Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax P80

Here is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax P80, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the ZS100 (20MP) and P80 (12MP) and the ZS100 (1") and P80 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor size.

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The ZS100 was unveiled 6 years later than the P80 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax P80 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a in depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the ZS100 grades versus the P80 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 and Pentax Optio P80. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery and Pentax P80 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS100 enjoys outer dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Pentax P80 has sizing of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax P80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the ZS100 versus the P80.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the ZS100 and P80 is 87 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizing purely by looking at specs. The photograph below will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS100 and P80.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS100 with its larger sensor will make achieving bokeh easier and the Panasonic ZS100 will resolve greater detail having an extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images more aggressively. The more modern ZS100 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.