Kodak Z5120 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small-Sensor Superzoom Cameras

Choosing the right superzoom camera can be a tough call, especially when models come from reputable brands like Kodak and Panasonic but vary widely in features and performance. I recently had the chance to extensively test the Kodak EasyShare Z5120 alongside the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 - two small-sensor superzoom cameras targeted at enthusiasts and casual photographers wanting extraordinary reach without switching lenses. What follows is a deep-dive comparison drawn from my 15+ years of camera testing and thousands of real-world shots to help you understand how these two cameras stack up across various photography disciplines and use cases.

Welcome to the World of Superzooms: First Impressions Matter

Right out of the gate, it’s clear these cameras approach the superzoom concept differently. The Kodak Z5120 sports an SLR-like bridge body that immediately conveys a more serious grip and presence in the hand. On the other hand, the Panasonic SZ8 embraces a compact form factor prioritizing portability and simplicity with a slimmer, lighter build.

Handling the Z5120, I appreciated the physicality - the camera felt steady and well balanced even with the massive 26-676mm equivalent focal length. This is an important consideration if you plan to shoot handheld at extreme zooms. The SZ8’s smaller size makes it more pocketable, yet it felt a bit toy-like when compared directly. My takeaway: For those valuing ergonomics and control, the Kodak wins; for travelers or casual street shooters, the Panasonic is a more natural fit.

Design and Controls: Where Form Meets Function

Looking at the top of both cameras reveals starkly different philosophies in control layout and user interface.

Kodak’s approach is more traditional with dedicated dials and buttons for shutter priority, aperture priority, exposure compensation, and manual focus - features that will appeal to photographers desiring creative control. In contrast, Panasonic’s SZ8 removes direct manual exposure options, focusing on simplicity, which is reflected in its minimalist control set.

During my testing, the Z5120’s physical controls made exposure adjustments intuitive in fast-moving scenarios such as sports or wildlife photography. The SZ8, lacking these features, pushed me toward auto or program modes, limiting creative flexibility. If you are the type who enjoys dialing in precise exposure creatively, the Kodak has a clear advantage.

Sensor and Image Quality: CCD Small-Sensor Realities

Both cameras share a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring about 28 mm² in area, nominally delivering a 16 MP resolution. This class of sensor is typical for superzooms but inherently limited in dynamic range, high ISO performance, and low-light prowess.

Kodak’s sensor resolution of 4608x2456 enables a 4:3 aspect ratio as standard, while Panasonic supports multiple aspect ratios including 1:1, thanks to its sensor and processing design. The SZ8’s Venus Engine processor helps Panasonic eke out slightly better high ISO noise control and color stability, but both cameras peak at a max native ISO under 1600 (Kodak caps at 6400 though that’s impractical for image quality).

During extended shooting sessions - as in low-light street or indoor portrait scenarios - I observed the Kodak images suffer from noticeable noise and lower detail retention beyond ISO 400. The SZ8 performed marginally better but still cannot rival cameras with larger sensors.

A practical tip: Both cameras excel in good daylight conditions but limit expectations in dim environments. For night or astro photography, neither will satisfy serious shooters but can capture casual night scenes with care using tripods.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, a feature I missed especially when shooting bright sunny outdoors.

Both come with fixed 3" LCD screens, but Panasonic doubles Kodak’s resolution with 460k versus 230k dots, resulting in crisper live view and review experiences. Kodak’s lower resolution screen felt a bit coarse, making precise focusing and histogram checking harder in the field.

Despite this, Kodak’s interface provides more exposure feedback and manual control options on-screen, supporting my earlier observation about its creative appeal. Panasonic’s simpler UI aligns well with beginners or those seeking quick point-and-shoot operation.

Real-World Shooting: Sample Images Tell the Story

There’s no substitute for seeing images side by side to grasp real differences.

Kodak Z5120 front Kodak Z5120 screen back Panasonic SZ8 front Panasonic SZ8 screen back

In portraits, Kodak’s wider aperture at F2.8 on the wide end produces smoother bokeh, gently blurring backgrounds and maintaining pleasing skin tones. The Panasonic SZ8, starting at F3.1, offers less background separation but handled skin tones with decent naturalness thanks to Panasonic’s color science.

Landscape photos showed Kodak’s higher zoom range brought more flexibility for distant subjects, though image detail waned at full extension due to sensor and lens limitations. Panasonic’s shorter zoom and slightly higher resolution aspect ratio delivered punchier landscape images with less chromatic aberration.

For wildlife, tracking moving subjects was a challenge on both cameras due to contrast-detect autofocus and limited continuous shooting speeds. Kodak’s 6 fps continuous burst trumped Panasonic’s single shot, offering more opportunities to capture fleeting action.

Street photography favored Panasonic’s discretely sized body and faster AF single shot mode. Kodak’s larger size was more conspicuous and required slower setup.

Performance Scores: A Data-Driven Overview

To complement subjective impressions, here are summarized performance ratings across overall and genre-specific categories.

Kodak excels in zoom versatility and manual control, scoring well in wildlife and sports thanks to higher burst rates and exposure options. Panasonic’s strengths are in portability and low-light color rendition but fall short in action photography and manual creative control.

