Panasonic Lumix FZ80 vs Sony Cyber-shot H20: A Down-to-Earth Lens Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

When you dig into the world of bridge and compact cameras, you’re often caught in the tussle between zoom prowess, sensor quality, and practical usability - all balanced against budget. Two cameras that often pop up in conversations, especially in the realm of versatile superzoom enthusiasts, are Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FZ80 (also known as the FZ82) and Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-H20.

Though these two hail from different eras - Panasonic’s FZ80 debuted in early 2017, and Sony’s H20 traces back to 2009 - comparing them sheds light on technological progress and user priorities over the last decade. In this detailed comparison, I’m tapping into my hands-on experience with thousands of cameras to help you understand where each shines, where it stumbles, and which might be your best photographic companion.

Let’s dig deeper - lens cap off.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design

You don’t always want just specs on paper; holding a camera - feeling its weight and ergonomics - often seals or breaks a deal.

Panasonic’s FZ80 follows the classic SLR-style bridge body with a pleasantly chunky grip and thoughtful button placement. Measuring 130 x 94 x 119 mm and weighing in just over 600 grams (including battery), it exudes a reassuring heft that whispers, “Yes, you’re serious about zoom, and here’s the tool.” The Sony H20, by contrast, is a compact camera in the truest sense - 107 x 69 x 47 mm and roughly a quarter of the FZ80’s weight at 250 grams. Pocketable? Only just, but it easily slips into a large jacket pocket or purse.

The difference is palpable: if you’re accustomed to DSLRs or mirrorless cameras with pronounced grips, the FZ80 will feel immediately familiar. Conversely, the H20’s diminutive size favors discretion - excellent for street photographers, casual travel, or when carrying minimal gear is a priority.

But size isn't everything: what about the controls?

Panasonic’s top layout offers dedicated dials and buttons for exposure compensation, ISO, and a well-placed mode dial, alongside zoom rocker and shutter release sitting while comfortably under your index finger. Sony’s H20 opts for minimalism; fewer physical controls, smaller and more crowded buttons, and without an electronic viewfinder - which affects how you compose, especially outdoors.

In short: The FZ80 feels like a serious tool built for extended handling without fatigue, while the H20 favors compactness and grab-and-go simplicity.

Sensor and Image Quality: Peering Beneath the Zoom

Both cameras use the same tiny 1/2.3-inch sensor size (6.17 x 4.55 mm), common place in superzooms and compact cameras aiming for extensive zoom lengths rather than large sensor performance. But broad assumptions end there.

Panasonic employs an 18-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor coupled with the Venus Engine processor, giving it an edge in high ISO sensitivity and dynamic range compared to the Sony’s older 10-megapixel CCD sensor.

Here’s why that matters:

• High ISO and Noise Performance: The CMOS sensor and newer processing in the FZ80 naturally outperform the H20’s CCD sensor as ISO climbs beyond 400. In low-light or indoor shooting, images from the Panasonic retain detail and lower noise levels, whereas the Sony tends to muddy out here.

• Resolution and Detail: With 18MP compared to Sony's 10MP, the FZ80 allows cropping and large print making with more flexibility. But keep in mind that small sensor size inherently limits resolving power compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors.

• Color and Dynamic Range: Panasonic's newer sensor and processing also deliver richer color depth and wider dynamic range, especially under challenging lighting - no surprise given the 8-year silicon technology gap.

• Raw Support: The FZ80 shoots in RAW format (DNG), essential for post-processing enthusiasts and professionals seeking maximum control. Sony’s H20 is limited to JPEG, which caps editing latitude and quality.

In practical shooting, images from the FZ80 show punchier colors, better highlight recovery, and usable detail in shadows compared to the Sony H20, which feels more limited and softer, especially at higher ISO or challenging conditions.

Finding Your Focus: Autofocus Systems and Speed

A modern camera’s autofocus system can make or break the shooting experience. After spending hours in the field putting autofocus systems through their paces, precision, speed, and tracking are my holy trinity.

The Panasonic FZ80 boasts 49 contrast-detection AF points, touchescreen AF target selection, face-detection, and continuous autofocus tracking modes. Its fastest shutter speed of 1/16,000s (electronic shutter) allows capture of fast motion without blur.

Sony’s H20 uses a simpler 9-point contrast-detection system, lacks face detection, and misses continuous AF tracking.

What does this mean practically?

With the FZ80, I could rely on fast and accurate focus lock on both still subjects and moderately fast-moving ones - great for wildlife or casual sports like kids running in a park. The touchscreen focus option adds to creative control, especially for macro and selective focus shots.

The H20 struggles a bit with speed and accuracy in low light or fast action. Its 2 frames per second burst mode and absence of AF tracking restrict its use in dynamic settings. For casual snapshots and steady scenes, it’s serviceable, but clearly dated.

Ergonomics, Display, and User Interface: Screens and Views

Composition success is partly about seeing your scene clearly - both in bright daylight and shaded indoors.

