Panasonic ZS50 vs Sony HX80

In this article, we are analyzing the Panasonic ZS50 and Sony HX80, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS50 (12MP) and HX80 (18MP) but they use the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The ZS50 was released 14 months prior to the HX80 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a brief summation of how the ZS50 grades versus the HX80 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS50 Gallery & Sony HX80 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS50 comes with external measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs) whilst the Sony HX80 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS50 and Sony HX80 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have at that moment. Following is the front view scale comparison of the ZS50 versus the HX80.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the ZS50 and HX80 is 90 and 91 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor measurements just by checking out a spec sheet. The visual underneath should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS50 and HX80.

As you can see, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You can anticipate the Sony HX80 to provide greater detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a little more aggressively. The older ZS50 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.