Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic SZ8

Below is a in depth analysis of the Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic SZ8, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Kodak and Panasonic. The image resolution of the Z981 (14MP) and the SZ8 (16MP) is fairly close and both cameras offer the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The Z981 was manufactured 4 years earlier than the SZ8 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Kodak Z981 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a in depth comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the Z981 grades vs the SZ8 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Kodak EasyShare Z981 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The entire galleries are viewable at Kodak Z981 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Kodak Z981 enjoys outside dimensions of 124mm x 85mm x 105mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.1") and a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ8 has sizing of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Look at the Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic SZ8 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that moment. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the Z981 versus the SZ8.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the Z981 and SZ8 is 66 and 94 respectively.

Often, it is tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements just by looking through specs. The photograph underneath will offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the Z981 and SZ8.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You should anticipate the Panasonic SZ8 to provide you with extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a bit more aggressively. The older Z981 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.