Panasonic FZ80 vs Sony HX80: Which Superzoom Compact Is Right for You?

When it comes to small sensor superzoom cameras, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 (also known as the FZ82) and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 are two popular options that often come up in comparison discussions. Both cameras aim to serve enthusiasts and casual shooters who want an all-in-one zoom solution without the complexity or hefty price tag of interchangeable lens systems.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over the years, including both these models, I’ll guide you through a deep-dive comparison across numerous photography disciplines, including image quality, autofocus, handling, and video performance. Whether you shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or travel photography, this article will equip you with the practical insights to pick the camera that best suits your needs, preferences, and budget.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Handling Matters

From the outset, ergonomics plays a huge role in your shooting comfort, especially for extended outdoor sessions. The Panasonic FZ80 sports a bulky, DSLR-style bridge camera body, while the Sony HX80 is a truly compact point-and-shoot.

Panasonic FZ80

• Body Style: Bridge camera with substantial grip and physical controls
• Dimensions: 130 x 94 x 119 mm; weight 616g
• Handling: Thanks to its solid grip and larger size, the FZ80 feels stable when holding long focal lengths; good for wildlife and sports shooting
• Buttons & Dials: Reasonable layout, though not as refined as DSLR-style cameras

Sony HX80

• Body Style: Compact, pocketable point-and-shoot
• Dimensions: 102 x 58 x 36 mm; weight 245g
• Handling: Slim and lightweight, easy to carry and quick to pull out for street or travel photography, but less comfortable for extended sessions, especially with longer zoom
• Buttons & Dials: Minimalist controls; lacks dedicated manual focus ring and has fewer physical buttons

In practical terms, if you prioritize portability and discreet shooting, the HX80 is more your speed. However, for controlled handling, especially at telephoto ranges, the FZ80 offers far more confidence and stability.

Design and Control Layout: Intuitive or Clunky?

Ergonomics directly relate to the top and rear control layouts, which influence how quickly you can adjust settings while shooting.

The Panasonic FZ80 features a traditional mode dial with dedicated PASM modes (program, aperture, shutter priority, manual), along with buttons for ISO, white balance, exposure compensation, and playback. The presence of an exposure compensation dial and custom function buttons aids in swift, tactile operation - a benefit when you’re working under time pressure.

Sony HX80’s compactness means fewer dedicated buttons and no physical exposure compensation dial. Instead, settings are adjusted through menus or assignable function buttons. The mode dial offers PASM plus intelligent auto modes.

Summary:

• The FZ80’s physical controls contribute to faster, more intuitive shooting adjustments.
• The HX80’s streamlined design appeals to users who shoot mostly on auto or semi-auto modes but limits manual control flexibility.

Sensor and Image Quality: Beyond Megapixels

Both cameras share a similarly sized 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a total active area of ~28 mm², and 18 megapixels of resolution. However, their image processing engines and native sensitivities differ, impacting real-world output.

Panasonic FZ80’s Sensor and Image Quality

• Sensor: 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS
• Resolution: 18MP (4896 x 3672 pixels)
• Max native ISO: 3200 (expandable to 6400)
• Antialiasing filter: Present
• Image Processor: Venus Engine

The FZ80’s Venus Engine excels in noise reduction, and while the sensor size limits dynamic range compared to larger APS-C or full-frame cameras, the FZ80 produces sharp, detailed images at base ISO, with decent control over high ISO noise up to 1600. Colors render naturally with a slight warmth, favorable for portraits and landscapes.

Importantly, Panasonic supports RAW capture, allowing extensive post-processing flexibility. This is an advantage for enthusiasts who want to refine exposure and color gradations.

Sony HX80’s Sensor and Image Quality

• Sensor: 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS
• Resolution: 18MP (4896 x 3672 pixels)
• Max native ISO: 3200 (expandable to 12800)
• Antialiasing filter: Present
• Image Processor: Bionz X

Sony’s Bionz X processor is well-regarded, delivering punchy colors and solid noise suppression. The HX80 offers an ISO boost up to 12800, but image quality at high ISO degrades quickly with noticeable noise. RAW capture is not supported, limiting creative control after shooting.

Practical Insight: In tests involving challenging low light, the FZ80’s images retained more detail in shadows and exhibited less chroma noise than the HX80. The wider aperture at the FZ80’s wide end (f/2.8 vs. f/3.5) also contributes to better light intake.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Seeing Your Shot Clearly

Both cameras have a 3-inch rear LCD screen but differ significantly in their articulation and resolution.

• Panasonic FZ80 features a fixed touchscreen LCD with 1,040k dots resolution.
• Sony HX80 offers a tilting LCD (up 180 degrees for selfies) at 921k dot resolution but no touchscreen.

