Nikon Coolpix S8000 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Superzoom Cameras

When it comes to compact cameras with superzoom capabilities, the Nikon Coolpix S8000 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 (also known as the Lumix TZ80 in some regions) are models that represent different eras and design philosophies. Released six years apart, the S8000 from 2010 and the ZS60 from 2016 serve overlapping niches: portable all-in-one cameras designed for versatile shooting without changing lenses. But the technological leap between them is substantial.

Having put both through extensive hands-on testing - from city streets to wildlife reserve hideouts, from portrait sessions to night skies - I’m sharing a comprehensive comparison rooted in practical use and technical expertise. Think of this as your guide to choosing the compact travel partner that best suits your style, workflow, and photographic ambitions.

In the Hand: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

The physical interface of a camera often determines how comfortably and intuitively you can shoot, especially when you need to react fast or brace for longer sessions.

Nikon S8000: This camera is notably compact with dimensions at 103x57x27 mm and a weight of just 183 grams including battery. It sits snugly in the hand or pocket, offering ultra-portability. However, its design leans heavily into a minimalist approach, and the grip is modest - adequate, but not optimized for extended shooting or quick manual control. The lack of a manual focus ring or dedicated exposure controls creates a gentle learning curve but limits creative manual intervention.

Panasonic ZS60: At 112x64x38 mm and 282 grams, the ZS60 is noticeably bulkier but remains pocketable for commuting or hikes. The added heft contributes to a more substantial grip, helping stability, especially at telephoto reach. Its body integrates manual focus and exposure options more comprehensively, with easily accessible dials and buttons arranged thoughtfully for quick adjustments. The rear touchscreen adds another layer of operational fluidity, though it doesn't fully replace tactile controls for some users.

The top plate comparison above reveals ergonomics and camera control design evolution. The ZS60’s inclusion of a zoom lever, mode dial with manual modes, and dedicated exposure compensation ring show Panasonic’s aim for hybrid user appeal - from casual shooters to enthusiasts who want more control.

Verdict: Photographers valuing pocketability and simplicity may prefer the Nikon's smaller dimensions. Those seeking better handling and manual control, especially for telephoto or deliberate shooting, will appreciate the Panasonic’s more robust design and control layout.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Arguably, a camera’s sensor defines the potential quality envelope, and here the six-year generational gap is particularly telling.

Both cameras use the same sensor size: 1/2.3 inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm), yielding an effective sensor area of roughly 28 mm². That's small compared to APS-C or full-frame sensors, which limits high ISO performance and dynamic range inherently. But the devil is in the sensor type and processing engine.

• Nikon S8000: Sports a 14 MP CCD sensor paired with the Expeed C2 processor. CCDs of this era suffer from more noise at mid to high ISOs, and limited dynamic range. The max native ISO is 3200, but noise becomes prominent well before that.

• Panasonic ZS60: Employs an 18 MP CMOS sensor with Panasonic’s Venus Engine processor. This design shift enables significantly better high ISO performance, faster readout (beneficial for continuous shooting), and raw image capture - a feature absent on the Nikon.

When tested under controlled conditions:

• The ZS60 delivers cleaner images throughout the ISO range, with particularly noticeable gains above ISO 800. The Nikon’s images show more chroma noise even at base ISO 100 and lose highlight and shadow detail faster.

• Dynamic range measurements echo this: The ZS60’s sensor captures more highlight detail in landscapes and retains better shadow gradation - critical for demanding scenes like sunsets or interiors with direct windows.

• Resolution-wise, the Panasonic’s 18 MP sensor pulls ahead, delivering larger print sizes and more flexibility for cropping.

Real World Portraits and Landscapes: Skin tone reproduction from the Nikon’s CCD is somewhat flatter and less nuanced, while Panasonic’s CMOS sensor offers more depth and natural tone transitions - important for flattering portraits and fine art imaging.

Verdict: The Panasonic ZS60’s sensor technology and processing provide a clear advantage in image quality and versatility. For photographers who prioritize image fidelity and editing latitude, the ZS60 is the more future-proof choice.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Speed and accuracy of autofocus (AF) are often differentiators between generations, especially for dynamic subjects.

• Nikon S8000: Features a contrast-detection AF system with no dedicated AF points or face detection. It supports single AF only, without continuous or subject tracking.

• Panasonic ZS60: Integrates a contrast-based AF with 49 selectable points, face detection, AF tracking, continuous AF, and touch AF capabilities.

In field testing:

• The S8000’s AF is noticeably slower and prone to hunting in low contrast or low light. Manual focus is not available, limiting precision in macro or tricky scenarios.

• The ZS60 locks focus swiftly in most light and maintains tracking on moving subjects during burst shooting at 10 fps (versus 3 fps on the Nikon), making it vastly better suited for action, wildlife, or street photography where moments are fleeting.

Autofocus Accuracy and Features: Face detection on Panasonic ensures better portraits with sharp eyes and faces. For macro shots requiring precise focus, manual adjustment on the ZS60 is invaluable.

Viewfinder and Display: Framing and Review Tools

The ability to see your composition clearly and review images easily defines user experience in the field.

• Nikon S8000: Offers a fixed 3-inch LCD screen with 921k dots. No viewfinder is present.

• Panasonic ZS60: Also has a 3-inch screen but with higher resolution at 1040k dots and touchscreen capability. More importantly, it includes a 1166k dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) covering 100% frame at 0.46x magnification.

Personally, having an EVF in bright conditions or when shooting at arm’s length is a game-changer. The ZS60’s EVF provides excellent clarity for composing in sunlight and improves stability by encouraging eye-holding.

