Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this review, we are going to make a detailed comparison of two cameras that fall into different categories. While the first model we are looking at, Sony Alpha a5100 belongs to a Entry-Level Mirrorless category, the other model, Sony Alpha a5100 is a Small Sensor Superzoom camera. Both models feature different types of sensors. Thus, Sony Alpha a5100 comes with CMOS sensor that has a resolution of 24.0 MP resolution, while our second compared model Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 features a 18.0 MP BSI-CMOS sensor.
Both cameras we are going to look at in our overview fall into two different categories - MirrorLess and SuperZoom. Keeping in mind all the distinctive features of each category, it will be hard to make a detailed comparison of these two models. However, we will do our best to make this review as unbiased and detailed as possible.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Sony Alpha a5100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Sony Alpha a5100 Key Features:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 Key Features:
Sony Alpha a5100 substituted Sony a5000.
NFC | Yes vs No | Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices |
Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP vs 18.0 MP | 25% more pixels |
Sensor Area | 366.6 mm2 vs 28.07 mm2 | 92.3% larger pixel area |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 vs 1/2000 | Faster shutter speed |
Number Of Focus Points | 179 vs 49 | 130 more focus points |
Battery Life | 400 shots vs 330 shots | 70 more frames with a single charge |
Weight | 283 g vs 616 g | 333 g lighter |
Image Stabilization | Yes vs No | All lenses are stabilized |
Continuous Shooting | 10 fps vs 6 fps | 4 fps faster |
Flash Range | 14.1 vs 4 | 10.1 better flash range |
External Flash | Yes vs No | Connect off-camera flash |
Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots vs 922k dots | 11.3% higher resolution screen |
Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 | Higher Resolution Video |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.46 vs No | 0.46 better magnification |
Touch Screen | Yes | Yes | Easy control of camera functions |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Built-In Flash | Yes | Yes | External flash available |
Microphone Port | No | No | No microphone port |
Headphone Port | No | No | No headphone port |
Environmental Sealing | No | No | No environmental sealing |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Sony Alpha a5100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Sony Alpha a5100 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 333g less than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Sony Alpha a5100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Sony Alpha a5100 features a 24.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor and boasts of a Bionz X processor . Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80, in its turn, comes with a 18.0 MP 1/2.3" sized BSI-CMOS sensor and Venus Engine processor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Sony Alpha a5100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Sony Alpha a5100 has a sensor area 0.1x bigger compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. What does it mean? This basically means that if you these cameras them with the same aperture and focal length, the first model will give you more control in terms of the blurry background and depth of field.
In terms of sensor size, both Sony Alpha a5100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 feature similar sensors. Thus, none of these models can boast of a significant advantage over the other. Both cameras should deliver about the same control over the depth of field if they are used with the same aperture and focal length.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Sony Alpha a5100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
Photography Type | Sony Alpha a5100 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 |
---|---|---|
Portrait Photography |
|
|
Street Photography |
|
|
Sports Photography |
|
|
Daily Photography |
|
|
Landscape Photography |
|
|
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Sony Alpha a5100 or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Sony Alpha a5100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Sony Alpha a5100 deserves a higher Total Score than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Sony Alpha a5100 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 | |
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand | Sony | Panasonic |
Model | Alpha a5100 | Lumix DMC-FZ80 |
Announced | Aug 17, 2014 | Jan 04, 2017 |
Body Type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | SLR-like (bridge) |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor Size | APS-C | 1/2.3" |
Sensor Dimensions | 23.5 x 15.6 mm | 6.17 x 4.55 mm |
Sensor Area | 366.60 mm2 | 28.07 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP | 18.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 4896 x 3672 |
Max Native ISO | 25,600 | 3,200 |
Max Boosted ISO | n/a | 6,400 |
Min Native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Sony E (NEX) | Fixed lens |
Number of Lenses | 83 | n/a |
Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x | n/a |
Macro Focus Range | 1 | |
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 179 | 49 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Tilting | Fixed Type |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 922k dots | 1,040k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Electronic | |
ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 1,166k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | % | 100% |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.46 | |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 4 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | 1/2000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 6.0 fps | 10.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 4 | 14.1 |
Flash Modes | Flash off, auto, fill-flaw, slow sync, redeye reduction | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction, 1st Curtain Sync, 2nd Curtain Sync |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p, 25p), 1280 x 720 (120p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p) | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC |
Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 |
Video Formats | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 283 g | 616 g |
Physical Dimensions | 110 x 63 x 36 mm | 130 x 94 x 119 mm |
Battery Life | 400 shots | 330 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | NP-FW50 | n/a |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | ||
Storage Type | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo | SD/SDHC/SDXC card |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
Most popular cameras