Panasonic FH1 vs Panasonic SZ8

Following is a detailed overview of the Panasonic FH1 and Panasonic SZ8, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are sold by Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the FH1 (12MP) and SZ8 (16MP) but they use the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The FH1 was revealed 5 years earlier than the SZ8 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the FH1 grades versus the SZ8 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic FH1 has external dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ8 has specifications of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH1 and Panasonic SZ8 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the FH1 compared to the SZ8.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the FH1 and SZ8 is 95 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizes purely by reading specs. The pic below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FH1 and SZ8.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic SZ8 to offer you more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged FH1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.