Panasonic G85 vs Sony HX80

Following is a extended assessment of the Panasonic G85 and Sony HX80, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the G85 (16MP) and the HX80 (18MP) is fairly well matched but the G85 (Four Thirds) and HX80 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The G85 was brought out 7 months after the HX80 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic G85 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX80 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the G85 matches up versus the HX80 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic G85 Gallery and Sony HX80 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic G85 offers exterior measurements of 128mm x 89mm x 74mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs) whilst the Sony HX80 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic G85 and Sony HX80 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at the time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the G85 versus the HX80.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the G85 and HX80 is 69 and 91 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading through a spec sheet. The pic underneath may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the G85 and HX80.

Clearly, both of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The G85 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony HX80 will give greater detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics much more aggressively. The newer G85 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.