Canon S90 vs Panasonic SZ8

Here is a extended analysis of the Canon S90 and Panasonic SZ8, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Canon and Panasonic. There exists a big gap between the resolutions of the S90 (10MP) and SZ8 (16MP) and the S90 (1/1.7") and SZ8 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The S90 was brought out 4 years before the SZ8 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short summary of how the S90 scores against the SZ8 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot S90 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon S90 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon S90 offers physical dimensions of 100mm x 58mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") along with a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ8 has dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Look at the Canon S90 and Panasonic SZ8 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the S90 vs the SZ8.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S90 and SZ8 is 92 and 94 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing only by looking at technical specs. The graphic underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the S90 and SZ8.

As you have seen, each of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S90 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic SZ8 will give extra detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older S90 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.