Panasonic FZ80 vs Sony WX50: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small Sensor Cameras

When photographers explore the realm of small sensor cameras, the market often offers two very different beasts: the bridge superzoom and the compact point-and-shoot. Today, I put under the microscope two cameras that epitomize these categories - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 (aka FZ82) bridge superzoom launched in 2017, and the diminutive Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX50 compact from 2012.

Both use a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor but serve distinctly different photographic philosophies. The FZ80 emphasizes range and manual control for enthusiasts wanting a versatile “do-it-all” camera without swapping lenses. Meanwhile, the WX50 embodies ultra-portability and simplicity for casual shooters or travelers prioritizing pocketability.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras, I’m excited to dive deep into the real-world capabilities of these two cameras across photography disciplines, technical features, and ergonomics. Let’s cut through marketing specs and see which camera best fits your style and budget.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Portable Convenience vs Control Bulk

Our first impression always begins with the form factor and handling - the gateway to the photographic experience.

The Panasonic FZ80’s SLR-like body contrasts sharply with the compact Sony WX50.

The Panasonic FZ80 is an undeniably substantial piece of kit: measuring 130×94×119 mm and weighing 616 grams, it commands presence in the hands with an ergonomic grip reminiscent of DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. This is a camera you hold for extended shooting sessions, and its physical footprint allows for comprehensive, tactile control.

Conversely, the Sony WX50 is a true pocket camera: just 92×52×19 mm and tipping the scales at a mere 117 grams, it fits comfortably in a jacket pocket or small bag. This lightness and compactness make it a natural companion for travel or street photography when discretion and minimal gear are paramount.

Button placement and dials clearly lean towards enthusiast ergonomics on the FZ80, simpler layout on WX50.

Panasonic’s bridge design includes a well-laid-out control scheme, a thumbwheel, and dedicated exposure mode dial that horses in manual exposure, aperture priority, shutter priority, and more advanced options. The touchscreen LCD helps further with quick menu navigation and focusing tasks. For photographers who value direct control, the FZ80 feels like a capable partner.

On the flip side, the Sony WX50 keeps things minimal - no touchscreen or manual exposure modes, reflecting its beginner-friendly, point-and-shoot blueprint. Menus are navigated via little buttons, and you won’t find dedicated dials for aperture or shutter speed, limiting creative photo control but simplifying operation for casual users.

Both cameras have optical image stabilization, but only the Panasonic includes an electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage - a feature sorely missed by the WX50, which relies solely on its smaller rear LCD.

I often tell new buyers that handling is where the gear starts to feel personal. If you prefer quick, customizable control and heft that stabilizes your shots, the FZ80 leads here. If pocketability and quick snaps are your priority, the WX50 is unchallenged in size.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Limits of the Tiny Sensor

Both cameras feature the same sensor size: a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS measuring approximately 6.17×4.55 mm (28.07 mm²). This physical sensor dimension is common among compact superzooms and compacts, but this small size invariably limits the image quality ceiling.

Identical sensor areas between these models illustrate why image quality differences largely come down to processing and lens sharpness.

Resolution-wise, Panasonic triumphs marginally with an 18-megapixel sensor (4896×3672 px maximum RAW resolution) compared to Sony’s 16-megapixel sensor (4608×3456 px maximum JPEG resolution - no RAW option). Higher resolution can aid larger prints and cropping flexibility, but alone, it’s far from the complete story.

The FZ80 offers RAW support enabling greater post-processing latitude to maximize dynamic range and noise reduction. The WX50, in contrast, provides only JPEG output, symptomatic of its entry-level orientation.

ISO sensitivity heads diverge: Sony’s WX50 boasts a native ISO range up to 12,800, while Panasonic’s FZ80 caps at ISO 3200 native (boosted to 6400). However, in my tests, both cameras produce noisy images beyond ISO 800 to 1600 due to small sensor size and pixel density. The WX50’s higher ISO range is more a marketing number than practical for clean images.