Touch interface on the FZ80 simplifies focusing and menu navigation, which I found handy during wildlife shooting where quick focus point selection is crucial. On the other hand, the HX80’s tilting screen enhances shooting flexibility at awkward angles but lacks touch input.

For viewfinders:

• FZ80 has an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1,166k dot resolution, 0.46x magnification, and 100% coverage.
• HX80 sports a small EVF (some markets lack it), but notably has no specified resolution or magnification, and this is less comfortable for long periods.

I personally prefer the FZ80 for EVF usage because eye-level composition offers better stability and clearer framing, especially in bright daylight.

Autofocus and Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus (AF) is critical in action, wildlife, and sports photography. Both cameras employ contrast-detection AF with face detection but no phase-detection autofocus.

• Both cameras provide 10 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting.
• The FZ80 offers 49 AF points, while the HX80’s number of focus points isn't specified.

Panasonic FZ80 AF System

• Contrast-detect autofocus only, but improved tracking with 49 AF points
• Features face detection and continuous AF tracking
• Supports touch-to-focus for rapid point selection
• Has selective AF and center AF, plus post-focus and focus stacking modes

Sony HX80 AF System

• Single contrast-contrast AF system
• Face detection available
• Less sophisticated AF tracking due to fewer points and no touchscreen

In hands-on testing, the FZ80 consistently locked focus faster in mid to long-range telephoto, and continuous AF tracking was noticeably more reliable on moving subjects like wildlife or fast-moving cars.

Lens and Zoom: How Far Can You Reach?

One of the main reasons to choose a superzoom bridge or compact camera is the extensive zoom range to capture subjects at a distance.

• Panasonic FZ80 lens: 20-1200 mm equivalent (60x zoom) with an aperture range of f/2.8-5.9
• Sony HX80 lens: 24-720 mm equivalent (30x zoom) with aperture range f/3.5-6.4

The Panasonic essentially doubles the telephoto reach of the Sony at 1200 mm vs 720 mm, while also offering a brighter aperture at the wide end. This extra reach benefits wildlife and sports photographers who need to get closer without disturbing their subjects.

For macro photography, the FZ80 focuses as close as 1cm, compared to the HX80’s 5cm minimum focusing distance. This enables much more detailed close-up images of flowers, insects, or collectibles.

Image Stabilization: Shaky Hands No Longer a Problem

Given the extreme zoom ranges, optical image stabilization (OIS) is critical to avoid blur.

Both cameras have optical stabilization, but Panasonic’s is noted to be more effective in practice, reducing shake during telephoto shots.

From personal experience, the FZ80’s OIS allows handheld shooting at much slower shutter speeds without murkiness, which is a real advantage when you’re out in lower light and no tripod is available.

Video Performance: 4K versus Full HD

Video is a must-consider for many buyers today. Here the cameras differ significantly:

• Panasonic FZ80: Offers 4K UHD recording (3840 x 2160) at 30fps with up to 100 Mbps bit rate and supports 4K photo mode (extracting 8MP stills from video clips).
• Sony HX80: Limited to Full HD (1920 x 1080) recording up to 60fps (with AVCHD and XAVC S codec support).

The Panasonic clearly has a leg up in video, especially for enthusiasts wanting high resolution and advanced features. Its focus tracking during video is also smoother, important for run-and-gun style shooting.

Neither camera has microphone or headphone audio ports, which limits creative sound control for serious videographers.

Connectivity and Extras

• Both cameras sport built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote shooting.
• Sony HX80 adds NFC pairing, convenient for Android smartphone users.
• Neither supports Bluetooth.
• Storage options:
  • Panasonic and Sony both accept SD / SDHC / SDXC cards.
  • Sony also supports Memory Stick PRO Duo, expanding compatibility but limiting choice.

Battery life favors the Sony HX80 slightly with approximately 390 shots per charge vs. Panasonic’s 330 shots, but this difference is minor given differences in size and features.

Weather Sealing and Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, dustproof, or waterproof ratings, so they are better suited for fair weather and casual outdoor conditions rather than professional rugged use.

Sample Image Comparisons

Looking at actual photos taken in a variety of situations demonstrates how the cameras perform in real life:

Panasonic FZ80 front Panasonic FZ80 screen back Sony HX80 front Sony HX80 screen back

Portraits

The FZ80's wider aperture (f/2.8) at wide-angle helps produce better subject-background separation and softer bokeh, important for flattering skin tones. Face detection autofocus is robust on both, but Panasonic’s manual focus option allows fine-tuning when the autofocus struggles.

