Leica S-E Typ 006 vs Panasonic ZS80

The Leica S-E (Typ 006) and the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 (labelled Panasonic TZ95 in some countries) are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2014 and February 2019. The S-E Typ 006 is a DSLR, while the ZS80 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a medium format (S-E Typ 006) and a 1/2.3-inch (ZS80) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 37.5 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 20.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Leica S-E Typ 006		Panasonic ZS80
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Leica S mount lenses		24-720mm f/3.3-6.4
37.5 MP, Medium Format Sensor		20.2 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
no Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-1600		ISO 80-3200 (80-6400)
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (2330k dots)
3.0" LCD, 922k dots		3.0" LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting touchscreen
1.5 shutter flaps per second		10 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body		Not weather sealed
160 x 120 x 80 mm, 1260 g		112 x 69 x 42 mm, 327 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica S-E (Typ 006) and the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Leica S-E Typ 006 and the Panasonic ZS80 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The ZS80 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the S-E Typ 006 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic ZS80 is considerably smaller (60 percent) than the Leica S-E Typ 006. It is worth mentioning in this context that the S-E Typ 006 is splash and dust resistant, while the ZS80 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the ZS80 has a lens built in, whereas the S-E Typ 006 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

The power pack in the ZS80 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Leica S-E Typ 006»	6.3 in	4.7 in	3.1 in	44.4 oz	..	Y	Sep 2014	16,900	-		Leica S-E Typ 006
	Panasonic ZS80«	4.4 in	2.7 in	1.7 in	11.5 oz	380	n	Feb 2019	449			Panasonic ZS80
	Canon SX740« »	4.3 in	2.5 in	1.6 in	10.5 oz	265	n	Jul 2018	399			Canon SX740
	Canon SX730« »	4.3 in	2.5 in	1.6 in	10.6 oz	250	n	Apr 2017	399	-		Canon SX730
	Fujifilm XF10« »	4.4 in	2.5 in	1.6 in	9.8 oz	330	n	Jul 2018	499			Fujifilm XF10
	Leica S3« »	6.3 in	4.7 in	3.1 in	44.4 oz	..	Y	Sep 2018	24,490			Leica S3
	Leica M Typ 262« »	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.7 in	24.0 oz	..	Y	Nov 2015	5,195	-		Leica M Typ 262
	Leica SL« »	5.8 in	4.1 in	1.5 in	29.9 oz	400	Y	Oct 2015	7,450			Leica SL
	Leica S Typ 007« »	6.3 in	4.7 in	3.1 in	44.4 oz	..	Y	Sep 2014	24,490			Leica S Typ 007
	Leica S Typ 006« »	6.3 in	4.7 in	3.1 in	44.4 oz	..	Y	Sep 2012	21,950	-		Leica S Typ 006
	Leica S2« »	6.3 in	4.7 in	3.1 in	49.7 oz	..	Y	Sep 2008	22,995	-		Leica S2
	Nikon D4S« »	6.3 in	6.2 in	3.6 in	47.6 oz	3020	Y	Feb 2014	6,499	-		Nikon D4S
	Nikon D810« »	5.7 in	4.8 in	3.2 in	34.6 oz	1200	Y	Jun 2014	3,299	-		Nikon D810
	Panasonic TS7« »	4.6 in	3.0 in	1.5 in	11.3 oz	300	Y	May 2018	449			Panasonic TS7
	Panasonic ZS70« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	1.6 in	11.4 oz	380	n	Apr 2017	449	-		Panasonic ZS70
	Pentax 645D« »	6.1 in	4.6 in	4.7 in	52.2 oz	800	Y	Mar 2010	9,995	-		Pentax 645D
	Sony A7R« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	1.9 in	16.4 oz	340	Y	Oct 2013	2,299	-		Sony A7R
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The ZS80 was launched at a lower price than the S-E Typ 006, despite having a lens built in. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica S-E Typ 006 features a medium format sensor and the Panasonic ZS80 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the ZS80 is 98 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 0.8 and 5.6. The sensor in the S-E Typ 006 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the ZS80 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 37.5MP, the S-E Typ 006 offers a higher resolution than the ZS80 (20.2MP), but the S-E Typ 006 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.00μm versus 1.18μm for the ZS80) due to its larger sensor. However, the ZS80 is a much more recent model (by 4 years and 5 months) than the S-E Typ 006, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica S-E Typ 006 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the S-E Typ 006 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 37.5 x 25 inch or 95.3 x 63.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 30 x 20 inch or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 25 x 16.7 inch or 63.5 x 42.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic ZS80 are 25.9 x 19.4 inch or 65.8 x 49.4 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 15.6 inch or 52.7 x 39.5 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 13 inch or 43.9 x 32.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica S-E (Typ 006) has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 are ISO 80 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-6400.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The ZS80 indeed provides for movie recording, while the S-E Typ 006 does not. The highest resolution format that the ZS80 can use is 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the ZS80 has an electronic viewfinder (2330k dots), while the S-E Typ 006 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the ZS80 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the S-E Typ 006 (98%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. On the other hand, the viewfinder of the S-E Typ 006 has a higher magnification (0.87x vs 0.53x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Leica S-E Typ 006 and Panasonic ZS80 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

