• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic GX850 advantages over Panasonic ZS80

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.77 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic ZS80 advantages over Panasonic GX850

  • 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
  • Fast startup
    ~1.40 vs 2.0 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 380 vs 210 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/50 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    5 years vs 7 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Less shutter lag
    0.16 vs 0.23 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    32 vs 17 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GX850

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic ZS80

Review Excerpt

  • Impressive image quality; Sleek design; 4K video recording; Good overall performance; Tilting touchscreen; Enjoyable user experience.

  • No EVF; No hot shoe, Short 4K clip limit; MicroSD card slot, Poor battery life.

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Panasonic GX850
Panasonic GM5
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Fast startup
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 Panasonic GF7

Panasonic GX850
Panasonic GF7
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
Panasonic ZS80
Panasonic GF7
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic ZS70

Panasonic GX850
Panasonic ZS70
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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

Panasonic GX850
Canon SX740 HS
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $438
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Panasonic ZS80
Canon SX740 HS
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $438
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Olympus E-PL10

Panasonic GX850
Olympus E-PL10
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Panasonic ZS80
Olympus E-PL10
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Compare Other Cameras?