Nikon S33 vs Panasonic SZ8

Here is a in depth overview of the Nikon S33 versus Panasonic SZ8, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the S33 (13MP) and the SZ8 (16MP) is fairly close but the S33 (1/3.1") and SZ8 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

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The S33 was manufactured 14 months later than the SZ8 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a full comparison, below is a quick summary of how the S33 scores against the SZ8 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S33 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon S33 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Nikon S33 enjoys outside dimensions of 110mm x 66mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") and a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ8 has measurements of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon S33 versus Panasonic SZ8 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the S33 versus the SZ8.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S33 and SZ8 is 91 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to see the contrast in sensor sizing purely by looking through specs. The graphic below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the S33 and SZ8.

As you can plainly see, both cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The S33 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic SZ8 will provide you with extra detail due to its extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos much more aggressively. The newer S33 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.