Fujifilm S8500 vs Panasonic ZS8

Here, we will be contrasting the Fujifilm S8500 and Panasonic ZS8, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors FujiFilm and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the Fujifilm S8500 (16MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is pretty close and both cameras have the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The Fujifilm S8500 was announced 18 months after the ZS8 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Fujifilm S8500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short introduction of how the Fujifilm S8500 scores against the ZS8 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Fujifilm FinePix S8500 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The whole galleries are provided at Fujifilm S8500 Gallery and Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Fujifilm S8500 has external measurements of 123mm x 87mm x 116mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 4.6") accompanied by a weight of 670 grams (1.48 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS8 has dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Look at the Fujifilm S8500 and Panasonic ZS8 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select during that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the Fujifilm S8500 against the ZS8.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the Fujifilm S8500 and ZS8 is 61 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions only by researching specs. The pic below should give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the Fujifilm S8500 and ZS8.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Fujifilm S8500 to provide you with greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots way more aggressively. The newer Fujifilm S8500 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.