Olympus SH-1 vs Panasonic SZ8

The following is a thorough review of the Olympus SH-1 versus Panasonic SZ8, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SH-1 (16MP) and the SZ8 (16MP) is very close and both cameras provide the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SH-1 was announced 3 months after the SZ8 so they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a full comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SH-1 scores versus the SZ8 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SH-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SH-1 Gallery & Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SH-1 has got outside dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ8 has specifications of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Olympus SH-1 versus Panasonic SZ8 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the SH-1 and the SZ8.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SH-1 and SZ8 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualise the difference in sensor dimensions only by researching specifications. The image below will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-1 and SZ8.

To sum up, both of those cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the exact same resolution so you can expect comparable quality of images but you will want to factor the age of the cameras into account.