• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Olympus AIR advantages over Panasonic ZS80

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $398
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.75 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic ZS80 advantages over Olympus AIR

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Newer
    5 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    102 vs 23 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

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Buy the Panasonic ZS80

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GM1

Olympus AIR
Panasonic GM1
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic ZS80
Panasonic GM1
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Olympus AIR
Panasonic GM5
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic ZS80
Panasonic GM5
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to YI M1

Olympus AIR
YI M1
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Faster shutter
  • $199
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Shoot 4K video
Panasonic ZS80
YI M1
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $199
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic ZS70

Olympus AIR
Panasonic ZS70
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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

Olympus AIR
Canon SX740 HS
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $445
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic ZS80
Canon SX740 HS
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $445
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
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