Deep Dive by Photography Genre

Portrait Photography

Kodak’s wider max aperture allows better background separation and natural skin tone rendering, an advantage for portraits. Face detection autofocus works on both but Kodak’s manual focus lets experienced users finesse critical focus on the eyes more precisely.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range is limited on both, typical of CCD sensors. Kodak’s long zoom adds perspective options for compressed landscapes while Panasonic’s higher screen resolution aids composition. Neither camera is weather-sealed, limiting harsh environment use.

Wildlife and Sports

Kodak’s faster continuous shooting (6 fps) provides more frames to catch action, vital for moving subjects. Panasonic’s autofocus, while contrast-based, includes more focus points (9 versus unknown on Kodak) but slower burst rates capped its utility.

Street Photography

Panasonic’s pocketable body and silent shooting features made it discreet. Kodak felt bulky and loud for street candid moments.

Macro Photography

Kodak’s 1 cm macro focusing range is impressive, letting close-up experiments. Panasonic lacks dedicated macro capability. Optical image stabilization on both helps handheld close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

Limited ISO performance and slow shutter speed caps restrict astrophotography. Magnitude of noise at higher ISO severely limits detail retention, though tripods and long exposures help.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras max out at 720p 30 fps recording. Kodak uses H.264 codec, Panasonic Motion JPEG, meaning Kodak videos are more compression efficient but cameras lack external mic or headphone jacks limiting audio quality.

Travel Photography

Weighing 445g, Kodak is twice Panasonic’s 159g, a consideration on long treks. Kodak’s versatile zoom and full manual controls appeal to serious travelers; Panasonic’s compact size and built-in WiFi (Eye-Fi connectivity for Kodak only) offer easy sharing.

Professional Work

Both cameras lack professional grade features such as large sensors, extensive dynamic range, and RAW shooting flexibility is partial (Kodak supports RAW, Panasonic does not). Workflows involving pro-grade post-processing favor Kodak, but both are limited tools for demanding assignments.

Build Quality and Reliability

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized. Kodak’s bridge form factor feels solid and stable; Panasonic’s compact construction, while well made, feels plasticky. Both use standard storage (SD/SDHC), but Kodak’s AA battery power can be a plus for travel where charging isn't guaranteed, even if volumetrically less efficient than Panasonic’s built-in rechargeable battery.

Lens, Autofocus, and Stabilization: Core Functionalities Compared

Kodak’s fixed 26-676mm lens is an impressive 26x zoom, though aperture narrows significantly at the tele end (F5.6). Panasonic’s SZ8 zooms 12x from 24-288mm with F3.1-6.3 apertures, less reach but similar speed decline. Optical image stabilization on both helps mitigate shake, but Kodak’s is marginally better in extended zoom telephotos from my experience.

Autofocus systems favor Kodak for single AF point precision and manual override; Panasonic shines in continuous AF mode, a boon for casual video and some action shots, though continuous AF is limited compared to modern hybrid AF.

Connectivity and Extras

Kodak’s “Eye-Fi connected” wireless support is dated but allows image transfer with compatible cards. Panasonic builds wireless directly into the body, offering easier sharing but no Bluetooth or NFC on either camera.

HDMI output is present on Kodak but missing on Panasonic; this supports better full-screen viewing on external monitors for Kodak users.

Battery and Storage Realities

Kodak utilizes 4 x AA batteries, making replacements simple worldwide but adding bulk and weight. Panasonic’s proprietary battery pack offers 200 shots per charge, average for the class, but requires careful charge management.

Storage is standard SD/SDHC for Kodak, and SD/SDHC/SDXC for Panasonic, with both offering internal memory as a fail-safe.

Value Analysis: What Will Your Money Buy?

Kodak Z5120 retails around $200, Panasonic SZ8 closer to $275. Kodak offers superior zoom range, manual controls, RAW support, and better continuous shooting. Panasonic’s advantages are in portability, screen resolution, and wireless ease.

If your budget is tight and you want creative manual control plus extensive zoom, Kodak is the better value. For casual users seeking a sleek compact with WiFi and decent performance for casual travel and snapshots, Panasonic delivers.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Having walked through the specifications, tested functionality, and put these cameras in contrasting photographic scenarios, here’s my distilled advice:

• For Enthusiast Photographers craving manual control, zoom flexibility, and burst shooting for wildlife or sports, the Kodak EasyShare Z5120 is the more powerful tool. It rewards patience and skill but demands slower, more deliberate shooting due to sensor and autofocusing limits.

• For Casual Shooters and Travelers prioritizing portability, ease of use, and immediate sharing, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 fits well. Its simpler interface, built-in wireless, and stylish, compact package make it a friendly companion for everyday photography and quick social media posts.

• Neither camera is ideal for professional use, dedicated video work, or low-light and night photography beyond casual use, owing to sensor size and feature constraints.

With the rapid evolution of mirrorless and smartphone cameras, these superzooms occupy a niche, but for specific use cases they still shine. I encourage buyers to weigh priorities carefully and consider how each camera’s strengths align with their photographic goals.

This comparative exploration is grounded in extensive hands-on testing including setup under varied lighting, shooting across multiple genres, and detailed post-processing evaluation with industry-standard software tools. My commitment remains to empower photographers with honest, insightful guidance so you can confidently choose gear that enhances your creative journey.

Happy shooting!