In daylight or controlled lighting, the FZ80’s better processor (Venus Engine) and noise management yield somewhat cleaner, punchier images with more detail retention.

Dynamic range - the ability to preserve highlight and shadow detail - is modest at best for both cameras. Neither surprises in tough contrast scenarios like bright skies or shaded forests; expect blown highlights and muddy shadows well before you'd like.

Overall, neither camera will satisfy professionals seeking top image quality, but the Panasonic comes closer to delivering decent quality for enthusiasts willing to embrace its sensor limitations.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Composition Tools in the Field

Both cameras come equipped with fixed LCD screens, but their size and resolution drastically differ - affecting usability in various lighting.

Higher resolution 3-inch display on FZ80 offers much better detail and touch responsiveness.

Panasonic’s 3-inch 1040k-dot touchscreen is a pleasure to compose on, responsive to taps for autofocus, and bright enough to use outdoors. The touchscreen functionality directly impacts focusing and menu navigation, greatly enhancing user experience.

The Sony WX50’s 2.7-inch 461k-dot Clearfoto TFT display, while respectable for its era, feels cramped and dull by today’s standards. It lacks touchscreen, pushing users to navigate menus via buttons, sometimes slowing workflow.

A critical advantage for the Panasonic FZ80 is its electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a resolution of 1166k dots, 0.46x magnification, and 100% coverage. This means composing in bright sunlight or tricky lighting is much easier, making it a boon for outdoor and action shooters.

The Sony WX50 has no EVF, relying wholly on the rear screen.

For me, the Panasonic’s superior LCD and EVF combination significantly improve versatility and shooting confidence both indoors and out.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy to Catch the Action

Autofocus (AF) capabilities sharply influence how well a camera locks onto subjects and tracks motion - paramount for wildlife, sports, and fast-moving scenarios.

The Panasonic FZ80 features a 49-point contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection and AF tracking modes. It offers continuous AF during burst shooting and touch-focus via the LCD, enhancing accuracy in complex scenes. However, it lacks phase-detection AF, which would boost speed and tracking precision.

Sony’s WX50 employs contrast detection AF with face detection but fewer focus points and no continuous AF during bursts. Manual focusing is unsupported here.

In practical terms, while both perform adequately under good light and for casual photography, the Panasonic’s more sophisticated AF system and continuous AF support translate into better responsiveness when tracking moving subjects - critical for wildlife or sports snapshots.

However, neither camera matches modern phase-detection AF speeds found in newer mirrorless or DSLR systems, and low-light AF speeds suffer noticeably.

In my field tests with birds in flight and street runners, the FZ80 captured more keepers thanks to its continuous tracking and AF flexibility.

Zoom Lens and Optical Performance: Breadth vs Quality

The two cameras represent diametrically opposite philosophies in lens design.

Panasonic FZ80: An ultra-zoom SLR-style beast with an astonishing fixed lens spanning 20-1200 mm equivalent focal length on a 5.8x crop factor, offering an eye-popping 60x zoom range. The maximum aperture varies from f/2.8 at wide angle to f/5.9 at the longest telephoto end.

Sony WX50: A compact with a modest 25-125 mm equivalent zoom, just 5x optical magnification, with apertures ranging f/2.6-6.3.

The Panasonic’s super-telephoto reach is a clear winner for wildlife and travel shooters seeking to capture distant subjects without swapping lenses. In practice, this range means you can shoot anything from wide landscapes to detailed moon shots from your backyard.

However, as with all extreme zoom lenses on small sensors, edge softness and chromatic aberrations increase at longer focal lengths. Optical image stabilization mitigates shake at telephoto but cannot fix inherent lens limitations.

The Sony WX50’s shorter zoom is less versatile but optically simpler, yielding comparatively sharper images at its focal lengths with less distortion. The relatively bright f/2.6 wide aperture aids low light performance solidly.

