Panasonic FZ200 vs Panasonic ZS8

Let's examine more in depth at the Panasonic FZ200 and Panasonic ZS8, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and they are both created by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FZ200 (12MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is pretty comparable and they come with the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FZ200 was brought out 13 months later than the ZS8 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick overview of how the FZ200 scores vs the ZS8 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FZ200 Gallery and Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ200 offers external dimensions of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") with a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS8 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FZ200 and Panasonic ZS8 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select during that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the FZ200 against the ZS8.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FZ200 and ZS8 is 65 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements purely by going through technical specs. The graphic here will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ200 and ZS8.

As you can tell, both the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Panasonic ZS8 to provide extra detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more modern FZ200 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.