Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic SZ8

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic SZ8, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and SZ8 (16MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and SZ8 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-1 was announced 3 years prior to the SZ8 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the XZ-1 grades versus the SZ8 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-1 comes with outside measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ8 has sizing of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

See the Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic SZ8 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at the time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the XZ-1 against the SZ8.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-1 and SZ8 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to envision the gap between sensor dimensions only by looking at technical specs. The picture here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-1 and SZ8.

As you have seen, both the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-1 having a bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic SZ8 will give you more detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged XZ-1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.