Nikon S630 vs Panasonic SZ8
95 Imaging
34 Features
17 Overall
27


94 Imaging
40 Features
31 Overall
36
Nikon S630 vs Panasonic SZ8 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 64 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 640 x 480 video
- 37-260mm (F3.5-5.3) lens
- 140g - 97 x 58 x 26mm
- Revealed February 2009
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 1600 (Raise to 6400)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 24-288mm (F3.1-6.3) lens
- 159g - 100 x 60 x 27mm
- Announced January 2014

Nikon S630 vs Panasonic SZ8 Overview
On this page, we will be matching up the Nikon S630 and Panasonic SZ8, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the S630 (12MP) and SZ8 (16MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor size (1/2.3").

The S630 was revealed 5 years before the SZ8 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before going into a thorough comparison, here is a short summation of how the S630 grades versus the SZ8 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon S630 vs Panasonic SZ8 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S630 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon S630 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S630 over the Panasonic SZ8
S630 | SZ8 |
---|
Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ8 over the Nikon S630
SZ8 | S630 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | January 2014 | ![]() | February 2009 | More modern by 59 months |
Screen dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 230k | Sharper screen (+230k dot) |
Common features in the Nikon S630 and Panasonic SZ8
S630 | SZ8 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Lack of manual focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Missing Touch screen |
Nikon S630 vs Panasonic SZ8 Physical Comparison
For those who are going to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Nikon S630 features outer dimensions of 97mm x 58mm x 26mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.0") with a weight of 140 grams (0.31 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).
Examine the Nikon S630 and Panasonic SZ8 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using during that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the S630 and the SZ8.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S630 and SZ8 is 95 and 94 respectively.

Nikon S630 vs Panasonic SZ8 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it's tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizes just by reviewing technical specs. The pic here will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the S630 and SZ8.
As you can tell, the two cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You should expect the Panasonic SZ8 to offer greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged S630 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.

Nikon S630 vs Panasonic SZ8 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S630 vs Panasonic SZ8 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S630 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model | Nikon Coolpix S630 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 |
Class | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Revealed | 2009-02-03 | 2014-01-06 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | - | Venus Engine |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4608 x 3456 |
Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 1600 |
Maximum enhanced ISO | - | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 64 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Number of focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 37-260mm (7.0x) | 24-288mm (12.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/3.5-5.3 | f/3.1-6.3 |
Crop factor | 5.9 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 2.7 inch | 3 inch |
Display resolution | 230k dot | 460k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Display technology | - | TFT LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 8 seconds | 8 seconds |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/2000 seconds |
Continuous shutter speed | 11.0 frames/s | 1.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | - | 5.20 m |
Flash options | Auto, Red-Eye reduction, Off, On, Slow sync | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p), 320 x 240 (30p) |
Maximum video resolution | 640x480 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 140g (0.31 lb) | 159g (0.35 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 97 x 58 x 26mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.0") | 100 x 60 x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 200 pictures |
Type of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-L12 | - |
Self timer | Yes (3 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Cost at release | $240 | $275 |