Fujifilm X-S1 vs Panasonic SZ8

Below, we are looking at the Fujifilm X-S1 vs Panasonic SZ8, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals FujiFilm and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap among the resolutions of the Fujifilm X-S1 (12MP) and SZ8 (16MP) and the Fujifilm X-S1 (2/3") and SZ8 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The Fujifilm X-S1 was revealed 3 years prior to the SZ8 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Fujifilm X-S1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief overview of how the Fujifilm X-S1 grades versus the SZ8 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Fujifilm X-S1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The full galleries are viewable at Fujifilm X-S1 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Fujifilm X-S1 features outside dimensions of 135mm x 107mm x 149mm (5.3" x 4.2" x 5.9") accompanied by a weight of 920 grams (2.03 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ8 has measurements of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Fujifilm X-S1 vs Panasonic SZ8 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the Fujifilm X-S1 against the SZ8.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the Fujifilm X-S1 and SZ8 is 52 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to see the difference in sensor sizes simply by checking out specifications. The picture here will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the Fujifilm X-S1 and SZ8.

Plainly, the two cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The Fujifilm X-S1 with its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic SZ8 will show extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more aged Fujifilm X-S1 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.