Panasonic GF2 vs Panasonic ZS8

Lets take a closer look at the Panasonic GF2 versus Panasonic ZS8, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both produced by Panasonic. The resolution of the GF2 (12MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is very well matched but the GF2 (Four Thirds) and ZS8 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GF2 was brought out 4 months earlier than the ZS8 and they are both of a similar age. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a full comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the GF2 grades against the ZS8 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic GF2 Gallery & Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic GF2 provides physical dimensions of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") along with a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS8 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GF2 versus Panasonic ZS8 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the GF2 against the ZS8.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF2 and ZS8 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading through technical specs. The graphic underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the GF2 and ZS8.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GF2 featuring a larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS8 will give you greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a bit more aggressively.