The 3-inch fixed touchscreen on the FZ80, boasting 1,040k dots resolution, delivers sharp, bright visuals with good color accuracy. It supports intuitive exposure and focus adjustments, post-focus functions, and 4K photo mode shooting.

Sony’s H20 also sports a 3-inch fixed LCD but with a mere 230k dots resolution, which feels grainy and dull when compared side-by-side. It lacks touchscreen - meaning slower menu navigation and focus point adjustments.

The FZ80 also features a 1166k dot electronic viewfinder covering 100% of the frame. This is a huge boost when shooting in bright sun or demanding compositions requiring steady hold. H20 lacks any EVF, relying wholly on the LCD, which forces awkward angles and decreased stability outdoors.

For photographers used to composing through a viewfinder, the FZ80 feels like a direct upgrade in usability and precision.

Mastering the Optics: Lens and Zoom Capabilities

Now, the fun part - zoom.

Panasonic’s FZ80 pushes the envelope with an astonishing 60x optical zoom lens, equating to an impressive 20-1200 mm focal length range (35mm equivalent). The maximum aperture varies from f/2.8 at wide angle to f/5.9 at full telephoto.

Sony’s H20, meanwhile, offers a 10x zoom from 38-380 mm (still decent for its vintage) with max aperture f/3.5-4.4.

In real shooting scenarios, the Panasonic’s 60x reaches places where the H20 can only dream - birdwatching, distant sports, or surveillance-style shots. The optical image stabilization paired with this long zoom range is essential for handheld use. Even at 1200 mm, the FZ80’s stabilization made many shots usable handheld, though a tripod still benefits for critical sharpness.

Sony’s 10x zoom feels more manageable, with less bulk and easier framing at telephoto, but lacks the reach for serious wildlife or distant landscape details.

The big question: does Panasonic’s super-long zoom compromise optical quality?

There is some softening and chromatic aberration at extremes of the zoom range, but overall lens quality remains respectable for a fixed lens superzoom. The wider-end aperture f/2.8 is a plus for low light and creative bokeh, where Sony’s max f/3.5 at wide angle offers less light-gathering.

I was particularly impressed by Panasonic’s macro capabilities: a close focus starting at 1 cm, making tiny details spring to life. Sony’s minimum macro focus at 2 cm is good, but the Panasonic’s superior AF precision and focus stacking features take it further.

Performance in the Field: Continuous Shooting, Burst Rates, and Responsiveness

The Panasonic FZ80 supports 10 frames per second continuous shooting, which is respectable for a camera in this category, and well suited to capturing fleeting moments in sports or wildlife. Sony’s H20 is limited to a sluggish 2 frames per second burst - better for non-action snapshots.

I tested both cameras on fast action sequences - kids sprinting on a soccer field, birds flapping away. The FZ80’s buffer depth and speed combine to snap several sharp images in sequence, which can make post-selection more fruitful. The H20 often lagged, and sometimes refocused mid-burst, causing missed frames.

From a usability standpoint, the FZ80’s precise shutter release feel and lower shutter blackout contribute to feeling “in the moment,” an intangible but important benefit.

Weather Resistance, Build, and Durability

While neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized, the FZ80’s body construction feels more robust with tighter seams, and stronger plastics in high-impact zones. Sony’s H20, as an older compact, relies on lighter construction - sufficient for casual travel but not the rigors of adventurous outdoor use.

Neither camera is dustproof or freezeproof. If you plan to shoot harsh conditions, external protection and care become essential.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You Shooting

The Panasonic utilizes a rechargeable battery pack delivering approximately 330 shots per charge using the LCD, which is decent but might require spares for daylong excursions, especially when shooting video or using the EVF.

Sony’s battery life rating is unspecified, but the NP-BG1 battery the H20 uses is known to be less efficient, requiring frequent charging with active use.

Both cameras accept a single SD card slot, with the Sony H20 also supporting Memory Stick Duo formats - now largely obsolete.

Connectivity and Extras: Features Worth Knowing

Panasonic’s FZ80 shines here with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allowing wireless image transfer and remote shooting via smartphone apps. However, it lacks Bluetooth and NFC, which are becoming standard on newer cameras.

Sony’s H20 has zero wireless connectivity, reflecting its era - a hassle if you want rapid sharing without unplugging cables.

Both offer HDMI output for external monitors, and USB 2.0 for data transfer. Neither sports microphone or headphone jacks - limiting video creators.

Video Capabilities: Quality and Flexibility

Here, the FZ80 makes clear strides forward:

• Up to 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels) at 30p with a 100 Mbps bit rate
• Full HD 1080p 60p recording with H.264 codec
• 4K Photo mode enabling extraction of still frames from video clips at high resolution

These features put the FZ80 into a solid hybrid zone for stills enthusiasts wanting quality video without investment in dedicated camcorders or mirrorless hybrids.

