Olympus SZ-11 vs Panasonic GF8

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Olympus SZ-11 versus Panasonic GF8, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-11 (14MP) and the GF8 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the SZ-11 (1/2.3") and GF8 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-11 was launched 5 years prior to the GF8 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-11 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise overview of how the SZ-11 grades versus the GF8 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-11 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-11 Gallery & Panasonic GF8 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-11 enjoys outer dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic GF8 has proportions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-11 versus Panasonic GF8 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the SZ-11 compared to the GF8.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-11 and GF8 is 89 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to envision the gap in sensor dimensions only by going through specifications. The image below might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-11 and GF8.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-11 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Panasonic GF8 will provide more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged SZ-11 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.