Panasonic FP8 vs Panasonic ZS20

Here is a comprehensive assessment of the Panasonic FP8 and Panasonic ZS20, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are created by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FP8 (12MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is very comparable and they enjoy the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The FP8 was brought out 3 years before the ZS20 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple summation of how the FP8 grades vs the ZS20 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP8 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FP8 offers exterior dimensions of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") having a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Panasonic FP8 and Panasonic ZS20 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at the time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the FP8 and the ZS20.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FP8 and ZS20 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to picture the gap in sensor sizing only by going through specs. The visual underneath will give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP8 and ZS20.

All in all, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different megapixels. You should expect to see the Panasonic ZS20 to provide extra detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older FP8 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.