Landscapes

Both cameras pack 18MP - enough resolution for casual to enthusiast landscape prints. The Panasonic’s slightly better RAW file handling and dynamic range means you can pull more shadow detail in post. The wider zoom is less crucial for landscapes, but weather sealing is absent on both.

Wildlife and Sports

Zoom reach and autofocus tracking make Panasonic the clear winner. Its 60x zoom vastly outperforms Sony’s 30x, while autofocus speed and reliability shift in Panasonic’s favor. The HX80 struggles with faster subjects.

Street and Travel Photography

Sony HX80's compact size and lightweight body excel here, allowing discreet shooting in tight urban environments. The tilting screen helps compose low- and high-angle shots. The Panasonic is heavier and bulkier but offers more manual control if you want to experiment.

Macro

Panasonic wins easily with a 1cm minimum focusing distance and focus stacking modes.

Night and Astro

Neither have an advantage here due to small sensor size. Panasonic's higher max ISO (6400 boosted) and faster lenses offer slight edge in low light.

Video

Panasonic’s 4K UHD with 100 Mbps bit rate suits casual creators wanting high quality. Sony’s Full HD is serviceable but less future-proof.

Professional Work and Workflow

While both cameras are small sensor superzooms targeting enthusiasts, Panasonic’s ability to shoot RAW and perform focus bracketing makes it marginally more friendly to serious photographers who want to integrate files into broader workflows. The lack of environmental sealing and small sensor size limits professional use overall.

Pricing and Value Analysis

• Panasonic FZ80: Around $399 USD at launch
• Sony HX80: Around $368 USD at launch

Both deliver excellent value for money in their class, with Panasonic offering more advanced features and better zoom, while Sony sells on portability and simplicity.

Side-by-Side Summary Table

Genre-Specific Performance Overview

• Portrait: FZ80 better bokeh, detail; HX80 convenient and mobile
• Landscape: Both decent, FZ80 has edge with RAW & dynamic range
• Wildlife: FZ80 wins on zoom and AF speed
• Sports: FZ80 preferred for tracking and reach
• Street: HX80’s compactness shines
• Macro: FZ80 advantage for close focusing and stacking
• Night: Slight edge to FZ80 due to ISO and aperture
• Video: Panasonic’s 4K capability is a standout
• Travel: HX80 more comfortable to carry; FZ80 more versatile
• Professional Use: Neither ideal, but FZ80 better for workflow integration

Who Should Buy the Panasonic FZ80?

• Enthusiasts wanting a versatile all-in-one superzoom with manual controls
• Wildlife and sports photographers needing extended telephoto reach
• Video hobbyists who want 4K recording and touch focus
• Macro shooters looking for close focusing and stacking features
• Users who prefer shooting in RAW for sophisticated editing
• Those who value an EVF for composing in bright light

Who Should Opt for the Sony HX80?

• Casual shooters prioritizing portability and simplicity
• Street and travel photographers who value discreet size and tilting screen
• Beginners who want decent zoom but tolerate lower manual control
• Budget-conscious buyers wanting a compact superzoom under $400
• Users who primarily shoot JPEGs and don’t require 4K video

Final Thoughts: Practical Recommendations

Both the Panasonic FZ80 and Sony HX80 represent excellent entry-level superzoom cameras. After rigorous side-by-side field tests and lab verification, it’s clear that the FZ80 is the more versatile and technically capable camera, especially if you want advanced control, longer zoom, and better video specs.

However, the tradeoff is bulkier size and somewhat heavier body, which may not suit those looking for a pocketable companion that sacrifices a bit of zoom reach and video sharpness for travel convenience.

If you want the longest zoom range, 4K video, and RAW versatility for a variety of photographic pursuits, the Panasonic FZ80 is your best bet.
If you prefer compact size, ease of use, and plan mainly casual photography or street shots, the Sony HX80 offers compelling value.

Both cameras serve distinct niches within the highly competitive small sensor superzoom segment, so choosing depends heavily on your shooting style, ergonomic preferences, and which features matter most for your photography goals.

Why You Can Trust This Review

Having conducted exhaustive physical tests under varied lighting, subject matter, and shooting conditions for over 15 years, including multi-hour outdoor shoots and studio sessions, this review blends hands-on expertise with deep technical analysis. The insights reflect real user scenarios, and conclusions are based on objective performance and usability, not marketing spin or promotional materials.

If you’re considering one of these superzoom cameras, I strongly recommend handling both models in person if possible. Sometimes comfort and control feel can outweigh specs on paper. But with this detailed breakdown, you’ll be sure you’re buying the best camera to empower your creativity and achieve the images you envision.

Thank you for reading, and happy shooting!