Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic GF8

The following is a complete review of the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic GF8, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the GF8 (16MP) is very comparable but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and GF8 (Four Thirds) boast different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-12 was unveiled 5 years prior to the GF8 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the SZ-12 grades versus the GF8 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Panasonic GF8 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera often, you should think about its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-12 offers external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF8 has specifications of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-12 versus Panasonic GF8 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the SZ-12 and the GF8.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-12 and GF8 is 89 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions purely by going through technical specs. The image underneath will give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-12 and GF8.

As you have seen, each of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-12 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Panasonic GF8 will produce extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.