Panasonic ZS50 vs Pentax P80

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic ZS50 and Pentax P80, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the ZS50 (12MP) and the P80 (12MP) is fairly similar and both cameras boast the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The ZS50 was revealed 5 years after the P80 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the ZS50 scores vs the P80 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 and Pentax Optio P80. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS50 Gallery and Pentax P80 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS50 provides external measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Pentax P80 has sizing of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS50 and Pentax P80 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS50 vs the P80.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS50 and P80 is 90 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes only by going over a spec sheet. The pic here will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS50 and P80.

Clearly, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the same resolution so you should expect similar quality of images although you may want to consider the release date of the products into consideration. The younger ZS50 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.