Panasonic makes some of the best digital bridge cameras for casual photographers, such as Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 Vs DMC-FZ70. These cameras are almost identical, giving you a massive 60x zoom range to get closer to a subject. While the two look similar, some notable differences may affect your decision. Today we will see what these cameras can offer, the differences, and which are worth buying.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What is Bridge Cameras
- What are Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70
- How is the Design of Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70
- What are the Camera Specs of Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70
- How is the Image Quality from Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70
- How is the Performance of Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70
- How are the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70 for Video
- Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 Vs DMC-FZ70
Bridge Cameras
There are many digital camera types to consider, especially for beginners and casual photographers. One of the most popular digital cameras for casual photographers is a bridge camera because it is a versatile choice for everyone who wants a reliable camera for taking pictures and recording videos. The main difference between a bridge camera and a mirrorless is that the latter has an interchangeable lens system, so you can change the lens. A mirrorless typically has bigger sensors like an APS-C or a full-frame.
About Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70
Another significant advantage of a bridge camera is its very affordable price; you can even find these cameras for less than $200, such as Kodak Pixpro AZ421 Vs AZ252. These cameras have a fixed lens with variable focal lengths providing an amount of zoom, and are relatively easy to use, like any digital camera. But, we also recommend spending more to get a more reliable choice, such as Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70. Panasonic is famous for its budget cameras, especially the bridge model, and these two are almost identical.
You may have heard about the DC-FZ80 because it is currently one of the most famous bridge cameras. But the DMC-FZ70 is an alternative to the more well-known while not the same. You may wonder which is worth buying because the DMC-FZ70 is slightly cheaper with the same lens and sensor size. However, the features are different, with DC-FZ80 delivering a better user experience, such as a better rear display, better EVF, and Wi-Fi connectivity which are all missing on the DMC-FZ70.
In addition, the DC-FZ80 is faster than DMC-FZ70 if you often use the burst shooting mode. However, the image quality is very similar, even though you can still find a few differences in the pixel count because the DC-FZ80 has more pixels, so it is bound to produce a sharper image with everything equal. The ease of use is similar, and the cameras are based on the same design, so you won’t see a difference in handling.
Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70 Design
The Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70 are visually identical, but you can notice the difference based on the rear display and EVF. The DC-FZ80 has a better rear screen at 1040k dots and is a touch screen versus the regular 460K dots LCD on the DMC-FZ70. The EVF is also crisper on the DC-FZ80 with a higher resolution at 1,116k dots versus the 202k dots on the DMC-FZ70. Handling and control are very similar, with a huge grip to help stabilize the camera and a rotating dial to choose the shooting mode.
Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70 Camera Specs
Let’s see what the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70 can offer, starting from the camera specs. Like most bridge cameras, the two use a small sensor or the 1/2.3-inch type, but the DC-FZ80 has more pixels to work with at 18MP versus 16MP on the DMC-FZ80. The lens is identical because you get the widest view at 20mm and the narrowest but longest zoom at 1,200mm in 35mm film equivalent. The aperture is also similar to F2.8 – 5.9, meaning you should get the same amount of light entering these cameras.
Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70 Image Quality
However, the result in real life is a bit different. We don’t see a meaningful change with the naked eye, but you can see it when zooming or cropping the picture on a computer. The extra pixels on DC-FZ80 produce sharper images. You can get a better result when increasing the zoom because we see sharper results in the 70mm setting on DMC-FZ70, similar to DC-FZ80. At a focal length above 100mm, the sharpness will get lower on both cameras; you can find the balance in picture sharpness and zoom length.
Generally, the most extended zoom range in a bridge camera produces softer images, so if your main purpose is to print the picture of the moon on a big piece of paper, these cameras may not be up for the task. The ISO performance is very similar and should work well in bright conditions up to ISO 1600. In low light, the ISO 1600 is muddy but still usable.
Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70 Performance
As for the camera performance, we don’t see much difference in Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70 that can affect the experience. The DC-FZ80 takes almost two seconds to startup and focus, while the DMC-FZ70 took slightly above a second. Panasonic improves the autofocus performance on both cameras as they can lock a subject in an instant in bright conditions. The DC-FZ80 is much faster in a burst as it takes 15 RAW or 52 JPEG before slowing down, while the latter is limited to 3 RAW or JPEG.
Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70 Video
Lastly, we want to see the recording ability in Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70. The main difference here is the 4K recording because the DC-FZ80 offers the function in 30fps while the DMC-FZ70 is only 1080i60 or 1080p30fps. You can use the zooming function or zooming while recording with these cameras but be aware of the rolling shutter and the lens noise. It is also good to mind the zoom range because anything above 500mm produces noticeable wobble, so it is best to use a tripod for the best results.
Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 Vs DMC-FZ70
The Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and DMC-FZ70 are similar cameras but give a different experience. These cameras use the same sensor size and lens but at a different resolution. The image quality is similar, but you may notice that DC-FZ80 produces sharper pictures. This camera is also faster and has a more reliable burst shooting with 4K recording. As for the connectivity, the DC-FZ80 has Wi-Fi for convenience, but the overall ease of use is identical.
Conclusion
The decision is yours because these cameras are exciting and versatile. But we still recommend the DC-FZ80 because it is the better choice. This camera is slightly more expensive than DMC-FZ70 but gives you sharper pictures, 4K recording, fast burst rate, and Wi-Fi.
