Panasonic FH8 vs Panasonic FZ300

Following is a detailed assessment of the Panasonic FH8 and Panasonic FZ300, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both created by Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the FH8 (16MP) and FZ300 (12MP) but they come with the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The FH8 was revealed 4 years prior to the FZ300 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the FH8 scores versus the FZ300 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH8 Gallery and Panasonic FZ300 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH8 features physical dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ300 has sizing of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") accompanied by a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FH8 and Panasonic FZ300 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the FH8 versus the FZ300.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH8 and FZ300 is 96 and 59 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizes purely by viewing specs. The pic below will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH8 and FZ300.

All in all, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You should count on the Panasonic FH8 to provide you with extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged FH8 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.