Dedicated cameras with zoom lenses are convenient because you can capture something that is further away. The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 Vs Panasonic G7 are perfect options for casual photographers and travelers who need a compact yet reliable camera to keep their memories and capture many beautiful places they visit. These cameras produce good image quality and are slightly different. Let’s see what you can expect from the two and choose the better option.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- Why Choosing a Dedicated Camera
- What are Panasonic Lumix FZ80 and Panasonic G7
- How is the Design of the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 and Panasonic G7
- How are the Camera Specs of the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 and Panasonic G7
- How is the Image Quality from Panasonic Lumix FZ80 and Panasonic G7
- How is the Performance of the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 and Panasonic G7
- Panasonic Lumix FZ80 Vs Panasonic G7
Smartphone Cameras and Dedicated Cameras
Modern-day flagship smartphones are fantastic and the only device you need on every occasion. Those who need a dedicated camera are enthusiasts who pay more attention and want the best results. You will likely find many manual adjustments on a dedicated camera that decides how the device captures the photos or videos than in a smartphone. A dedicated camera also has the upper hand over the bigger sensor, which means the sensor can capture more information for the system to process.
About Panasonic Lumix FZ80 and Panasonic G7
Panasonic makes good cameras, and if you are not aware yet, this company has some of the best budget cameras for casual photographers and beginners. Professionals may have a primary camera with prime and telephoto lenses, but most people don’t need them. You can choose a single camera with a built-in lens that is versatile enough for different applications. A mirrorless can be a great option, too, when paired with a versatile lens, but it gives more freedom over the lens you can mount.
Panasonic Lumix FZ80 and Panasonic G7 are ideal options for those who want an easy-to-use dedicated camera and something they can carry easily for traveling. The main difference will be the type because the FZ80 is a bridge camera with a fixed lens while the G7 is a mirrorless that you can buy with a lens kit. Both cameras pack a good amount of zoom for the price, making them ideal for photographers with a dynamic application or shooting in places where the condition often changes. Read also: Panasonic Lumix FZ80 Vs Canon Powershot SX540 here.
The image quality from both cameras is pretty good for the price point. We also get decent performance even though none are snappy like flagship smartphones or high-end cameras. We prefer the FZ80 because it is more convenient as you don’t need to think about the lens. The built-in lens is awesome for long zoom performance, even further than the kit lens that comes with the G7. But the G7 is better if you are a hybrid user who often uses the camera for filming 4K videos.
Panasonic Lumix FZ80 and Panasonic G7 Design
One of the best advantages of the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 and Panasonic G7 is the body because they are very compact. Carrying these cameras on the street with the strap still looks acceptable, but the G7 is slightly lighter. The design is similar, and both cameras have a prominent grip to stabilize the unit. The significant difference in design is that G7 has a rotating rear display, making it more convenient to shoot at different angles. The control layout is similar, and these cameras also have EVF.
Panasonic Lumix FZ80 and Panasonic G7 Camera Specs
Let’s see what the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 and Panasonic G7 can offer, starting from the camera specs. You can’t buy the G7 without the lens kit, and the price varies depending on the lens. We choose the cheapest bundle with a 14 – 42mm or 28 – 84mm equivalent lens. The other bundle you can buy comes with two lenses, one of which is a 45 – 150mm lens. This camera can capture high-resolution photos by extracting the stills from 4K video.
As for the sensor, the G7 uses a 4/3-inch 16MP CMOS sensor which is more significant than the FZ80’s 1/2.3-inch 18MP sensor. A bigger sensor is usually better for low-light performance as it captures more light. The FZ80’s lens is a long zoom 20 – 1,200mm lens providing 60x zoom and a wide viewing angle at the lowest setting. The camera also records 4K 30fps, similar to G7, but the latter also records 24fps in addition to 30fps.
Panasonic Lumix FZ80 and Panasonic G7 Image Quality
Image quality is also impressive for the size and sensor. Like most lenses, the sharpest area is in the middle and slightly blurry on the edges. But, we see the FZ80 produces sharper results in the middle when comparing it with the 42mm lens from the kit, especially at the widest angle. Changing the aperture also affects the sharpness, and since both cameras have variable options, the result will vary. The overall result is pretty good across applications. We recommend trying other lenses for G7 to improve the results.
Another aspect we want to mention for these cameras is the 4K video which looks crisp on both options. But, the FZ80 only records at 30fps and up to 15 minutes which can be a limitation depending on your application. The G7 is more forgiving at 30 minutes if you often use the camera to record videos.
Panasonic Lumix FZ80 and Panasonic G7 Performance
Lastly, we want to talk about the performance. Everyone wants a snappy camera, but they tend to be expensive. The G7 requires 0.8 seconds from OFF to the first photo and about 0.05 seconds to lock the focus in decent lighting. The FZ80 needs a bit longer to turn on and take the first photo at 1.5 seconds but is similarly fast when locking the focus at 0.05 seconds; both cameras slow down in dim conditions. FZ80 tale burst shooting at 10fps RAW or JPG in full 18MP resolution.
On the other hand, the G7 shoots at 6.9 frames per second for 21 RAW and 17 JPG photos. You can increase the frame rates to 8.6fps when shooting JPG only. You can also set these cameras to AF-C, so they acquire focus for each shot in a burst, but they will become slower.
Panasonic Lumix FZ80 Vs Panasonic G7
The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 and Panasonic G7 are ideal cameras for those who want a compact and long zoom. The main difference is that the G7 can use a different lens, giving you more freedom and ideal for those more serious about the hobby. The e FZ80 is more straightforward and excels in the zoom aspect, while the widest view is also excellent, making it versatile for users focusing on still photography. The G7 has a rotating screen and longer 4K recording, which is best for hybrid users.
Conclusion
The decision is yours because we may have different applications. We recommend the FZ80 because it is a solid option for casual photographers and is very affordable. The G7 is better for those who want to invest in good lenses and use the camera to record extended 4K footage. This camera is better for hybrid users and people who plan to buy another mirrorless camera.