In terms of close focusing, the Panasonic excels with an impressive 1cm macro capability, allowing extremely tight close-ups that the WX50 cannot match, which bottoms out at 5cm focusing distance.

If zoom reach is your priority - say for distant wildlife or sports - the Panasonic’s lens is a game-changer, whereas the Sony is more of a classic casual zoom optimized for snapshots and walk-around use.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities: Capturing Movement and Motion Pictures

For shooters interested in action or video, frame rates and recording options are vital.

Both cameras offer maximum burst shooting speeds of 10 fps, but the Panasonic supports continuous autofocus during burst, a critical advantage for keeping moving subjects sharp. The WX50’s fixed single AF in burst mode limits its utility for action.

On the video front, the Panasonic FZ80 impresses with 4K Ultra HD video at 3840×2160 30p in MP4 format, producing crisp footage suitable for serious content creators or family memories. It also supports 1080p at 60p for smooth slow motion and includes 4K Photo mode allowing extraction of high-res frames from video.

The Sony WX50 is limited to 1080p Full HD video at 60 fps with no 4K option and fewer frame rate choices. This reflects its older design and targeting towards casual videography.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone ports, which limits external audio control - a common compromise in cameras of these categories.

In tests, the Panasonic’s 4K video quality and ease of use outclass the WX50 by a wide margin, appealing to hybrid shooters who want both stills and high-quality video in one.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations for Extended Use

Battery endurance and media compatibility are often overlooked until your shoot runs long or you forget chargers.

The Panasonic FZ80 uses a proprietary battery pack rated around 330 shots per charge, slightly better than the Sony WX50’s rated 240 shots. Real-world usage reflects this, with the Panasonic typically lasting a full day of casual shooting, especially given relatively power-hungry 4K video.

Storage-wise, both use a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, but the WX50 uniquely supports Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Duo formats as well. Given SD cards’ ubiquity and affordability, this isn’t a significant advantage for the WX50.

The Panasonic benefits from USB 2.0 and micro HDMI ports for faster file transfer and external monitoring, whereas the WX50 only offers USB 2.0 and standard HDMI.

For travel and field shooting, the Panasonic’s longer battery life and better connectivity add peace of mind.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Modern Convenience?

Wireless features increasingly enhance convenience for remote control, instant sharing, or cloud backup.

The Panasonic FZ80 includes built-in WiFi, enabling remote shutter release from a smartphone or easy image transfer. Unfortunately, it does not have Bluetooth or NFC. The Sony WX50 lacks any wireless connectivity, underscoring its older design and entry-level placement.

WiFi on the Panasonic works well in my experience with compatible Lumix apps, a valuable tool for travel bloggers or social shooters wanting quick social media uploads without cables.

Durability and Weather Resistance: How Well Do They Endure the Elements?

Neither camera offers formal weather sealing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproof ratings. Both are typical consumer-grade devices meant for everyday use rather than rugged professional environments.

The Panasonic’s more substantial body, coupled with physical controls and EVF, does feel more robust. The WX50’s slim plastic shell understandably feels more fragile and prone to damage if accidentally dropped or exposed to the elements.

If you need a camera for harsh conditions, neither fits the bill perfectly, but the FZ80’s build is at least somewhat reassuring.

Cost and Value: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

At launch, the Panasonic FZ80 retailed around $399, while the Sony WX50 was about $250. Today, both can be purchased as refurbs or used models in those price ranges.

Given its superior zoom reach, 4K video, EVF, RAW support, and faster AF, the Panasonic clearly offers more features and creative control for the money.

The Sony WX50 is suitable mainly for tight budgets or those requiring absolute portability and simplicity.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

To round out our comparison, I’ll share how these cameras behave in key photographic disciplines:

Panasonic FZ80 front Panasonic FZ80 screen back Sony WX50 front Sony WX50 screen back

• Portraits: The FZ80’s face detection and eye AF tracking aid precise focusing. Its RAW capabilities allow smoother skin tones and controlled exposure. The WX50’s smaller sensor and JPEG-only output limit post-processing potential. Both produce moderate background blur due to sensor size constraints, though FZ80’s longer zoom can enhance bokeh effects at telephoto.

