness. The FZ80's larger body feels sturdy but unsealed. The LX5, while solid, is lighter and arguably less robust in rugged use. Both cater to controlled environments or casual outdoor use but not inclement weather work.

Battery Life and Storage

The FZ80 claims around 330 shots per charge, common for bridge cams with large zoom motors and screens. The LX5’s older battery specs are less clear but typically rate lower, demanding spares on long shooting days.

Both accept SD cards with one slot apiece - standard and adequate.

Connectivity and Extras

• FZ80 includes built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer/control but lacks Bluetooth or NFC.
• LX5 sports no wireless features, anchoring it firmly in pre-smartphone connectivity age.
• Both offer HDMI output and standard USB 2.0 ports.

Price and Value Analysis

At launch, the FZ80’s $399 price undercuts many more advanced superzooms with similar specs. The LX5 entered at about $294, a premium compact in 2011 terms.

Considering inflation and availability, used LX5s offer excellent value for image quality in a compact shell, while new or refurbished FZ80s deliver unmatched zoom versatility at an accessible price point.

Real-World Output: Putting Pixels to the Test

Panasonic FZ80 front Panasonic FZ80 screen back Panasonic LX5 front Panasonic LX5 screen back

Examining sample images side by side highlights the LX5’s superior color depth and low ISO clarity. The FZ80’s images excel in tight compositions from far distances - an impossible feat for the LX5, whose zoom and resolution restrict reach.

Summary Ratings at a Glance

And when broken down by each photographic style…

These scorecards reflect the nuances we've explored in depth.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Pick Which?

Choose the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 if:

• You need extreme zoom range for wildlife, birding, or travel.
• You want 4K video and robust continuous shooting.
• You prefer an SLR-styled camera with physical controls and eye-level EVF.
• You’re okay sacrificing some image quality for reach and versatility.

Go for the Panasonic Lumix LX5 if:

• You prioritize image quality over zoom reach, especially for portraits, street, or landscapes.
• A compact, pocketable camera is essential for daily carry and travel.
• You want a classically styled premium compact with simple operation.
• Video is a secondary concern, and you prefer clean, rich JPEGs straight out of camera.

Measuring cameras is one thing; living with them truly tells the story. Between these two, if reach and video are your playground, the FZ80 is the no-brainer workhorse. If you crave image quality and a nimble pocket companion, the LX5 still punches well above its weight class in 2024’s camera landscape.

Whichever you pick, Panasonic offers compelling value for photographers exploring small sensor offerings with distinct strengths - reminding us that even in a smartphone world, dedicated cameras retain their magic.

Thanks for reading this detailed comparison! If you have questions or want me to test other cameras, drop a note. Until next time, happy shooting.