One feature that is present on the S-E Typ 006, but is missing on the ZS80 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the ZS80 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The S-E Typ 006 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDXC cards, while the ZS80 uses SDXC cards. The S-E Typ 006 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the ZS80 only has one slot. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica S-E (Typ 006) and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the S-E Typ 006 has a hotshoe, while the ZS80 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Leica S-E Typ 006 (unlike the ZS80) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The ZS80 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the S-E Typ 006 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the S-E Typ 006 was succeeded by the Leica S Typ 007. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Leica and Panasonic websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Leica S-E Typ 006 or the Panasonic ZS80 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Reasons to prefer the Leica S-E (Typ 006):

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (37.5 vs 20.2MP) with a 39% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.87x vs 0.53x).
• Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2014).

Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80:

• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 4K/30p video.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 98%).
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 922k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 1.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the S-E Typ 006 requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (112x69mm vs 160x120mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the S-E Typ 006).
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More modern: Reflects 4 years and 5 months of technical progress since the S-E Typ 006 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the ZS80 emerges as the winner of the match-up (18 : 16 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica S-E Typ 006 and the Panasonic ZS80 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the S-E Typ 006 or the ZS80. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Leica S-E Typ 006»	-	-	-	-	-	Sep 2014	16,900	-		Leica S-E Typ 006
	Panasonic ZS80«	-	-	4.5/5	-	-	Feb 2019	449			Panasonic ZS80
	Canon SX740« »	+	-	4/5	-	4/5	Jul 2018	399			Canon SX740
	Canon SX730« »	+	-	4/5	-	4/5	Apr 2017	399	-		Canon SX730
	Fujifilm XF10« »	-	75/100	4/5	-	4.5/5	Jul 2018	499			Fujifilm XF10
	Leica S3« »	-	-	-	-	-	Sep 2018	24,490			Leica S3
	Leica M Typ 262« »	-	-	-	-	-	Nov 2015	5,195	-		Leica M Typ 262
	Leica SL« »	-	84/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Oct 2015	7,450			Leica SL
	Leica S Typ 007« »	-	-	-	-	-	Sep 2014	24,490			Leica S Typ 007
	Leica S Typ 006« »	-	-	-	-	-	Sep 2012	21,950	-		Leica S Typ 006
	Leica S2« »	-	-	-	-	-	Sep 2008	22,995	-		Leica S2
	Nikon D4S« »	-	-	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	6,499	-		Nikon D4S
	Nikon D810« »	-	86/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2014	3,299	-		Nikon D810
	Panasonic TS7« »	+	-	-	-	3.5/5	May 2018	449			Panasonic TS7
	Panasonic ZS70« »	+ +	-	4/5	-	4/5	Apr 2017	449	-		Panasonic ZS70
	Pentax 645D« »	-	-	-	4.5/5	-	Mar 2010	9,995	-		Pentax 645D
	Sony A7R« »	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	2,299	-		Sony A7R
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Leica S-E Typ 006 vs Panasonic ZS80

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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