Olympus VR-340 vs Panasonic ZS8

Below is a complete assessment of the Olympus VR-340 versus Panasonic ZS8, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the VR-340 (16MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is relatively comparable and both cameras boast the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The VR-340 was introduced 6 months later than the ZS8 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a brief overview of how the VR-340 grades versus the ZS8 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VR-340 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus VR-340 Gallery & Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VR-340 has outer dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS8 has dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Check the Olympus VR-340 versus Panasonic ZS8 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at the time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the VR-340 compared to the ZS8.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the VR-340 and ZS8 is 96 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements only by seeing a spec sheet. The visual here might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the VR-340 and ZS8.

Clearly, both of these cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different MP. You can count on the Olympus VR-340 to produce more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively.