Olympus TG-5 vs Panasonic ZS8

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Olympus TG-5 and Panasonic ZS8, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the TG-5 (12MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is pretty similar and both cameras have the same sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The TG-5 was announced 5 years later than the ZS8 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the TG-5 scores against the ZS8 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Tough TG-5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-5 Gallery & Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and volume. The Olympus TG-5 enjoys external dimensions of 113mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS8 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus TG-5 and Panasonic ZS8 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose at the time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the TG-5 vs the ZS8.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the TG-5 and ZS8 is 90 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements only by reading technical specs. The photograph underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-5 and ZS8.

As you can tell, both cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Panasonic ZS8 to deliver more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more modern TG-5 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.