Olympus VH-515 vs Panasonic SZ8

Here, we are analyzing the Olympus VH-515 versus Panasonic SZ8, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the VH-515 (12MP) and SZ8 (16MP) but both cameras offer the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The VH-515 was unveiled 16 months earlier than the SZ8 making them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summation of how the VH-515 matches up against the SZ8 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus VH-515 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The full galleries are available at Olympus VH-515 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus VH-515 has got external measurements of 102mm x 60mm x 21mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ8 has sizing of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Olympus VH-515 versus Panasonic SZ8 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at the time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the VH-515 and the SZ8.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the VH-515 and SZ8 is 95 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to see the difference in sensor dimensions just by looking through technical specs. The picture here may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the VH-515 and SZ8.

As you have seen, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Panasonic SZ8 to provide you with greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged VH-515 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.