The Sony H20 maxes out at HD 720p 30 fps video quality, with no advanced codecs or frame rates. If video is a consideration beyond casual snippets, Sony is a weak option.

Real-World Use Cases: Who Wins Where?

Panasonic FZ80 front Panasonic FZ80 screen back Sony H20 front Sony H20 screen back

I tested both cameras across various photography types to reflect real-world demands:

Portrait Photography

The Panasonic’s 18MP sensor combined with a wide aperture at shorter focal lengths delivers pleasing skin tone rendition and reasonable background separation (soft bokeh), owing to the lens’s f/2.8 at wide end. Face detection autofocus is a real timesaver. Sony’s smaller sensor and narrower apertures yield flatter images with less depth, and no face detection complicates composition.

Landscape Photography

Panasonic’s richer resolution, wider dynamic range, and 20mm wide angle make landscapes more vibrant and detailed. Sony’s narrower 38mm wide end struggles for expansive sweeping vistas, feeling telephoto before you can say “grand canyon.” Neither is weather sealed, so care is needed in demanding conditions.

Wildlife Photography

FZ80’s 60x zoom is a game changer for distant wildlife - great for birds in flight or timid mammals. The H20’s 10x zoom limits framing options here. Faster AF tracking and burst rates boost Panasonic’s candid capture prowess.

Sports Photography

FZ80 holds steady in moderate action scenarios. Its burst speed and shutter range allow freezing motion effectively. H20’s slow burst and restrictive focusing limit use to slow-moving subjects.

Street Photography

Sony’s compact size and lightweight design make it preferable for inconspicuous street shooting. But its poor low-light performance and lack of electronic viewfinder hamper shooting quality in urban dusk or night scenes. Panasonic’s bulk makes it less practical for streetwear invisibility, but better image quality balances that out if you can carry it.

Macro Photography

Panasonic’s 1cm macro focus and focus stacking features give it the edge in close-up and creative macro work. Sony is second best with shorter minimum focusing but less precision.

Night & Astro Photography

Thanks to better high ISO and manual exposure modes, FZ80 can function under low light and starry skies more competently. Sony’s elevated noise and sensor limitations restrict night creative options.

Video

Hands down, Panasonic’s 4K and HD capabilities, plus stabilization, make it appealing to hybrid stills/video users. Sony’s video is merely “record a memory” quality.

Travel Photography

Sony’s light weight and compact form factor cater to casual travelers prioritizing convenience. Panasonic represents a better “all-in-one” camera for diverse shooting without swapping lenses, albeit bulkier.

Professional Work

Neither camera replaces professional-grade APS-C or full-frame models, but FZ80’s RAW support and image quality means it could fill backup roles or field-specific tasks at lower cost.

Summarizing the Scores: A Quick Reference

The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 clearly outperforms Sony’s H20 in most photography disciplines and technical metrics, with notable gaps in:

• Resolution
• Autofocus sophistication
• Zoom reach
• Video capacity
• Handling and LCD/EVF usability

The Sony’s niche remains portability, simplicity, and budget-conscious casual use.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If you crave a single versatile camera capable of tackling everything from detailed macro, long-reach wildlife, to 4K video, and you appreciate hands-on controls and an electronic viewfinder, the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is your clear pick. It delivers excellent value, especially considering recent pricing hovering around $399 USD - a steal for 60x zoom and 18MP CMOS sensor goodness.

Conversely, if your priorities tilt towards lightweight travel, compact carry with good-enough zoom for vacations or daily snapshots - and you don’t mind older sensor tech or restricted video - the Sony Cyber-shot H20 remains a modest, approachable option. It’s a camera for simpler times, well suited for beginners or those on tight budgets.

Who Should Buy The Panasonic Lumix FZ80?

• Photography enthusiasts wanting an all-in-one superzoom solution
• Wildlife and sports lovers needing reach and good tracking
• Hobbyists interested in macro and 4K video features
• Anyone valuing RAW image flexibility and touchscreen interaction

Who Should Consider The Sony Cyber-shot H20?

• Budget-conscious users prioritizing ultra-portability
• Casual photographers focused on daylight, easy shooting
• Those who want simple, lightweight camera setups without fuss

Closing Personal Note

As someone who’s spent many a chilly morning tracking birds or warm afternoons chasing kids with a camera in hand, tools like the Panasonic FZ80 are a joy to work with. The power to pull distant subjects close, nail focus in tricky light, and shoot high-res photos and 4K video - all in one device - is a genuine enabler.

The Sony H20? It’s more of a nostalgic reminder of how far camera tech has come and a friendly companion for those who just want a smaller, simpler machine without the frills. Both have charm, but one is unmistakably the better shooter for today’s demanding scenarios.

So, when choosing between these two, weigh your shooting style, demands, and budget carefully - because your camera is your storytelling partner, and having the right one in hand makes all the difference.

Happy shooting - wherever your lens takes you!