Canon SX210 IS vs Panasonic SZ8

Following is a extended review of the Canon SX210 IS and Panasonic SZ8, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Canon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SX210 IS (14MP) and the SZ8 (16MP) is relatively well matched and they enjoy the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SX210 IS was manufactured 4 years before the SZ8 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the SX210 IS scores vs the SZ8 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX210 IS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon SX210 IS Gallery & Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon SX210 IS has physical measurements of 103mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 220 grams (0.49 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ8 has proportions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

See the Canon SX210 IS and Panasonic SZ8 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the SX210 IS and the SZ8.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX210 IS and SZ8 is 90 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes merely by looking at technical specs. The pic here will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX210 IS and SZ8.

As you have seen, both cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same resolution. You can count on the Panasonic SZ8 to give you extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged SX210 IS is going to be behind in sensor tech.