Panasonic FZ80 vs Pentax W80

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic FZ80 and Pentax W80, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the resolutions of the FZ80 (18MP) and W80 (12MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FZ80 was revealed 7 years later than the W80 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax W80 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the FZ80 scores against the W80 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 and Pentax Optio W80. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ80 Gallery and Pentax W80 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ80 has got outer measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") with a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs) whilst the Pentax W80 has proportions of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

See the Panasonic FZ80 and Pentax W80 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the FZ80 versus the W80.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ80 and W80 is 63 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to see the difference in sensor sizing simply by going through a spec sheet. The photograph below will give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ80 and W80.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Panasonic FZ80 to provide more detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs much more aggressively. The newer FZ80 will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.