• APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SL2 advantages over Panasonic ZS80

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.72 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.60 vs 1.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 650 vs 380 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic ZS80 advantages over Canon SL2

  • Less expensive
    $398* vs $549
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Thinner
    41 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/200 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.1 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    102 vs 22 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    9.5 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    32 vs 5 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SL2

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic ZS80

Review Excerpt

  • Higher resolution and better image quality than SL1; Much improved dynamic range; Excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF; Compact body with improved ergonomics; Articulating touchscreen; Full HD movies up to 60p; Better battery life.

  • Shallow buffer depth with RAW files; Dynamic range and high ISO performance still not as good as leading competitors; No 4K video option; OVF only offers 9 AF points.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3400

Canon SL2
Nikon D3400
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO
Panasonic ZS80
Nikon D3400
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic ZS70

Canon SL2
Panasonic ZS70
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Panasonic ZS80
Panasonic ZS70
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compared to Canon SX740 HS

Canon SL2
Canon SX740 HS
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $408
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic ZS80
Canon SX740 HS
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $408
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Nikon D3500

Canon SL2
Nikon D3500
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
Panasonic ZS80
Nikon D3500
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon SL3

Canon SL2
Canon SL3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Longer stills battery life
Panasonic ZS80
Canon SL3
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
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