Panasonic FZ80 vs Sony HX99

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Panasonic FZ80 and Sony HX99, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FZ80 (18MP) and the HX99 (18MP) is fairly well matched but the FZ80 (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) offer totally different sensor size.

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The FZ80 was unveiled 20 months prior to the HX99 making them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX99 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the FZ80 matches up against the HX99 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FZ80 Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ80 has external measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") and a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs) while the Sony HX99 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

See the Panasonic FZ80 and Sony HX99 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the FZ80 compared to the HX99.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ80 and HX99 is 63 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to see the contrast between sensor sizes only by checking specs. The image below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ80 and HX99.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras feature the identical megapixel count but not the same sensor sizes. The FZ80 contains the larger sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult. The more aged FZ80 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.