Olympus SZ-31MR iHS vs Panasonic ZS8

Following is a extended overview of the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Panasonic ZS8, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is fairly similar and they possess the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SZ-31MR iHS was manufactured 7 months after the ZS8 which means that they are of a similar age. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SZ-31MR iHS matches up against the ZS8 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-31MR iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery & Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-31MR iHS provides outer measurements 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 ZS8 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS versus Panasonic ZS8 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ-31MR iHS and the ZS8.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-31MR iHS and ZS8 is 89 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes just by reading technical specs. The image underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-31MR iHS and ZS8.

As you can tell, both the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but not the same megapixels. You can anticipate the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS to deliver more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics much more aggressively. The more modern SZ-31MR iHS will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.