Canon SD960 IS vs Panasonic ZS8

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Canon SD960 IS vs Panasonic ZS8, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Canon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SD960 IS (12MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is pretty well matched and they feature the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SD960 IS was introduced 3 years before the ZS8 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a quick view of how the SD960 IS scores against the ZS8 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SD960 IS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The whole galleries are available at Canon SD960 IS Gallery & Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and volume. The Canon SD960 IS provides exterior dimensions of 98mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.1" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS8 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Check out the Canon SD960 IS vs Panasonic ZS8 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the SD960 IS compared to the ZS8.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SD960 IS and ZS8 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements simply by checking technical specs. The photograph below may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SD960 IS and ZS8.

As you have seen, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Panasonic ZS8 to give you greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The older SD960 IS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.