Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZS8

Below is a thorough analysis of the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Panasonic ZS8, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is relatively similar and they come with the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SP-590 UZ was launched 3 years prior to the ZS8 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the SP-590 UZ matches up against the ZS8 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery and Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-590 UZ has outside dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS8 has proportions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Panasonic ZS8 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the SP-590 UZ compared to the ZS8.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-590 UZ and ZS8 is 72 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to see the gap between sensor measurements simply by going over specifications. The visual underneath will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-590 UZ and ZS8.

To sum up, both of these cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Panasonic ZS8 to offer you greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs much more aggressively. The older SP-590 UZ is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.