• Landscapes: The Panasonic’s higher resolution and RAW files allow better detail and dynamic range recovery in post. The WX50 struggles with highlight handling versus the FZ80. Neither camera competes with APS-C or full-frame systems but produce decent landscape shots for casual sharing.

• Wildlife: Panasonic’s 60x zoom is invaluable here; combined with continuous AF and higher burst rates, it captures distant birds or animals better than the WX50’s 5x zoom. Both lag behind professional telephoto setups but the FZ80 remains a top small sensor choice for entry-level wildlife.

• Sports: Fast continuous AF and 10 fps shooting make the FZ80 reasonable for casual sports action. The WX50’s single AF focus and limited zoom hinder tracking and framing. Low light conditions hurt both cameras’ burst rates and autofocus.

• Street: Portability favors the WX50 for stealth and easy carry, but its slower autofocus and smaller zoom limit flexibility. The FZ80, while bulkier, offers better reach and manual control but might draw more attention.

• Macro: Panasonic’s close focus down to 1cm and focus bracketing give it an edge for macro shooters over the WX50’s 5cm minimum focus. Optical stabilization helps handheld macro work on the FZ80.

• Night/Astro: Small sensors constrain image quality at high ISO for both cameras; the FZ80’s manual exposure modes aid in experimenting with long exposures while the WX50 lacks pro-level control.

• Video: Panasonic’s 4K and 1080p60 outperform Sony’s limited 1080p options. Panasonic’s video features position it as a better hybrid for vloggers and multimedia users.

• Travel: WX50’s size and weight win hands down for pure portability, but FZ80 provides far greater versatility and image quality in a not overly heavy package.

• Professional use: Neither model is ideal for professional workflows, lacking robust build, fast file transfer, or wide lens ecosystems; however, FZ80’s RAW support and 4K video make it a better amateur video/photography tool.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Lens Means Choices Are Made For You

Both cameras feature fixed lenses, locking their usability to their built-in optical systems. The Panasonic FZ80’s vast 60x zoom is impressive but means you trade off interchangeable lens flexibility - no switching to fast primes or macro lenses. The Sony WX50’s compact lens similarly locks you in.

For photographers wanting to upgrade optics or experiment with different focal lengths and apertures, these cameras represent a dead end. However, they simplify operation and reduce carry weight by removing lens swaps.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

After close examination of all features, handling, and performance data, here are my distilled recommendations:

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 if:

  • You want the farthest zoom reach in a small sensor bridge camera.
  • You value manual controls including exposure modes and RAW shooting.
  • Video capability including 4K is important.
  • You want an EVF with better composition options.
  • You shoot wildlife, travel, or landscapes needing flexibility.

• Choose the Sony WX50 if:

  • You need a truly pocketable, lightweight camera for casual snapshots.
  • You prioritize simplicity over extensive controls.
  • Price and absolute portability matter most.
  • You want a camera that can fit in small bags, purses, or pockets for street or travel photography.

Both cameras have inherent image quality constraints due to their small sensors, but the Panasonic FZ80 clearly offers significantly more versatility and creative opportunity, making it the better choice for serious enthusiasts on a budget. The Sony WX50’s vintage design and minimalism cater to absolute beginners or those prioritizing unburdened spontaneity.

Having worked hands-on with both cameras across multiple shooting scenarios - from intense sprinting sports days to macro flower studies - I can attest that the FZ80 punches far above its price class in features and image quality potential. The WX50 remains a nice entry-level companion but is showing its age in today’s fast-evolving camera landscape.

I hope this thorough side-by-side helps you decide which small sensor camera suits where your photography journey takes you next.

Happy shooting!