The touchscreen on the ZS60 enables tap-to-focus/shoot, vastly speeding workflows, especially in street and travel situations.

Lens and Zoom Capability: Flexible Framing

One major functional aspect of these superzoom compacts is truly how far they can zoom and with what quality.

• Nikon S8000: Fixed lens with a moderate 10x zoom from 30-300mm equivalent at f/3.5 - f/5.6 aperture. The moderate zoom is generous for most everyday shooting but restricts reach for wildlife or distant subjects.

• Panasonic ZS60: Much more ambitious 30x zoom covering 24-720mm equivalent focal length with aperture from f/3.3 to f/6.4. This extended range covers ultra-wide angles for interiors and landscapes and extreme telephoto for wildlife or sports.

In shooting the same wildlife scenes, the Panasonic clearly wins for framing distant subjects without cropping - and with usable image stabilization.

Macro Focus Range: Nikon has slightly closer focusing at 2 cm versus Panasonic’s 3 cm, but Panasonic’s manual focus and focus peaking compensate well for precision.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities

Today's versatile hybrids require good video and continuous shooting specs.

• Nikon S8000:

  • Burst mode: 3 fps, limiting capturing fast action sequences.

  • Video: Records HD 720p at 30 fps in H.264 format, no manual control, no mic input.

• Panasonic ZS60:

  • Burst mode: 10 fps continuous shooting, considerably better for sports or wildlife sequences.

  • Video: 4K UHD (3840x2160) at 30 fps, plus Full HD 1080p up to 60 fps, manual exposure control, and 4K photo mode (captures 8 MP stills from 4K video frames).

  • Lacks external microphone input, limiting professional audio options.

The Panasonic’s 4K video and extended frame rates offer significant creative potential for vloggers, travelers, and hybrid shooters.

Battery Life and Storage

Camera usability is closely tied to battery life and storage options.

• Nikon S8000: Uses an EN-EL12 battery with no official CIPA rating available but generally lasting a moderate 200-250 shots per charge. Storage supports SD/SDHC and internal memory.

• Panasonic ZS60: Uses a standard rechargeable lithium-ion pack rated for around 320 shots (CIPA). Storage includes SD/SDHC/SDXC compatibility.

Given the Panasonic’s heavier processing demands (4K, touchscreen, EVF), the battery endurance is reasonable, though carrying a spare pack is advisable for travel or extended sessions.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Modern cameras benefit from wireless connectivity for quick sharing and remote control.

• Nikon S8000: No built-in wireless or Bluetooth connectivity.

• Panasonic ZS60: Includes built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote shooting via Panasonic’s app. No Bluetooth or NFC present.

For social media shooters and traveling photographers, wireless transfer without cables is a convenient feature tipping the scales in favor of the ZS60.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing, waterproofing, or ruggedness beyond typical compact camera standards. The Nikon is lighter and less bulky but more fragile. The Panasonic’s heft and build feel slightly more durable for average wear.

Image Samples and Performance Ratings

Nikon S8000 front Nikon S8000 screen back Panasonic ZS60 front Panasonic ZS60 screen back

Comparing side-by-side image samples from portrait sessions, landscapes, and low-light scenes, Panasonic impresses with sharper details and lower noise. Nikon’s images look softer, with less dynamic punch.

Objectively, based on technical testing (resolution, autofocus, ISO noise, video), the ZS60 achieves higher overall scores. It balances image quality, speed, and features well.

Breaking down by photography type:

• Portraits: Panasonic has superior skin tone reproduction and face detection AF.

• Wildlife: Panasonic dominates with longer zoom and faster AF burst.

• Sports: Panasonic wins with 10 fps and tracking AF.

• Landscape: Both perform adequately, but Panasonic’s wider zoom and better dynamic range take the edge.

• Street: Nikon’s size is convenient but Panasonic’s AF and 4K video enable more versatility.

• Macro: Panasonic’s manual focus helps despite slightly longer minimum focus distance.

• Night/Astro: Panasonic’s lower noise and 4K video allow for creative night shots.

Who Should Choose Which?

Nikon Coolpix S8000 is suitable for:

• Casual or beginner photographers prioritizing ultra-compact camera size.

• Those on a modest budget who need a simple point-and-shoot with some zoom flexibility.

• Users who prioritize lightweight portability above advanced features.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 excels for:

• Enthusiasts and travelers who want an all-rounder with manual controls.

• Photographers needing extended superzoom reach for wildlife, sports, or street candid shots.

• Users who want 4K video, better image quality, faster AF, and wireless connectivity.

• Anyone who values an electronic viewfinder for bright-light shooting.

Final Thoughts from a Seasoned Tester

Comparing these two cameras is like contrasting a compact digital camera from the transition era with a more modern hybrid compact bridging casual and enthusiast markets. The Panasonic ZS60 represents a significant generational leap in image quality, autofocus sophistication, and multimedia flexibility.

The Nikon, while quaint, still has charm for those who want straightforward, pocket-friendly superzoom without fuss. However, its limitations are clear in today’s photography landscape.

If I had to recommend one "put-it-in-the-pocket" superzoom to carry, shoot, and trust for a variety of genres including travel, wildlife, video, and street photography - it would be the Panasonic Lumix ZS60 every time.

I hope this deep dive helps you understand how each camera performs technically and in real-life scenarios. Choosing wisely means matching gear capabilities to your photographic goals and workflow, and both these cameras have stories to tell - one vintage, one modern, and both compact companions to your creativity.

If you have questions or want a test protocol explained, drop me a note - sharing expertise and first-hand insights is what I do best.

Happy shooting!