Panasonic FZ80 vs Panasonic SZ1

In this article, we are contrasting the Panasonic FZ80 versus Panasonic SZ1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both produced by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FZ80 (18MP) and the SZ1 (16MP) is very comparable and they enjoy the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FZ80 was unveiled 5 years later than the SZ1 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the FZ80 scores against the SZ1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ80 Gallery and Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ80 features physical measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") having a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ1 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FZ80 versus Panasonic SZ1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the FZ80 compared to the SZ1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ80 and SZ1 is 63 and 95 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to see the gap in sensor measurements only by going through specs. The photograph below may offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ80 and SZ1.

All in all, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Panasonic FZ80 to show extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The younger FZ80 is going to have an edge in sensor technology.