Panasonic FZ80 vs Sony RX100 III

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic FZ80 and Sony RX100 III, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FZ80 (18MP) and the RX100 III (20MP) is very close but the FZ80 (1/2.3") and RX100 III (1") enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The FZ80 was released 2 years later than the RX100 III and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony RX100 III being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the FZ80 scores against the RX100 III with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ80 Gallery and Sony RX100 III Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ80 has outside measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") along with a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs) and the Sony RX100 III has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") having a weight of 290 grams (0.64 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FZ80 and Sony RX100 III in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the FZ80 and the RX100 III.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the FZ80 and RX100 III is 63 and 89 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements just by viewing specifications. The graphic below will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ80 and RX100 III.

To sum up, each of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FZ80 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Sony RX100 III will provide you with more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics much more aggressively. The fresher FZ80 provides an advantage in sensor technology.