• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony WX500 advantages over Panasonic ZS80

  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Lighter weight
    236g vs 327g
    Lighter weight
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic ZS80 advantages over Sony WX500

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Newer
    5 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    102 vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

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Buy the Sony WX500

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic ZS80

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic ZS40

Sony WX500
Panasonic ZS40
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic ZS80
Panasonic ZS40
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Sony HX90V

Sony WX500
Sony HX90V
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic ZS80
Sony HX90V
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • NFC
  • Built-in GPS

Compared to Sony HX80

Sony WX500
Sony HX80
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic ZS80
Sony HX80
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • NFC
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Panasonic ZS70

Sony WX500
Panasonic ZS70
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • NFC
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
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

Sony WX500
Canon SX740 HS
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC
  • $438
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • 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
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