Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ80 review – Introduction

In 2006, Panasonic created what is now routinely referred to as the travel-zoom compact, with the release of the Lumix DMC-TZ1. At the time, this was the world’s smallest compact with a stabilised 10x optical zoom. Ten years on and the Lumix TZ range remains hugely popular. This year sees the addition of two new models to the range:  the flagship TZ100, at £550, comes equipped with a 1in sensor and a 10x optical zoom, while the TZ80 is fitted with a 1/2.3in sensor and a 30x optical zoom. On paper, the TZ100 should give superior images and represent a better long-term investment for more advanced photographers. We’ll address that particular concern in our conclusion, but for now, let’s take a closer look at the TZ80.