• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 125.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-FX500 advantages over Ricoh WG-80

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.68 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.5
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Ricoh WG-80 advantages over Panasonic DMC-FX500

  • Less expensive
    $330 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Newer
    2 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon SD880 IS

Panasonic DMC-FX500
Canon SD880 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Wider angle lens
  • Longer exposure
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Ricoh WG-80
Canon SD880 IS
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX580S

Panasonic DMC-FX500
Panasonic DMC-FX580S
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • $303
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels
Ricoh WG-80
Panasonic DMC-FX580S
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $303
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Thinner

Compared to Canon SD980 IS

Panasonic DMC-FX500
Canon SD980 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Ricoh WG-80
Canon SD980 IS
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture

Compared to Ricoh WG-50

Panasonic DMC-FX500
Ricoh WG-50
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $233
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Manual focus
Ricoh WG-80
Ricoh WG-50
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Newer
  • $233
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Ricoh WG-6

Panasonic DMC-FX500
Ricoh WG-6
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $337
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in GPS
Ricoh WG-80
Ricoh WG-6
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Newer
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $337
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • More dots on screen
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