Clicky

Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic ZS8

Portability
90
Imaging
40
Features
46
Overall
42
Olympus Tough TG-3 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 front
Portability
92
Imaging
37
Features
39
Overall
37

Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic ZS8 Key Specs

Olympus TG-3
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-100mm (F2.0-4.9) lens
  • 247g - 112 x 66 x 31mm
  • Released March 2014
  • Newer Model is Olympus TG-4
Panasonic ZS8
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 24-384mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 210g - 105 x 58 x 33mm
  • Released July 2011
  • Also Known as Lumix DMC-TZ18
  • Earlier Model is Panasonic ZS7
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic ZS8 Overview

On this page, we will be looking at the Olympus TG-3 and Panasonic ZS8, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the TG-3 (16MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is relatively similar and both cameras provide the same sensor size (1/2.3").

Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

The TG-3 was released 2 years later than the ZS8 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick view of how the TG-3 matches up against the ZS8 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes
	
	

Reasons to pick Olympus TG-3 over the Panasonic ZS8

 TG-3 ZS8 
ReleasedMarch 2014July 2011More recent by 33 months
Screen resolution460k230kSharper screen (+230k dot)

Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS8 over the Olympus TG-3

 ZS8 TG-3 

Common features in the Olympus TG-3 and Panasonic ZS8

 TG-3 ZS8 
Manually focus Lack of manual focusing
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen dimensions3"3"Equal screen size
Selfie screen Neither includes selfie screen
Touch screen Lacking Touch screen

Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic ZS8 Physical Comparison

For those who are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus TG-3 features outside dimensions of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") and a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS8 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Look at the Olympus TG-3 and Panasonic ZS8 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the TG-3 compared to the ZS8.

Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic ZS8 size comparison

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the TG-3 and ZS8 is 90 and 92 respectively.

Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic ZS8 top view buttons comparison

Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic ZS8 Sensor Comparison

Sometimes, its hard to picture the contrast between sensor measurements merely by reviewing technical specs. The photograph underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-3 and ZS8.

As you have seen, each of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Olympus TG-3 to offer greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures more aggressively. The more recent TG-3 should have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.

Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic ZS8 sensor size comparison

Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic ZS8 Screen and ViewFinder

Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic ZS8 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Photography Glossary

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Olympus TG-3 Portrait photography info
Panasonic ZS8 Portrait photography info
37
good resolution (16MP)
has face detect focus
manual focus not available
no external flash support
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
30
resolution is good (14MP)
focusing manually not possible
no external flash support
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

Street Comparison

Olympus TG-3 Street photography factors
Panasonic ZS8 Street photography factors
59
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
weather proof
no articulating screen
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
heavier than average in class (247 grams)
61
built in image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than others in class (210 grams)
fixed screen
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban

Sports Comparison

Olympus TG-3 as a Sports photography camera
Panasonic ZS8 as a Sports photography camera
47
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
good resolution (16 megapixels)
has tracking focus
weather proof
better than average battery power (330 CIPA)
low fps (5.0 frames per second)
no shutter priority
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect auto focus
47
excellent zoom range (24-384mm 16.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
resolution is good (14MP)
has tracking autofocus
continuous shooting slow (2.0 frames per second)
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect AF
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

Travel Comparison

Olympus TG-3 Travel photography info
Panasonic ZS8 Travel photography info
74
better than average battery power (330 shots)
weather proof
good resolution (16MP)
flash built-in
decently wide (25mm)
good maximum aperture (f2.0)
heavier than average in class (247g)
doesn't have selfie friendly display
69
lighter than others in class (210 grams)
resolution is good (14 megapixels)
built-in flash
fairly wide (24mm)
long reach (384mm)
lack of Timelapse mode
display is not selfie friendly
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

Landscape Comparison

Olympus TG-3 as a Landscape photography camera
Panasonic ZS8 as a Landscape photography camera
56
decently wide (25mm)
good maximum aperture (f2.0)
screen size is good (3 inch)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
good resolution (16MP)
weather proof
better than average battery power (330 shots)
manual focus not available
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
44
fairly wide (24mm)
good sized screen (3 inches)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
resolution is good (14 megapixels)
focusing manually not possible
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
lack of Timelapse mode
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

Vlogging Comparison

Olympus TG-3 Vlogging highlights
Panasonic ZS8 Vlogging highlights
34
decently wide (25mm)
good maximum aperture (f2.0)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
has face detect focus
video res high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
doesn't have selfie friendly display
does not have mic jack
heavier than average in class (247g)
30
fairly wide (24mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than others in class (210 grams)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
display is not selfie friendly
video resolution low (1280 x 720 pixels)
lack of external microphone port
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video

Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic ZS8 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus TG-3 and Panasonic ZS8
 Olympus Tough TG-3Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8
General Information
Manufacturer Olympus Panasonic
Model type Olympus Tough TG-3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8
Also called - Lumix DMC-TZ18
Class Waterproof Small Sensor Superzoom
Released 2014-03-31 2011-07-19
Body design Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Powered by TruePic VII Venus Engine FHD
Sensor type BSI-CMOS CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 14 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Maximum resolution 4608 x 3456 4320 x 3240
Maximum native ISO 6400 6400
Min native ISO 100 100
RAW data
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Total focus points - 11
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 25-100mm (4.0x) 24-384mm (16.0x)
Highest aperture f/2.0-4.9 f/3.3-5.9
Macro focusing distance 1cm 3cm
Crop factor 5.8 5.9
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display size 3" 3"
Display resolution 460 thousand dot 230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Display tech TFT-LCD TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Lowest shutter speed 4 secs 60 secs
Highest shutter speed 1/2000 secs 1/4000 secs
Continuous shooting speed 5.0 frames/s 2.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance - 5.00 m
Flash modes Auto, redeye reduction, fill-in, off, LED Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro
Hot shoe
AEB
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 1280x720
Video file format H.264, Motion JPEG MPEG-4
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS BuiltIn None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 247g (0.54 lbs) 210g (0.46 lbs)
Physical dimensions 112 x 66 x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") 105 x 58 x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 330 images 340 images
Style of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID LI-92B -
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec, custom) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage SD, SDHC, SDXC, Internal Memory SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage slots Single Single
Price at launch $350 $275