Panasonic G85 vs Panasonic SZ8

On this page, we will be evaluating the Panasonic G85 versus Panasonic SZ8, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are produced by Panasonic. The resolution of the G85 (16MP) and the SZ8 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the G85 (Four Thirds) and SZ8 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The G85 was launched 2 years later than the SZ8 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic G85 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a full comparison, here is a quick view of how the G85 scores vs the SZ8 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic G85 Gallery & Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic G85 has outer measurements of 128mm x 89mm x 74mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 2.9") with a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ8 has measurements of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic G85 versus Panasonic SZ8 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the G85 and the SZ8.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the G85 and SZ8 is 69 and 94 respectively.

Often, its hard to visualise the difference between sensor measurements only by checking a spec sheet. The photograph below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the G85 and SZ8.

As you can see, both of those cameras have the same resolution albeit not the same sensor measurements. The G85 features the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF less difficult. The more modern G85 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.